I have no idea how long I was unconscious (or if I still was), but I  seemingly reawakened from a black void to an infinite expanse of space. If it was a dream, it was an unusually memorable and lucid one, but unlike in a typical lucid dream I wasn’t able to alter my environment. Though initially confused, for I had no idea how or why I was there, I felt deep serenity and contentment. I also sensed a benevolent presence but could see no one around nor could I detect a physical body of my own for that matter. Not long after that realization, the stillness and darkness morphed into motion and light detected through the vibrations of the surface I was on and lights bright enough to sense through my eyelids. It was a struggle to open my eyes and could do so only briefly, but it allowed me to confirm that I was indeed on a gurney moving under ceiling lights and surrounded by a group of doctors and/or nurses.

As my hearing returned at the same time, I caught them mid-conversation. I couldn’t make out the words exchanged over the noise of the gurney and medical equipment and also because my hearing seemed impaired, giving sounds a muffled and distant quality. However, the speed and tone of the voices gave the impression they were deeply concerned. This unsettled me to put it mildly and I wondered what had happened and if my wife Danielle was alive and well. I realized I had no recollection of whatever caused me to be here or even of the past few days. I remember wanting to show the doctors and nurses I was conscious by attempting to move but after much effort gave up. I assumed my immobility was due to being strapped to the gurney and blacked out soon after.