As we approach the annual pagan feast of Samhain and the Christian day for all souls, an oddly appropriate appeal has surfaced from a Longford author who is seeking to interview people who have had any contact with the afterlife.
“Have you ever had an instance where you felt a deceased loved one, friend or stranger was in some way communicating with you? Perhaps they appeared in a vision or you sensed their presence through a sound, smell, or unusual coincidence. How did you feel?” asked Audrey Healy, a freelance journalist who is currently compiling a second book of people’s stories along with author Don Mullan, following the success of their first edition 'Contacted' (Mercier Press 2005 ).
“The stories collected involve people who have found comfort in experiencing the presence of a deceased loved one or friend, knowing that they are at peace. In some cases people have felt contact with complete strangers who have passed on,” she added.
Both Healy and Mullan are the authors of a number of books between them, and have gathered remarkable stories in the first edition from people of all ages from Ireland and around the world.
“The response to our first appeal for stories was overwhelming and we are now appealing for people to write or email their experiences, no matter how small and insignificant they may seem,” she said.
“We are specific about the stories we are seeking. We are not looking for stories arising from contact with psychics, clairvoyants or mediums, whereby the living try to communicate with the dead. We are looking for stories from people who believe the communication came from people who have passed on.”
The approach of both authors, arising out of their own personal experiences, is non-judgemental.
“We do not set out to prove or disprove the afterlife theory. We are simply providing a forum for people to share their own experiences before presenting them to the public who can then make up their own minds.”
Contributors can remain anonymous if they so wish, and experiences should be forwarded to Audrey Healy, c/o Longford County Library, Longford, Co Longford, or email [email protected]
Please include your name, not necessarily for publication but for acknowledgement.
