The very first few minutes after the soul has left the earthly body

No two individuals have exactly the same experiences but all think they are still alive, that is, immediately afterwards. Those who have had to suffer very severe pain are surprised to find they are well. Sometimes people feel awfully frightened at first and very much alone but they are comforted and helped by their own guide as soon as they are able to perceive him. Almost everyone rests for a time, perhaps only for a day or two or perhaps weeks and months, it all depends on the circumstances of their passing. After people have rested, their guides come to them and they are told what their training will be. Before their rest, those who are united by very strong ties of affection meet. Those who came over when they were too young to remember their own mothers are brought to be recognised and those who remember their mothers are told that the mother had come over at last. It doesn't matter how many years have passed or that the young baby has grown to full manhood or womanhood in the spirit world or that the young mother is an old mother now, the recognition is mutual and instantaneous, if the bond of devoted affection is there. Those people who have to undergo a very long discipline are allowed to see their friends for a moment, if the erring soul has been always remembered on our side. The sorrow of a spiritual mother who has seen the utter downfall and wreck of a son on earth is one of the saddest things to see in our world. At the same time, that mother knows the justice of the discipline and can wait and pray and hope. Nothing can keep two souls apart who really love each other and nothing but love can bring them together.

The Witness