Because the testimonies of healing...

Lucille Hawkins Brayton with contributions from David B. Brayton

Because the testimonies of healing which appear in our periodicals mean much to me, I should like to add my name to the long list of those who are eternally grateful for Christian Science.

While I was tobogganing five years ago the toboggan got out of control and dropped over a nearly perpendicular incline. Landing in a sitting position on the sled, I realized immediately that I was unable to move and was in great pain.

As soon as I reached home a Christian Science practitioner was called and treatment was begun. One side of my body was paralyzed. Several hours later there was no apparent change in the condition, and my husband, whose knowledge of Christian Science at that time was very slight, asked my consent to call a doctor, or at least an osteopath, to put my hipbone back into place and make some adjustment in the backbone, thus relieving pressure and paralysis. I was fearful myself and consented.

The doctor's visit brought no relief of any kind, but only more fear and arguments, for he refused to do anything until X rays were taken. He thought my back was broken and told my husband so. I was taken to the hospital, where I was X-rayed. We had opened the door to materia medica; it had moved in and seemingly taken over. X rays showed the vertebra in my back to be broken in two places. A plaster cast was applied, covering me from the shoulders to the hips. I was told I should have to wear this cast for a six or eight week period, after which they could promise me nothing certain.

The time and pain occasioned in applying the cast aroused me to realize that this was not my rightful place, nor was I working this problem out as I had been taught, and really believed, was the only right way. As soon as my husband was permitted to see me, I explained the mistake that we had made and that we must change our course at once. I pleaded to have the cast removed and to be taken home. Despite the pictures so vividly painted by the doctors, who said that it was wrong to chance making a cripple of one so young, God's will was done. My husband and I signed releases for the hospital and the doctor, and I returned home in an ambulance. I had entered the hospital at four in the afternoon and shortly after midnight of the same day I arrived home.

Christian Science treatment had continued throughout the entire experience, and despite the doctor's predictions regarding pain, I went to sleep, quite comfortable, thanking God.

A Christian Science nurse came into our home next day. At the end of one week she was on longer needed, as I was doing everything for myself within the confines of my bedroom. Three weeks later I drove my own car to Florida. Much reading and study of my Science books during this experience brought unfoldment and growth as well as healing, and I am grateful for each step of the way.

The latter part of a paragraph in "Retrospection and Introspection" by Mary Baker Eddy (60:3) was used often during the foregoing experience, and I have found it just as helpful in our present troubled times. We need never doubt God's care for us, His children.

We have had other healings in Christian Science, and I am grateful to God for them all. I am grateful also for class instruction and for the movement established by our beloved Leader.—(Mrs.) Lucille Hawkins Brayton, South Euclid, Ohio.

I am happy to verify my wife's testimony. I wish to express my gratitude for this healing and also for what Christian Science has done in my own experience.

David B. Brayton

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