From his fruitless efforts to claw the side of the building to the voice that whispered in his ear, Mark remembers the fall vividly.

On July 30, 2001 Mark Lawler was working on a cellular antenna atop the roof of an apartment building in Denver when he took a half step too many while taking a measurement. His knees buckled and he tumbled over a ledge, plummeting 11 stories.

"I was trying to grab back onto the wall like a cat, but I was flailing," the 42-year-old grandfather said in an interview from his home in Oklahoma this week. "As I made my first somersault, there was this voice in my left ear. It said, 'You're going to hit the ground, Mark,' and I said, 'I know.' If I'd have turned my head, I'm sure I would have seen someone there, but I was too busy watching the wall go by."

A little more than a year since his miraculous survival, Mark is certain a guardian angel was standing by that day. It probably didn't hurt that the building, at 1818 Marion St., is owned by the Catholic Church. "I guess when you fall off an archdiocese building, you're going to get some luck," he said.

Throughout an excruciating recovery, which has included more than eight surgeries and four months at a rehabilitation center, Mark has tried to maintain a positive outlook. "This is the champion fall guy," he quipped as he picked up the telephone. "My family thinks I'm a miracle or something."

Mark's fall was cushioned by a juniper bush, inches from a steel gas meter and sidewalk. He remained alert enough to talk to paramedics, but later slipped into a coma. When he awoke, he was in a room at the Denver Health Medical Center.

Mark remembers several images during his slumber, including standing behind a surgeon while the doctor cut through his stomach, and talking with a woman who brought him a box in a dream, telling him, "This is from our Lord," he said. He opened his eyes the next day.

Mark fractured a disc in his back, shattered bones in his foot, damaged his knee and tore off part of his nose. "My back is bent and bowed," he said. "I can walk about 100 yards before I have to sit down before my back goes into spasm, but considering what I went through, it ain't bad." He was in Denver on contract for his then-employer, Elkins Telecom, when the accident happened. The company was fined $2,500 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for training violations. He now lives in his hometown of Wetumka, about 75 miles south of Tulsa, Okla. He spends time with his wife, Trish, and two granddaughters, 6 and 10.

"I really want to give thanks to all the people in Denver for their prayers and their letters," said Mark, who faces plastic surgery soon.

As I said before, I remember the fall and talking with fire and rescue. Then it starts getting foggy. Even though I was talking and signing papers when I got to the hospital, my first clear memories are of me standing above and behind a man with very broad shoulders. He was cutting my stomach open and reaching his hand inside of me. I said to myself, "Man that’s got to hurt." At that time I truly realized I was outside my body and stated "No one's ever going to believe this." That's when a voice replied, "What proof would you like?" Note when I say we talked, it's not like when you and I talk.
 

On the other side you just make eye contact. Now back to the question that was put to me about proof. I said (thought) are there other forms of energy we have yet to discover? No sooner than I thought it then we were standing around a pile of grayish black pellets about 2 feet high. After a little discussion of the pitfalls of what I was asking for, they started to describe it, starting with the atomic weight and ending the molecular structure.

This is the condensed version, because throughout the whole experience I kept saying "I don't understand." So until I got a full grasp I would not ask the next question. Needless to say it's not found here, but I had to ask "it's not found here on earth, right?" I was shown a star chart and said "we won't be going there anytime soon." After some more discussion of the pitfalls I replied that there has got to be a reason I'm here. With that I realized that it's not the pellets per say, it's the way that pure energy is aligned with that I was told I had to go back. I said I didn't want to but with that I found myself back in the operating room with people sticking hoses in me and if you've never heard this before it hurts when you pop back in. I say "pop in" because that's the best way to describe it and it hurts.

This letter is to thank all who have contacted me and to give an update of what has been going on in my life.

First, I would like to answer the question I am asked by most people: How do I know my out of body experience was not just a dream. My response to this question is simple. During the experience, I was actually watching someone cut open my stomach and reach into my body. It was three months before I regained consciousness and was able to talk. I told my wife of my experience. She confirmed everything I told her and that I had been "lost" three times during the surgery.

As for what has been going on with me, we have decided to become foster parents. Since I am unable to work, I have spent a whole lot of time praying. I was questioning why my life was spared. What is it that I am meant to do with my life? One thing that kept coming to mind is foster care. I have had what some may call a troubled life and feel that I have much to offer these children. There are so many misplaced children that need our help. I urge anyone that has the space (all it takes is an extra bedroom) and an inclination to help out troubled youth to give it a shot. You never know how much of an impact your kindness can have on others.

I have also spoken to the students at an adult education school. I was very nervous before getting up to speak. The response I received back from the students was truly overwhelming.

I am still in a constant battle with insurance companies. I am forced to see insurance company doctors; and believe me, these doctors are not trying to do what is best for me. They have the insurance company’s "bottom line" in mind. I am in a constant fight to get quality care. For instance, the insurance company’s doctor to took me off my medications cold turkey and replaced them with ibuprofen. Remember, I have a broken, fused back; a leg that will not straighten out; and hips that are off center. Needless to say, I am in constant pain. After eight months of paying for my doctor visits and prescriptions out of my own pocket, I was finally able to get a court order. The court order has forced my insurance company to pay for the quality care I need. It is terrible that in the United States there are insurance companies, like mine, that are literally trying to starve people into settlements. Their goal is to get me to settle without having to pay any future medical bills. I cannot let that happen, so I must continue to do without for the time being.

Below are some excerpts from letters I received from students after speaking to their class

I wanted to thank you for coming to my class and sharing your whole life story. It inspired a lot of people. I am one of those people. I agree with what you said. There is a God and yes he does work in mysterious ways.-Sarah R.

I personally want to thank you so very much for coming and sharing your experience with me and the rest of my classmates. You have made a wonderful impression on my life, seeing as how you have changed yours. It lets me know that there is hope for anyone and everyone. Thank you again for sharing what a change that fall had on your life. Most of all, good luck on becoming a foster parent. There are a lot of kids that really need someone to trust and love. My prayers are with you and your wife.-anonymous

Mark, I can see that your determination and honesty will take you along way. People will listen to your story. You definitely encouraged me to live life to the fullest.-Marilyn A.

I think you were very fortunate to reach this day and age considering the run-ins you have had throughout your life. I think you are truly a blessing. You can make a person have a whole different outlook on life. Thank you so much for your inspirational story. I do not even know you personally, but I will NEVER forget you!- Angel. S.