Sure, near-death experiences are fairly common, but Charles (Charlie) Gardner’s experience may take the cake when it comes to pathos, humor, and life lessons. Nine years ago, when he developed sepsis while recovering from the flu, Charlie spent six weeks in a coma, suffered 13 strokes and major organ failure. In the near-death experience that accompanied that ordeal, Charlie had the requisite out-of-body experience but the bright light he saw was a green disco ball! Charlie can relate what happened including how one day before his family planned to pull the plug on him his 14-year-old daughter’s words brought him back to his body. He can talk about the difference between Heaven time and Earth time, the angels he met. and why he believes he was spared to tell other people about the miracles he has experienced and serve as an example for how to appreciate the life you have even if it isn’t the one you expected. Charlie tells his inspiring story in “Always Remember This Moment.” Contact Charlie Gardner at (650) 995-5626; charlesgardner@rtirguests.com
Category: Spirituality
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Can We Get Past Racial, Religious, and Cultural Differences?
When it comes to race, religion, politics and cultural identity most of us exist in a bubble. Too often we associate with people like ourselves, limiting our ability to identify with those who are different. Nadia Al-Samarrie is the exception. As the child of an American Catholic mother and an Iraqi Moslem diplomat father, she has lived in Iraq and Iran, and in California, where she went to high school. She’s witnessed and experienced racial and cultural tension throughout much of her life: as an American in the Middle East, being an Iraqi in Iran, and in the racial crossfire between white and Black communities here in the U.S. She sees herself and others as spirits defined not by their ethnic background, but by their unique life experiences. A conversation with Nadia will make the world seem smaller and more universal. She says, “We need to remember that tolerance unites us. We need to see and accept people as they are, understanding that no matter how different they may appear, they all want to feel safe, loved, and accepted.” Nadia’s new memoir is “From Bagdad to Berkeley: A Woman’s Affair.” An author and diabetes expert, she has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, and other major cable networks. Contact her at (415) 741-3545; nalsamarrie@rtirguests.com