ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the experiences of women who had a “close brush with death” by their estimation. These experiences covered a wide range of circumstances, such as a house fire, a near-drowning, a heart attack, septic shock, a serious motor vehicle accident, cancer, a brutal mugging, and other situations. Twelve women participated in this study and told of their trauma and recovery. Seven themes emerged from data analysis. These themes were (1) when trauma happens; (2) the will to survive; (3) support: I’m not alone; (4) a second chance at life; (5) healing and recovery: I’m stronger than I thought; (6) putting the pieces of my life back together; and (7) near-death experiences: Some women had them.
