YOU CAN BE A HEALER June 21, 2010 Issue

Our occasional series on how people have nurtured their public practice of Christian Science healing.

NOTHING I'D RATHER BE DOING

DIANE DAILEY—LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

WHEN I WAS A SOPHOMORE IN COLLEGE, my mother became listed as a practitioner in The Christian Science Journal. Away at school, I was really happy she'd taken this step. There never seemed to be a time when my mother wasn't helping someone through prayer. The telephone rang frequently, and there were many interruptions, especially at dinnertime. Afterward, Mother would return to the kitchen, and whip up a delicious strawberry shortcake or some other special dessert. Dad was a good sport. We all were.

Growing up, my sister and I were expected to read the Christian Science Bible Lesson. We never missed Sunday School. We rarely missed school because of illness, and in fact, had some dramatic healings. During the polio epidemic in the 1950s, I was healed of paralysis through Christian Science treatment. The school medical nurse lived next door, and observed this relatively quick, complete cure. There were other healings: of sports injuries, eczema, third-degree burns, chicken pox, food poisoning, whooping cough. We also seemed to have a built-in freedom from fear. We were taught that God, divine Love, is our Father-Mother. So we felt loved, safe, and secure as His children.

After attending graduate school, I pursued a career on Madison Avenue in advertising and marketing. Travel was extensive both for business and pleasure. My income was considerable. A vacation home fulfilled an architectural dream of mine. A few years later, I moved across the country to produce television shows in California. A renewed interest in my marketing career involved product development for some major brands. Life was good.