I saw my primary physician in July. He sort of teased me that we were getting old. He had to leave for hip surgery and would be out until the last week in October.

In August, I was asked to tutor an adult student but had to refuse because of my difficulties. It continued to get worse; I couldn't balance my checkbook. It had always been so accurate - now I'd be a hundred or two off which caused much trouble. I tried very hard to go over and over, but still the mistakes came.

In November, I received word that my primary physician was dying and would not return. He was a good family friend also. I cried unceasingly for two days (and I'm not a crying person).

Then the first of December, my little dog died. Again I burst into tears for days. I knew something bad was taking place in my body. I went to see the young man who took my doctor's place. He put me in the hospital - ran EKG's and blood work but nothing showed wrong. He told me "just because the tests are negative doesn't mean there isn't something wrong with your heart. I'd like you to see a cardiologist." He made an appointment with Dr. Mike Mounir. I saw him and he said it sounded as though perhaps the blockage that had been found several years ago had enlarged but we wouldn't know until the angiogram. He scheduled that in a day or so
which was December 27, 2000.

I had been having a hurting in my jaws. I thought perhaps it was a bad tooth so I went to my dentist. After tests and xrays he said it wasn't a tooth, perhaps my bite was causing it. He gave me medication and I was to return in 4 days. Well, I never returned as I was in the hospital.

On the morning of December 27, 2000, I awoke at 5 A.M. as I do every morning. I went over to my brother's for coffee and we talked about an hour on news, weather, things families talk about. I went home, fed my chickens, geese, and guineas. Then went in, took a shower, and dressed for the procedure. My daughter came and met my husband and me. We left for Lafayette General Hospital. I felt fine - not a worry in the world. We talked and laughed. Then they came to prep me and showed my husband and daughter where to sit and wait for news.

They took me to the back and instructed me to put on a gown. I barely got my gown on and here was that jaw ache again - this time it radiated down my neck into my arm and across my chest. The next thing I knew I was being rushed into surgery. One nurse said, "Her pressure is 60/40." Another nurse was slapping me in the face saying, "Mrs. Hoffpauir, talk to me, talk to me!" I tried but my mouth felt full of teeth and I couldn't get an intelligent sound out. At that point, I knew I was dying. I felt the pain as they rammed the catheter into my groin.

Dr. Mounir came over and said, "You are having a heart attack right now. You have 100% blockage. I'm going to attempt to break that blockage." I nodded my head yes. I was completely aware of my surroundings. I could hear, see, had all my senses but could not talk.

As Dr. Mounir sat at the screen and began work, he asked for his assistant. The nurse said he was scrubbing. He said, "No time to scrub! I want him now! We don't have a minute to lose - not even a second." He continued to yell orders.

I knew I was dying, slowing ebbing away. My only thought of earthly matters was - I told the Lord, "I'd like to tell Stan and Pat not to grieve for me because I was fine. But I can't talk, Lord, so you'll have to take care of it for me." By this time I had the most beautiful peace anyone can imagine but cannot be obtained in this life. It is a peace that passes all understanding - a peace that can come only from God.

Dr. Mounir was still giving orders. He said, "Where's her family? I want them here now - right now - by that door! I don't know if I can break this or not."

I could feel the ebbing away, then my spirit left my body. I was in a robe of light blue or gray and barefoot. I turned and saw myself lying there, the doctor and nurses working. I saw my husband, Stan, and my daughter, Pat, through the wall as they sat in the hallway. Stan was sitting in a somewhat shocked state. Pat was crying. I couldn't go to them. I turned around and there was before me a rectangular shaped door which was black. I say "door" because that is the best way I can describe it. It was the blackest void I've ever seen. I stood there looking at it for a bit then I thought, "Why, yes, that's the Valley of Death, and I have to cross it."

About that time Jesus walked out from the darkness with a big smile on His face. I was so appalled and in awe I could say nothing but stare. I know He knew what I was thinking for He smiled the whole time. I thought, that beautiful face that went to Calvary's rugged cross to give me salvation. How beautiful, wonderful, my Lord. I still could not talk or move. He knew my thoughts, though. He was no farther than 5 to 6 feet away from me. I saw His features clearly. I have had people ask me to describe Him. How do you describe the Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Holy of Holies? There are no earthly words to describe Him. He does not look like the pictures we all
have of Him - stone-faced and solemn. He is friendly, happy and I would say jovial. Where He is there is light. I can't say He is illuminated or glowing. It is just where He is, everything is bright. Later, I started toward Him but He put out His left hand and stayed me and said, "Not yet, you have a little while left." With that He smiled and turned and walked into the darkness.

I could have cried because I wanted to go with Him and couldn't. I had to come back to this world. He had more for me to do. I turned around and walked back to my body and went back in. At that moment, Dr. Mounir said, "I've got it! Give me a big balloon!" and I felt the blood flow again. I knew I would live.

Since that time Satan has thrown many physical illnesses my way. My kidneys began to fail not long after the heart attack. I have been on dialysis since April of 2001. Then in October of that year, I was diagnosed with lymphoma. I took chemotherapy for 9 months and am now in remission. Satan has tried using these physical illnesses to turn me against my Lord. But he can't! Jesus is always by my side. With Him I can conquer all!

This is an experience one is privileged to experience but never forget. It changes your whole outlook on life. You are forever changed.

As I close this experience, if someone reading this doesn't know my Jesus - let me highly recommend Him. He is very easy to get to know. All you have to do is pray to Him. If you do not know how to pray, here is a prayer He will hear:
Lord, here I am unworthy of Your great love but I want to know You.
Forgive me of my sins and help me to experience Your great salvation. Amen.