One day when I was twelve, I was suddenly stricken with a terrible...

One day when I was twelve, I was suddenly stricken with a terrible pain and was rushed to the hospital with what was later diagnosed as scarlet fever and osteomyelitis. The doctors said that my right leg had to be amputated in order to save my life. We were not Christian Scientists at the time, but my mother recalled a healing she had witnessed in a Christian Scientists family years before. Through this family my mother was able to get in touch with a Christian Science practitioner and begin study of the Bible and the works of Mary Baker Eddy. There was no amputation, and after several weeks of study and prayer I was well enough to go home.

The healing was not complete at this point, however, and I clung to the hope that eventually the doctors would find a cure. In my senior year in high school the bone disease recurred, and a doctor told me I would have to have an operation. I was very depressed and asked him what future I could expect. He said I would have to face the fact that I would be an invalid all my life.

I knew that I had to decide then about where I would place my trust. I made my decision and began to rely solely on God. I spent the next few weeks immersed in the study of Christian Science and sought no further medical treatment. Soon the healing was complete, and I disposed of my crutches. It was a beautiful experience; and in addition to the healing, I discovered the wonderful joy of learning that man is truly the reflection of divine Life, Truth, and Love—not material but spiritual.

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March 20, 1989
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