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Ghost Investigation Gets Personal

by Steve Smith

Occasionally, if we are fortunate, something happens that changes us. It up-ends our complacency, sets us on edge and in general, becomes a pain in the... well, you know the location. It happened to me on our August, '05 training investigation. I am uncomfortable reporting on this investigation because it pushed me way beyond my comfort zone. It is very personal, but I will share it with you.

Well before I joined API, I struggled with two separate but equal mind sets. I have had on-again, off-again mystical experiences which I cannot deny. These have included a dozen or so precognitive dreams, several premonitions of impending disaster and a few other garden variety paranormal experiences. The other side of this coin is the fact that I have a strong scientific bent, which always lurks just outside my every day life. It hasn't always been easy to reconcile this conundrum.

I was attracted to API after I returned from Gettysburg, checked my digital camera and found orbs moving in formation on the battlefield. After contacting API, I was hooked. My first investigation (Jan.'05 report in a separate posting), took place at an abandoned desert cemetery. After reviewing my photos, I discovered an orb over one of the children's grave. I was surprised and gratified.

This old cemetery is the resting place for a number of pioneers, including a woman who was a prostitute and common-law wife of Wyatt Earp. Mattie Earp, who was in her early thirties, died from either an accidental overdose of laudanum and alcohol, or as a suicide. No one but she knows for sure.

It is an active site, with many graves of children and infants randomly scattered amongst the cacti and brush. I always feel a little sad about the children, and give a silent prayer for them. In spite of the sadness, there is a light and peaceful feeling around the grounds. I brought a few colored pinwheels and put them on several children's graves.

While Joe Shelton, our director, was giving final instructions to the team leaders, and while I was standing near a monument to Mattie Earp, someone touched me. It was a remarkable touch, unlike any other I've ever had. It started as an almost imperceptible touch on my lower back and traveled up my spine to my neck. There was no one behind me; no one even close to me.

It was gentle, somewhat like a faint brush that slightly intensified as it traveled upward. It was a first for me, and it certainly got my attention. I didn't feel fear or shock, just a faint, prickling. It was as if someone said, "I want you to know I am real, and I can interact with you."

After notating the experience, the investigation continued. We were busy with the temperature readings, logging our notes and all the business that goes with a scientific investigation, and I had forgotten the incident. As we were wrapping up the investigation, I heard an almost inaudible voice.

"I am still here for the children."

The word "for" was emphasized. It was not "because" of the children. The word was "for" the children. This implies activity on behalf of the children; an orientation of care and service. It was a simple statement, an explanation really. There were only three times I have heard such a voice. Once, I was told to fasten my seat belt just before I left a parking lot, and about 30 seconds before my Datsun buried itself in the side of an old man's Grand Am.

I made a mental note of the voice and went home. When I reviewed my digital photographs, I had a photo that was the best I've taken. There were two large orbs above the children's grave, and in the distance three streaks of light. Joe enhanced the photo, and revealed a large area of reddish light, also near the children's graves.

So, what is this scientific mystic supposed to make of all this? The photograph, downloaded directly from my camera to my computer, satisfied my scientific side, but what about the feelings and the voice? Did it really happen? Was it Mattie?

I can only tell you what I feel. Did it happen as I reported it? For better or worse, yes, I reported it as it happened. Was it Mattie? Yes, I believe it was Mattie, for the voice said something else.

"Tell them I was a good person."

Consider yourself told.