I've always felt like there was an afterlife but I never had any outwards signs or experiences to confirm it personally until my Dad died last November from brain and lung cancer.
He began letting me know pretty much immediately that he was still with me and wanted to comfort me. I've seen flashing and blinking balls of light a few times, I had my hair pulled one time, I've heard bumps and bangs, and he's come to me in some several dreams.
I've never had someone close to me die and I've also never been in the presence of a dying person until my Dad. He and I had a very close bond and even though he hurt my Mom, brother, and me with many of the things he did, I firmly believe he's been coming to me to try and say he's with all of us and wants us to be happy. I am the only person in the family who's "open" enough to let him do this. I feel so lucky.
I haven't had any OBEs and I don't do retrievals or any of that advanced type of stuff but that's okay because I'm not to that level yet. Who knows - I may never reach it. I'm going at my own pace and this website has been an infinite source of knowledge and support. You've come to the right place and I think your journey will really take off. Even though I don't post all that much I'm always reading the threads and learning from all the members here. I'm so glad I found this community when I did.
Welcome!
Katie