Harris-Raines - Ghosts, Demons, and Other Paranormal: A Witness Story

Ghosts, Demons, and Other Paranormal: A Witness' Story

By Jane Harris-Raines

Text Copyright 2013 Jane Harris-Raines

Prologue

There are those who believe and those who do not believe in the paranormal whether it involves ghosts, spirits, demons, angels, or any other form of paranormal activity. Lucky me, my parents grew up in the "country" in a time when people did believe in the supernatural and spirituality. My father was born in 1909 in Tupelo, Mississippi (my paternal grandmother was the midwife in attendance at Elvis Presley's birth--true story). My mother was born in 1922 in Deer Park, Alabama close to a former booming resort city (Citronelle, Alabama). My parents were born to large families of six or more children. Both grew up on old plantation lands handed down through the generations from the 1700s. The culture and beliefs were instilled in my generation just as the older generations remembered.

Although no older family members feared speaking of spiritual or supernatural things, I do not recall much said about ghosts. Perhaps they sought to avoid instilling fears of the unknown into the children. However, not one of my relatives was afraid to mention angels or demons. Perhaps it is just my opinion, but if you want to frighten a child talk to them about demons! Demons seem to strike a note of fear in a person of any age; though probably not the skeptics of the world.

I believe each individual is entitled to his or her opinions and beliefs; therefore, if one reads my account and believes me a liar, or insane I can accept that opinion. However, I know what I know and I know what I have seen or still witness, what I have heard, and what occurs in my home. The best part of this story is that I have many witnesses. I also have diaries and recordings. Is my story scary? Sometimes it is, but not entirely. A large amount of good has come from the majority of the encounters. To satisfy curiosity one must read my entire account.

I will relate my story in a timeline style, so that the reader may gain a sense and understanding of the progression of paranormal events. My story begins with my first "encounter" at age five and continues until present day. Most of my writing is easily proven by past recordings--audio, video, and photographs--taken over the years. I state "most" because the truth is that some are either lost or missing. Packing up for runs from hurricanes, computer crashes, and remodeling accounts for most; however, there is one particular incident in which a video recording mysteriously appears and disappears. This is disappointing because it is one of the most compelling videos. I will relate the story behind this recording and mystery surrounding it within the book.

One more item to keep in mind is that the book may seem boring or too long in places, but there is a method to my madness. I want the reader to know and understand exactly when and how these paranormal events occurred. I could write a condensed version, but it would leave too many questions unanswered and create even more doubt in my story.

Chapter One: 1955 to 1967

I was born in 1955; a good time to arrive. Of course, I do not recall much from childhood before the age of five. I cannot remember how many times we moved, but know that we did move at least three times before my fifth year. I do remember my baby bed in my parents' room and my mother's anger at a chip I put in a watch my Dad gave her as a gift. I did not chip the watch, but one of the two rubies at each end of the face. I also recall my Dad chiding her for giving it to me as a play thing. My mother confirmed that memory and told me I was only about eighteen months old. Beyond that incident, I do not recall most of my childhood prior to my fifth year but that was the year every strange occurrence in my life began.

My parents tried country life in my early years, but apparently it was no match for city living. I slightly recall a huge antebellum home and a heavy snowfall, unusual for Lower Alabama, and a fiddle that I kept in a tiny closet under the stairs. I was told years later that my parents were building a home nearby, but sold it to an uncle because my mother did not want to raise my brother and me so far from luxuries, and "civilization."

I remember one night when I was five and having difficulty falling asleep. For whatever reason, my parents did not sleep together anymore and my Mom slept with me. My parents were not mean to me or my older brother and I had no reason to fear reprimand for my actions in a physical sense; still, I was quiet and did not move much so I would not disturb my Mom. What I recall seeing that night in the upper corner of my room, at my side of the bed, was terrifying at first, but soon became a calming influence. I had to disturb my mother at this point, so I asked her in a whisper what that "thing" was floating up in the corner. What I saw was mostly transparent, white, with hair and "clothing" (ethereal) that seemed to float and flow around it. The most amazing thing about this figure was that it had a kind smiling face and wings. My mother did look, but I always believed she could not see it. She sighed, rolled over and told me it was my guardian angel. I had no reason to doubt her and smiling at the unknown visitor, fell asleep. This figure would appear every night for many years, especially when I was sick or afraid. Most amazing of all was the first time my son saw his guardian angel because I saw him at the same time! There is a peace and security about these creatures that is unmatchable.

We lived in that house from 1959 until 1967 when we moved into the city, and house, I still reside in today. After the angel incident, one other experience was unnerving to me and remains with me and my family even now. I vividly recall that night as I watched my guardian angel in his usual spot near me and the bed. As I looked to the right of the angel I clearly saw a face; a man's face. He seemed to be watching over me as well because he was smiling in a comforting way as if he did not want to frighten me. Once again, I awoke my mother to ask if she could see him and who he was, but she told me she saw nothing. She assured me that my guardian angel would let no harm come to me and I believed her. My mother was not just appeasing me, she would always ask me to describe, in detail, what I saw before saying anything to me. I credit her for paying attention to me and trying to offer me explanations as well as comfort.

There was one other incident that occurred to me while living at that particular address, although it did not occur in the house or yard. At age eight, I was permitted to walk to school with the next door neighbor's son; my best friend. One day he was sick and could not go to school. My mother let me walk alone that day; a huge shock. To say my parents were overprotective is a huge understatement! My father was a strong believer in preordained destiny. He always told me that absolutely nothing happens without a reason. He said there was no such thing as an accident; it was meant to happen, so it could not be an "accident." When I think about the next incident, I think about what my father said.

I was walking home from school alone that same afternoon and stopped by the local drug store for a piece of hard candy. Although very popular now, it was new back then and very desirable. This was not unusual as my walking companion and I would do this every school day. This particular day was quite different. I purchased my candy and was walking along the sidewalk unwrapping the candy to place it in my mouth. I had barely gone a half-block when I somehow sucked the candy down my throat or windpipe; I really do not know or remember. I immediately froze. There was no one around. I was going to choke to death or suffocate and no one would even know. Suddenly, I felt a huge punch in my back and the candy flew from my mouth. I turned to see who had saved me. There was no one there. After looking around and catching my breath, I ran the rest of the way home. I told my mother, a big mistake, and was only permitted to walk to school in the mornings; my brother had a car and picked me and my friend up in the afternoons. My mother did not have a drivers' license at that time and of course, my father was working. Of course, I had no desire to eat another piece of that candy for a very long time!