Mary Helen Hensley - Promised by Heaven: A Doctors Return from the Afterlife to a Destiny of Love and Healing

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For My Mother, Helen

You, with your quiet strength, glorious humor, and tenacious spirit, not only gave me life, but the tools with which I could make the most of it.

For My Father, Dick

I sought my Source, just as you taught me, and indeed, was delivered from all of my fears.

Throughout the creation of Promised by Heaven , there have been numerous wonderful people who have contributed to my success, not only as an author, but as an individual. So many have mirrored some aspect of the glorious human experience for me, I dare not attempt to call all by name. However, I can definitively say, if you have brushed past me in a fleeting moment, sat holding my hand, laughed or cried with me, or simply glanced a knowing look my way, I have felt you and you matter to me. There are no exes or former friends, and certainly no negative experiences, only reflections of the human nature in us all. I treasure the time I have had with all who have touched my life, no matter how brief or in what manner the role was played. I thank you all.

Niall, at Book Hub Publishing, the journey all began with you and your vision and I am forever grateful that it was you who provided the foundation for my growth as a writer.

Maureen, my rock of ages, you are irreplaceable, invaluable, and so close to my heart.

Mairead, my heartfelt thanks for your role in creating an opportunity for my words to reach an audience through Spirit One Seminars. Your angelic support has always been constant and unconditional.

Vaishali and Elliott, my deepest appreciation to you both for creating the space on the airwaves for us all to spread the love. Your friendship, your circles of light, and the chance to banter on all things metaphysical are truly a highlight in my life.

Steven, for your eagle eyes, divine insights, and helpful suggestions, I am ever so grateful for your love and understanding of my reason for being here this time around. LA crew, I love you all and am so grateful to have your laughter, love, and support. From the mountains to the sea, my Virginia friends are dear to my heart and so important to my story.

Gary and Janice, I have been blessed by your well-timed reappearance in my life and your unwavering belief in the work we are here to do together.

Lew, the time has finally returned. Many lifetimes, many more adventures to come.

Kate, your kindness knows no limits and your influence in my life and the lives of my girls is so deeply appreciated. Your honesty, insights, and open heart are truly inspiring.

Aidan and Murtagh, I am blessed to call you my friends and I love your love.

Patricia, my soul sister, how does one thank another for making their dreams come true? Your gentle guidance, the laughter and belief in the knowing of what we came here to do... Priceless. You are living proof that family is not solely of blood, but a matter of the heart.

Great thanks to you, Wendy, for your honesty, expertise, and editing insights.

Judith, Johanna, and the Simon & Schuster family, what more can I say but thanks for taking a chance on me. You are so much more than a publishing company, you are a catalyst for monumental change, and your willingness to share the real stories of those living outside of the box speaks volumes about your integrity and commitment to the personal growth of your readers.

Jase, we cast ourselves in the most difficult roles for one another, but we played a blinder, birthed two inspiring souls, and emerged victorious. I have to reinvent myself every day because of your influence. What greater gift can one soul give to another?

My brothers, Randy and Jonathan, and my sister, Beth, little do you know just how important and influential you have been along the way.

My darling daughters, Jemma Skye and Jada Pacifica, my greatest gifts, mirrors of my own souls journey and the very reason I am doing any of this. I know that you came back to this world for a purpose, and thats enough for me to dedicate my life to ensuring its future. I love you with all that I am.

To my father, returned, for now, to Spirit, you live within me through your legacy of strength, wisdom, and accountability. Your willingness to mess up and keep on trying is the most valuable gift you have given to me. I love you, my daddy.

And the very best for last... My dear, sweet mother, Helen. I always knew you were something mighty special, but how blessed am I to have grown wise enough to genuinely appreciate you for who and what you really are. None of this would be as much fun without you. I love you so.

To one who has faith,

No explanation is necessary.

To one without faith,

No explanation is possible.

St. Thomas Aquinas (12251274)

Imagine two unborn babies in their mothers womb. One is a believer that life lies ahead. The other, a disbeliever, feels that only death awaits. They are arguing together in the mothers womb.

The believer says, Nature has been at work on us for nine months and nature isnt crazy. It means something... something is coming of this. Were not just going to die.

What are you talking about? says the disbeliever. Theres no such thing as living outside the matrix of this womb. Well be cut off from all nutrition. Of course were going to die!

No! says the believer. Things have been going on here for the last nine months that have prophetic meaning. I believe in the wisdom of nature.

Well, continues the disbeliever, describe to me exactly what you think is going to happen. And with that, the believing baby is stuck. He cant imagine anything like sunshine, breathing or eating, running, jumping, or playing. So the argument ends with the disbeliever seeming to have won.

Unknown

Promised

YOURE ONE lucky little lady. The voice seemed to float in from beside me with a deep, soothing Southern drawl. Are you feeling strong enough to tell me what happened? My nose burned with the smell of disinfectant, and every square inch of my body ached as if I had been trampled by a herd of wild elephants. I opened my eyes and tried to focus on the man standing next to me. As my sight adjusted to the harshly lit room, I realized that I was in a hospital. The man who was speaking to me was not a doctor but a policeman. There were nurses walking in and out from behind a curtain, constantly checking monitors, smiling, but saying nothing. I could hear a womans voice requesting assistance in the ER over a loudspeaker.

I looked over at the officer, careful not to make any sudden movements, because it felt as if my head would split in two if I did. In a raspy voice, sounding as if I hadnt had a drop of water in days, I said, Hey, I know you. You were at the accident.

Thats right, he replied, with a slightly puzzled look on his face. Can you remember any details that might help me figure out how all of this happened?

I swallowed and grimaced with pain, unaware that I had fractured a bone in my neck and that the rest of my spine was now shaped like a backward letter C . I thought back to earlier in the afternoon, when I had set out on a short drive to town, and suddenly blurted out, You should talk to my friend from college. She was only a few cars behind me when it happened and saw the whole thing! Did you find the piece of paper on the front seat of the car? A lady put it there, and it had her name and number on it, but then she ran away. There was a guy in some kind of uniform who turned the engine off. Surely he saw something!