A SECOND LOOK AT

A BRUSH WITH DEATH OFTEN MAKES PEOPLE SAY, “I’M A DIFFERENT PERSON.” THE EVERYDAY TASKS DONE WITHOUT THOUGHT TAKE ON MORE IMPORTANCE AND THE VALUE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS IS GREATLY INCREASED. LIFE IS A CONTINUING STORY; YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU’LL SEE “THE END.”

We all seem to have a natural instinct to be afraid of death. It probably stems from fear of the unknown, but that’s something we face in everyday life when we go to a job interview, meet a stranger for the first time, or asked to do something that makes us naturally uncomfortable.

In these upcoming pages, you are going to read about one man who is a convicted killer and living life on death row inside a Florida state prison. Another man fell 16 feet off a ladder while demonstrating an act of faith in front of a church congregation. Despite their circumstances, both have come away realizing it’s more important to live rather than merely live forever. Because they feel their lives now have more meaning, they don’t waste their time perceiving death as the enemy of life.

Fall With Grace

Pastor Terry Mahan of The Father’s House in Leesburg prepared the congregation for the excitement that was about to ensue.

“You’re going to see something you’ve never seen before.”

Those words proved to be quite prophetic.

During a Sunday church service, member Lon Dowis was supposed to jump off a tall ladder; his only lifeline was a wire above him attached to his harness. To him, this would be the ultimate way to demonstrate his faith. Ironically, it was April Fool’s Day 2007, but what happened next was certainly no joke.

As he stood atop the ladder, he delivered a brief sermon and shouted to the congregation, “No guts! No glory!” He took a leap of faith.

The harness broke.

Lon fell 16 feet, 2 inches and landed on his chest.

Faith didn’t overcome a faulty harness, but it could possibly explain why Lon escaped relatively unscathed. In fact, the only injury he suffered was a bruised jaw.

“My doctor said I should’ve been dead,” Lon says. “Months leading up to this my wife had been praying in the event something went wrong. I’m glad she prayed. It’s definitely a God thing that I lived through that.”

In his youth, Lon was always a daredevil. He once performed a back flip off a football goal post and jumped 60 feet into a small body of water known as “Devil’s Hole” near Palatka.

But he slowed down with age. “Basically, I was just working and paying the bills,” says Lon, owner of The Upholstery Shoppe in Eustis. “Life had become kind of boring.”

That all changed after his accident at The Father’s House. The unexpected fall could have easily brought death; instead, it gave Lon new life.

“That accident made me realize that life is too short to just go to work everyday then go home and sleep. It was time to add some excitement to my life.”

Lon has done just that. Today, the 51-year-old competes in mud runs, frequents the gym, and dreams of one day opening a local zip line. And he recently applied to compete on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” a show that requires competitors to perform death-defying stunts.

“People think Christians are boring. You can have a blast in life and still do what Christ wants you to do. People often ask me what I would do if money was no object. I tell them I’d build a zip line and swing through the redwood trees in California for an entire week.”

Man On The Street

If you were told you had 24 hours to live, what would you do?

“I’d spend it with my family, and then I would go to Chicago to see the rest of my family. I’d want to spend it with family and friends so I could say goodbye.”

—Sunshine Barcal, Tavares

“I think about that every day because I had a midair collision in 1980, and I shouldn’t even be here. I wrote a pamphlet about it called ‘Heaven is Our Greatest Adventure.’”

“Let everybody know that you love them. You don’t need to leave with something on your conscience or something bothering them.”

—Reid Howard, Leesburg

Living With Dying

Guard towers, steel gates, barbed-wire fences, and concrete buildings lead visitors of Union Correctional Institution to Florida’s worst crop of male criminals.

It’s here where inmate Jason Wheeler, 40, discovered life in the most unlikely of places— death row. That’s been his home for nearly a decade.

A burly man who’s built like an offensive lineman and sports a buzz cut, Wheeler rarely thinks about being executed and leaving behind his mother and two children.

“I don’t think about dying. There’s an inmate two cells down from me who has been on death row for 37 years. Another inmate in Wing 5 has been on death row for 40 years and just got another trial. I’m still alive and would rather concentrate my thoughts on living.”

Paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair, Wheeler spends most of his time reading his Bible. He says his spirituality helped him discover a sense of freedom—freedom from the morally bankrupt, cold-blooded killer he once was.

“I just want to be the best man I can be with however much time the Father allows me to have. As rebellious as I was against authority, I have switched teams. Now I’m rebellious against the evil things in this world.”

His words seem genuine, but there might be justification for taking what he says with a dose of guarded skepticism. After all, what kind of man aims a shotgun at a complete stranger and pulls the trigger?

That’s what Wheeler did in February 2005 when three deputies responded to a domestic violence call at his Paisley home. Deputy Wayne Koester, 34, was fatally shot and two others were injured. Later that day, Wheeler fired on law enforcement officers tracking him through the Ocala National Forest. This time, Wheeler was shot and paralyzed.

After being sentenced to death, Wheeler attempted to expedite the process.

“Inside I already felt dead. In fact, I was much closer to death at that point than I am now. I tried to commit suicide three times—once by hanging myself, once by wrapping a plastic bag around my head, and once by choking myself with a cord. Each attempt failed. I realized after the third attempt that I’m still here for a reason.”

Thinking back, he says those near-death experiences ultimately gave him a newfound outlook on life and sparked a relationship with God. Faith helped him deal with his demons.

“I wasn’t a wise individual. I had very little wisdom, knowledge, and discernment.

I re-evaluated who I am, what got me here, and the mistakes I made. There is no rehab here on death row, so it’s up to you to decide whether you want to become a better human being.”

Death row at Union Correctional Institution is a lonely yet crowded world where more than 300 male inmates are housed alone in tiny cells. Wheeler spends nearly every waking moment inside his cell—except for two times a week when he is allowed in the rec yard or when he receives occasional visits from his mother, stepfather, and son.

He spreads his newfound faith across the globe by writing anti-death row advocates from as far away as England, Switzerland, and France.

“My letters are more like sermons,” he says. “I rarely talk about anything secular. Most inmates in here center their conversations around food, sex, and money. Those things don’t interest me anymore.”

By no means does that take away from his guilt.

“I’d just like to ask the people of Lake County for forgiveness.”

Notorious Last Words Of Death Row Inmates

"Forgiveness: Giving up all hope for a better past."

–Robert Lee Massie, executed in California on March 27, 2001

"I'd like my family to take care of each other. I love you, Angel. Let's ride."

– Michael Richard, executed in Texas on September 25, 2007

"This is destiny. This is life. This is something Allah wants me to do. I'm not mad at you. When I get to the gates of heaven I'm going to be waiting for you. Please forgive me."

– Johnny Ray Conner, executed in Texas on August 22, 2007

"I am guilty. I don't deny that... They had good evidence. Witnesses saw me. What can I say?”

– Newton Anderson, executed in Texas on February 22, 2007

“I love you all, and I’m sorry for what I done. I’m sorry for killing your mom and what I done to you.”

– Rocky Barton, executed in Ohio on July 12, 2006

Source: CNN.com

“I’d do a whole lot of praying. Then I’d eat, drink, and be merry because you need to remember that old saying, ‘Live, laugh, love.’”

—Kenneth Davis, Davenport

Your Your Terms

QUESTIONS TO PONDER: A FUNERAL

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GET YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S CHINA? NO MATTER HOW EMOTIONALLY TAXING DOCUMENTING HEALTH CARE, ESTATE,

WRITERS:

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In life, we plan for various events. We plan weddings, birthdays, careers, retirements, and vacations, but when it comes to endof-life decisions, many may find it hard to discuss, let alone organize.

Knowing where to begin can be overwhelming, but having your wishes known and funeral arrangements in place will make an already stressful time for your loved ones a bit easier to navigate.

Over the years, Clermont attorney Merideth Nagel says she has seen firsthand the heartache and turmoil that can be caused when plans haven’t been made.

“In our office we say you have to reframe it and think of it as helping to take care of the people you care about the most,” she says.

When making plans for your death, there are two critical details you need to consider: what needs to happen after you pass away and what needs to happen if you become ill and are unable to make medical decisions for yourself.

IF YOU’RE ILL OR INCAPACITATED

Two of the most vital documents you’ll want to have if you fall ill and can’t make your own medical decisions are a living will and a health care surrogate designation. These forms are called advance directives.

A health care surrogate will be in charge of making important and sometimes difficult medical decisions for you if your attending or treat- ing physician determines you are no longer able to make such choices for yourself.

According to Aging with Dignity, a Tallahassee-based nonprofit organization that advocates for quality endof-life care, a health care surrogate should be someone you know well and trust. It should be someone who cares for you, but can also make the tough decisions if or when it becomes necessary.

A living will states your desires when it comes to the kind of medical treatment you’d like to receive. This information includes everything from life support treatment, such as major surgery, blood transfusions, antibiotics, or CPR, to organ donation.

In addition to a health care surrogate and living will, another document to consider having is a medical power of attorney. According to Nagel, medical power of attorney is interchangeable with a health care surrogate, but can extend beyond medical decisions. He or she can act on your behalf on everything from health care to personal business decisions.

Once You Pass Away

To determine what happens with your assets after your death, Nagel explains that a will is the best way to lay everything out.

While some may think wills are expensive, most would be surprised to find out a simple will is actually quite affordable.

“The average person needs at least a simple will

A Will

Will

Other important materials to compile and have readily available in case of a death are lists of death benefits, insurance policies, and account (utility, cable, cell phone, etc.) information.

Once you’re confident your financial matters are in order, it doesn’t hurt to create an outline for your funeral or memorial service. For many, the biggest decision will involve choosing a burial or cremation. Keep in mind the average funeral costs roughly $6,500, so it may be wise to consider prepayment.

and while I don’t want to quote a price, you could probably draft a will with an attorney for as little as $95,” says Nagel.

It is possible for people to make their own will with the help of websites like LegalZoom and RocketLawyer; however, online wills are often one-size-fits-all resolutions that come with some major pitfalls. It’s best, Nagel says, to work with a lawyer to make sure all the documents are correct and legal.

In some cases, individuals may want a trust. According to Nagel, the difference between a will and trust has to do with the complexity of someone’s estate and if you’re wanting to avoid probate. Ultimately, the decision to have either a will or trust needs to be discussed with an attorney.

From there you can decide if you want anything specific executed at your service. Nagel says being the wife of a pastor prompted her to offer forms where people can indicate what personal touches they’d like at their funeral, such as what songs they want played or what scripture they want read. In addition, several local funeral homes offer preplanning services.

Deciding what happens after death or if you’re incapacitated is a very personal matter that shouldn’t be rushed. Taking the time to have your wishes firmly established and your estate in order will make things a lot easier on yourself and the loved ones you’ll leave behind.

“When people come to me after someone who didn’t have any plans has passed it makes things more stressful, not to mention more expensive and complicated. It’s heartbreaking,” Nagel says. “It’s important to make all these decisions now, no matter how old you are. It not only cuts down on disagreements between family members but it also helps relieve any added stress and pressure during an already difficult period.”

Unexpected Tragedies

Unfortunately, death can sometimes be unanticipated. Whether it’s accidental or due to an unexpected illness, sudden death is difficult. If there has been no time for preparation, it will feel like a monumental task just to take care of what’s needed, but there is help.

You never have to face an event of this nature alone. Call a trusted family member or friend to help you call everyone. Don’t feel you need to make all the calls personally, and give someone the task of answering the phone.

After notification is made and you’ve connected with a funeral home, you have immediate access to assistance. Funeral directors are trained to be compassionate, caring professionals who provide emotional support and assistance wherever needed.

During the initial call, the funeral director is your guide. He or she will collect the information needed, and arrange for a time when you can come in and discuss the service and is available for questions when needed.

Another option for the body is a donation to science. If you wish to give your body to a specific university, check with that institute for proper procedures. For example, the University of Central Florida has a Willed Body Program. With Science Care, you can join a registry when doing preplanning, and there is no cost and it includes free cremation. Ten states participate in this program, including Florida.

A newer element added to some of the funereal options is a DNA memorial. This gives the family a final opportunity to retain a sample of the deceased’s DNA. This is a sample taken in a noninvasive manner such as a cheek swab or a lock of hair and it can be stored forever. This has become a trend with so many choosing to have their remains cremated. Many funeral homes are familiar with the process and can handle details.

The funeral director can ease the burden of paperwork by filing all certificates, permits, affidavits, and authori- zations as required. He or she obtains copies of the death certificate, and keep in mind, many certified copies are needed as most government agencies, banks, and other institutes need proof and will not accept a photocopy.

In addition, after you decide on the service (funeral, graveside, memorial, celebration of life), the funeral director will help those needed to carry out your wishes. The funeral home also provides the register book, prayer cards, funeral folders, and acknowledgements the family requests.

Flowers will be coming from family and friends to express sympathy and love. The funeral director will take care of these. Flowers will be transported to the cemetery and distributed to family members as requested. The funeral director ensures the family receives the register book and all items related to the deceased.

Whatever your course of action following a sudden death, it’s best not to take the task on alone. Allow friends, family, and professionals to help you.

MAN ON THE STREET “Visit

What’s No. 1 on your bucket list?

“All I want to do is go to Mexico. I have so much family over there, and I’ve never met them.”

SOURCES:

ADVANCE DIRECTIVES

Aging with Dignity agingwithdignity.org

Empath Choices for Care empathchoicesforcare.org

PRE-PLANNING

Page Theus Preplanning Guide pagetheusfuneralhome.com

Beyers Funeral Home & Crematory preplanning.info/beyersleesburg

BENEFITS

Social Security Administration 800.772.1213

You cannot apply for death benefits online

Veteran’s Administration (If decedent was formerly in the military) va.gov

BURIALS & MEMORIALS

To donate bodies: Science Care sciencecare.com

To secure DNA: dnamemorialorder.com