From: mcmurtrey@iscsvax.uni.edu
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.ghost-stories
Subject: London Fog Re:Shy Ghosts
Date: 15 Nov 92 20:11:05 -0600
Organization: University of Northern Iowa

        Greetings...

        The following story isn't a ghost story, but I believe it may have some
relevance when considering the shy ghosts theories that are perpetuating the
postings.  Some of the comments have involved the idea of traumatic experiences
creating ghosts, and whether such an experience could create a ghost of a
living person.  The following is a very traumatic near-death experience that I
had a few years back.

        To this day I cannot remember the exact order in which the events
happened.  I hope however that you find it an interesting tale....

                          --------------------------

                                London Fog


        Fog, grey fog, yet not dark grey fog surrounds.... me? me?

        Imagine being aware of a surrounding fog bank yet not being conscious
of the concept of I, or me...  This was the state I was in.  Everything was so
tranquil, and existence was non-existent.  Time had frozen, come to a complete
stop. 

        Yet in truth I was totally aware of being somewhere,  my senses were
bringing in information but "I" did not trully exist.  Something (not I) could
"see" the fog and its movements because of the ambient light.  Something could
also "feel" the warmth of its surroundings.  

        While "something" experience this feeling of "all", galaxies could have
formed and died for time was irrelevant.  "something" was not conscious of any
emotions except peace, extreme peace.

        After what could easily have been an incredible amount of time, there
was a disturbance in the fog.  Something could "see" dark shapes like lines
flowing through the fog.  As "something" examined these shapes the "see" slowly
became "hear".  I believe it was at this point that time reentered the picture.
        
        Finally the "hear" turned into words, "dlskoi, lsio sl her mouthpiece."
Mouthpiece, huummmm, "something" had the word but not the meaning.  Eventually,
the concept of a mouthpiece invaded "somethings" consciousness as did the
notion of "mouth" and "body".  This was when "something" realized it was
"Diana."

        Now I knew who I was but just bearly.  I was, however, still surrounded
by light grey fog and I could still "see" the dark lines like echos of the
words.  As I mentally came back on-line I realized that the "words" belonged to
my TaeKwondo instructor.   That opened a flood of memories.  

        I vaguely knew then that I probably was laying unconscious somewhere. 
I also knew that I wanted to wake up and find out what had happened and who had
arranged for my extra nap time.  The panic set in when I couldn't just open my
eyes and wake up.

        At some point I rememeber following the "lines" "voice" till gradually
I could feel my body and I knew I was laying on a floor.  There was a lot of
noise surrounding me.  When I was able to open my eyes, all I could see were a
lot of legs surrounding me.  However, the disturbing part was that the fog was
still present.  At about knee level the legs dissappeared into the fog.  

        After a few minutes it receded from view.

                ------------------------------------------------

        What happened?

        I was in a martial arts tournament, fighting a girl from another school
with the nick-name "Snake Legs" because you couldn't see the kicks coming.  She 
nailed me full strength and full speed with a sidekick to my left cheekbone.
(this was definately a no-no, its not supposed to get that rough). 

        What happened in real-time?

        1) She kicked me.
        2) They say I sat down and passed out.
        3) My instructor was at my side within seconds. (He was watching)
        4) He said "I'd better take out her mouthpiece."
        5) He says I opened my eyes, reached up and took out my own mouthpiece.
           I have no memory of that.
        6) I layed there and talked to him and a friend for a few minutes till
           I could finally get up.

        They weren't even sure at the time that I had been knocked cold because
only about 5-6 seconds passed between step 1 and 5.  They thought that because
of the event in Step 5 I had only been stunned.  

        I ended up with a heck of a concusion that lasted for 3-4 days.  It
also gave me the weirdest outlook on life for months.  I just couldn't shake
the memories of that "other" place.  I actually yearned to return but luckily
did not act on the memory.  I also had what could be described as absolutely
no fear of dying.  I just felt at peace with myself.

        It's been two years and the memories have faded somewhat.  But oddly
enough there is a song by the group Pink Floyd, "comfortably numb" that always
stirs up the memories.....

        Surely this was tramatic enough an experience to create a "ghost".  I
don't remember one, but I have to admit it has sort of "haunted" me. 

        Also, why could I still see the fog after I woke up.  I know I had a
concusion but still it was like the fog was a tangable thing that slowly
retreated.

        Oh yeah, I still fight but I've gotten better at guarding my
head........

                                                Later

                                                Diana Kay McMurtrey


 
        





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