I always knew that God was with me

Cath Shaw

I was born and bred Christchurch in a Catholic family with six siblings. I am mother of four grown-up children and a teacher in a Catholic Primary School.

This spiritual encounter that I had as a 23 year old that has had a profound effect on my life.

In June, 1992, I was travelling back from Nelson with my husband Steve and two friends. I was in the back of our van and I leaned over to Steve and told him I loved him. About five minutes later we came round a corner on the Hope Saddle and hit black ice. Our van lost control and careered over a 10m cliff, landing upside down in the raging river below.

I don’t know why, but for some reason it wasn’t my time. I escaped the submerged van but Steve and our friends did not.

As I swam around in a panic I had a real sense that they were gone and, if I was to survive the freezing water, I knew I had to scale the cliff and get help. They prompted me and told me that they were on their way to heaven. I said, I don’t know why I am not with you, but you need to lift me up to the top. So, guided by them, I scaled the cliff and I distinctly remember grabbing hold of tiny plants as I went up but being miraculously taken to safety.

Thankfully, not long after making it to the road, someone stopped to help me, but despite our best efforts no one was able to get down to rescue the others.

My life had changed dramatically but my faith kept me going and I knew that my loved ones were in heaven.

Soon after, I met and married Paul and we went on to have four wonderful children. Life was full of fun, love and laughter but, like any busy family, it was not without a few challenges. However I always knew that God was with me, I prayed regularly, read the Bible and continued to go to Mass.

In 2016 my life had another turning point with Paul passing away after a two year battle with cancer. I was widowed for a second time at the age of 47 but by the grace of God my faith has kept me going. In 2023 I got engaged to another wonderful man and I look forward to all the good times and new directions that God has instore for us.

I have had some pretty major experiences in my 55 years but I continue to live my life on earth knowing that when my time comes I will be united with Jesus and all the angels and Saints in heaven for all of eternity.