By Marjorie Young

A fascinating story was widely reported of late concerning a young boy named Ryan, who had actively insisted that he used to be ‘someone else.’ Naturally, his Mom chalked this up to childish fantasy. Yet, Ryan persisted, readily coming up with vivid if outlandish details of his former life. His previous ‘incarnation’ had been male, married five times, danced on Broadway, lived in Paris, and was also an actor in Hollywood. Ryan even knew the street name where his former residence was located.

The bewildered mother (a staunch Baptist, who never considered ‘reincarnation’ as plausible) eventually took her son to a psychiatrist, where he was found to be ‘normal.’ She thereafter attempted to brush aside Ryan’s ‘stories’…that is, until a friend dropped by one day with a book about Old Hollywood. Flipping through the pages, Ryan became electrified upon spotting a still from a 1930s gangster film. “That was ME!” he cried, pointing out one of the four men depicted. The fellow was so obscure that he was not even identified under the photo. Eventually, to placate Ryan, his Mom sought out a film historian, who, following a great deal of research, identified the mystery man. Marty Martin was a small-time Hollywood actor who had indeed danced on Broadway, lived for a time in Paris, and been married five times! Every detail of Ryan’s recollections proved accurate. Even the name of the street featuring his ‘big house and a pool’ was correct. (After giving up acting, Marty became a successful Hollywood agent; thus the big house).

One more remarkable incident emerged. Ryan lamented the fact that, having lived sixty-one years in his previous incarnation, he had to endure ‘coming back’ as a baby again! However, the death certificate for Marty Martin listed his demise at fifty-nine, not sixty-one. Given this news, Ryan absolutely insisted it was incorrect…that ‘he’ had lived for sixty-one years. Though skeptical, the researcher rechecked the facts and was dumbfounded to learn the date of death had been incorrectly recorded…that Marty had indeed passed on at sixty-one!

Of course, many will resolutely ‘explain away’ this entire remarkable episode. Yet, realistically, there is no way Ryan could be have access to such specifics concerning an obscure, long-forgotten character with no connection whatsoever to his own friends or family. In addition, Marty’s data was not readily available, even online. To the contrary, it took an expert on classic films to finally unearth the authentic account.
It is not unusual to hear of ‘reincarnation’ claims from children in India, where belief in multiple lifetimes is common. Yet, others from all around the world lucidly recall past lives. Sadly, parents often dismiss these reports out of hand; thus discouraging their kids from again bringing up the topic.

Still, it takes a colossal effort at denial to entirely ‘write off’ Ryan’s remarkable recollections. Instead, why not utilize the incident to open our minds and push back self-created definitions of what is and is not ‘real?’ Since matter can be ‘neither created nor destroyed’…as one of the basic laws of science teaches…it is hardly unreasonable to suppose that our experiences, consciousness, and ‘selves’ may also find a way to continue on and grow. And what amazing, limitless prospects that opens for us all.

Marjorie is available for readings at the Ballard Sunday Market, her Ballard home, or by phone.

Please email her: myballardpsychic@gmail.com

See her fantasy/adventure series: www.theboywithgoldeneyes.com
Follow her on Twitter: @psychicmargie