In 1974, after a month-long hospitalization, Shawn neared death from a mysterious illness. A priest administered Last Rites, and he welcomed death as a release from immense pain. He then found himself floating through the universe, guided by a being toward an indescribably brilliant Light, experiencing profound peace and love. Becoming one with it, he felt he had encountered God. Returning to life felt like a loss, and he initially resented it. With NDEs largely unknown at the time, he confided only in a former sweetheart, an ER doctor, before keeping the experience to himself for years.