"We've seen Christian Science healings before, but this is...

"We've seen Christian Science healings before, but this is serious." This is what the doctors told members of my family when I was brought to the hospital emergency room after an automobile accident. I had been a passenger in a car that had rolled over twice down an embankment. The driver had not been injured, but I had been taped to an immobilization board and taken to the hospital. The doctor and an area specialist who had been called in for my case explained to me that their examinations and the X-rays showed I had broken my neck. They said the slightest movement could cause me to become a quadriplegic. They were quite concerned for me, especially after hearing that I wished to handle the situation through prayer in Christian Science.

I was praying all during this time to feel God's presence and to be led to do what was wise and necessary. I was also able to have a nurse call a Christian Science practitioner when I first entered the hospital, and I was receiving prayerful support from him.

The doctors told me I had few options. If I asked to be taken home (as I had), they said they might find it necessary to find a legal way to keep me there. Also, since no ambulance company would accept liability for me, my request to be transferred to a Christian Science nursing facility would be impossible. My only two options, they told me, were to stay and begin medical treatment immediately (which involved major surgery, months of immobilization, and a lengthy hospital stay) or to stay overnight in the hospital and begin treatment the next morning. I was then left alone to make my decision.

While alone, I realized there was no doubt in my mind that God could and would be my sole physician. As I prayed deeply and turned wholeheartedly to God, Paul's experience in prison came to mind. I remembered how he and Silas sang praises and the doors of the prison just opened up.

In a matter of minutes, the head nurse came into my room and asked if there was any Christian Science facility where I could be taken and treated. I was grateful for her caring and receptivity and again requested to be taken to a local Christian Science nursing facility. I also requested that a fellow branch church member, who worked as a Christian Science nurse at the facility, be called and asked to come to the hospital to assist us. After about three hours, an ambulance willing to transport me was located.

I spent a total of seven hours in the hospital taped to an immobilization board, and I am very grateful for the fact that through prayer I was able to remain clearheaded, calm, and comfortable the whole time. Also, both the hospital and ambulance company called the facility the next day to say that they were reviewing their policies so that no one else would have to be detained again as I had been.

I am very grateful for the loving and supportive atmosphere of the Christian Science nursing facility and for the beautiful care I received. At the beginning of my stay, there was always a nurse in my room or outside my door to take care of my needs. I also remained in very frequent (at times hourly) contact with the practitioner who was helping me. I prayed to feel God's love and presence and to understand and know God as Spirit. I also prayed for the humility to listen for the direction of divine Mind as to what my next step should be, even if that meant my lying very still for an extended period of time.

Within two days of my arrival I felt well enough to sit up. Each day thereafter there was more evidence of progress, and within one week I took my first unassisted walk. After two weeks i was too well to remain! I had myself released to my home. Injuries I had sustained to my knee, tailbone, and arm in the accident were healed within a short period of time. Within a month I was jogging!

I am very grateful for this healing and for all the support I received from fellow Christian Scientists. I have had the pleasure of relying on Christian Science throughout the years, and I can attest to its effectiveness. I'm especially grateful for what Science has taught me of God and His complete love for each of us.

Susan Schaffarzick
San Mateo, California