Dave Tabler: An NDE Leads to Passion

“As long as you, strive for these things, you’re going to miss the bigger point, which is that love is the key.”

-Dave Tabler

 

Bump In The Road:

An NDE

Following Your Passion

 

Dave Tabler, a historian, author, and photographer from Dover, Delaware, wasn’t always on the path he is now. Starting out with a passion for photography, he found himself documenting Civil War artifacts alongside two authors, which sparked his interest in history. But it was a near-death experience (NDE) that truly altered his course.

After moving to New York with high hopes, reality struck hard. The city was expensive, and success was not as instantaneous as he’d hoped. It wasn’t until 2006 that Dave returned to his love for history, starting a blog about Appalachian history inspired by his father’s memoir.

However, life had more trials in store. Dave was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and while the prognosis was good, complications from surgery brought him to the brink of death. During this time, he experienced a profound near-death experience (NDE) that he shares with us in vivid detail.

Dave’s NDE was unlike the typical stories. Instead of seeing a white light or hovering above his body, he found himself in a glowing, star-filled space, accompanied by a loving presence. He describes a Mobius strip filled with people of all walks of life, trapped by their own actions—a metaphor for the cycles of karma and sin.

This experience was a catalyst for Dave to re-evaluate his life and return to his original dreams. He realized that the wisdom and perspective gained over the years could now be channeled into his work as a historian and author. Since then, he has published two books and is editing his third, all while using his photography to bring Delaware’s history to life.

Dave’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that sometimes, the most significant bumps in the road can lead to the most beautiful destinations. His tale is one of hope, passion, and the enduring human spirit.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Dave Tabler’s story and perhaps find the courage to follow your own dreams.

Dave Tabler: An NDE Leads to Passion

 

“Each of us has a unique story to tell.”

 

“The commonality is that it’s a very loving presence.”

 

“Love was the most important thing.”

 

“I don’t think many people can really appreciate just how powerful that idea is.”

 

“As long as you strive for these things, you’re going to miss the bigger point, which is that love is the key.”

 

“It’s a real struggle for me as a historian to decide what to keep in and what to leave out.”

 

About
Bump in the Road

Everyone hits a bump in the road. The question becomes: What do you do with it?

I share stories about how people experience, manage and navigate life's bumps, hopefully using them as a pivot into a more conscious and meaningful life.