It seems there's a woman named Dorothy Kerin who grants us a bit of a rarity.

She had a near-death experience way back in 1912 -- memorable, most importantly, for what happened afterward.

First, the story:

Born in South East London, Dorothy suffered long years of tubercular meningitis and peritonitis. In 1912 she spent two weeks in a deep coma. On February 18 of the aforementioned year, the doctor announced that she would not survive the night.

Much to this medic's surprise, however, Dorothy suddenly sat up, declaring that she was well. Subsequent tests revealed no more lesions nor other symptoms associated with her ailments. This according to a book called Near Death Experiences: True stories of Those Who Went to Heaven, by Tessy Rawlins.

Overnight, Dorothy became a celebrity.

It was inexplicable. It would be inexplicable in our day also.

"Dorothy described that during the two weeks prior to her healing, she received a vision of the Lord and angels," states the book, quoting her as saying, "For me it was a time of indescribable joy and bliss, in a place and environment of exquisite harmony.

"I seemed to drift into space. I was no longer conscious of my body, but my soul was overflowing with love and joy, and a transcendent feeling of supreme happiness, impossible to describe in ordinary language.

"I passed on, and as I went, the way grew brighter and brighter, until I saw in front of me a wonderful altar, formed by angels. There were six in the back, and in the front one more beautiful than the rest holding a chalice, which he brought to me and from which he gave me to drink. Then they disappeared, and as they went, they seemed to be chanting words which I could not understand."

Dorothy passed on again and saw robed figures coming from every direction. It seemed like she was going back and forth between the "here" and the hereafter. "No words of mine can exaggerate the exquisite beauty of the scene," she recalled; their movements made a lovely music.

After passing from this life, allegedly, for a third time, a voice told her, "Dorothy, you are not coming yet." Then a great light surrounded her and an angel took her hand, saying, "Dorothy, your sufferings are over and you can walk."

She was healed.

Her mission henceforth: "to heal the sick, and bring comfort."

Later she studied theology at St. Mark's Church in Bush Hill Park, UK.

More interestingly, she received the marks of Jesus -- stigmata -- on her earthly body.

And remarkable also: Dorothy was Anglican, the first on record to have those wounds.

In 1929 she opened her first "Home of Healing" in a small house and dedicated her life to trying to heal and comfort those who came to her.

[Note also: Michael Brown retreats: Connecticut!]

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