Over nine years ago there came into my life a light which has never been extinguished. It was the light of hope, and it came through a dear uncle who had been healed in Christian Science. When I was about twelve years old my mother discovered that I was growing crooked —until then I had been very straight and erect. I remember that when this information was first communicated to me, the first shadow of disappointment rose upon my horizon, and deep depression came with it. I sought refuge in my room and gave way to a burst of tears, crying for what I hardly knew, only I felt something had gone wrong which I was powerless to control.
Some time after this I went to Philadelphia, where I underwent a careful examination by several physicians. My parents were then informed that I had a curvature of the spine, but might outgrow it in time by wearing a spinal brace and exercising daily. These instructions were heeded, and I was under the watchful care of one of Philadelphia's eminent physicians. During these years I wore various kinds of braces, including a leather jacket and a plaster cast. I was obliged to sleep in this cast during a period of six weeks. Yet with all of this I grew into womanhood decidedly deformed and a daily sufferer. There was then no hope for me of ever having a straight back, and this in addition to my suffering was a great trial. I was considered a patient sufferer, as I had been taught to believe that God sent all things; and I tried to be resigned to this trouble, thinking it God's way of disciplining me.
After finishing my school studies there followed a general breakdown in my health, and for some years I went through a siege of suffering. For six weeks I was a surgical patient in the University of Pennsylvania hospital. An operation on the spine was performed, and nervous collapse followed. The years passed, and after I had been married a year and a half, still wearing a spinal brace and continuing to suffer, was it any wonder that I was ready to listen to the "still small voice" of Truth when it spoke to me through the healing of a dear uncle? This was the first proof of Christian Science brought to my notice, and I was satisfied that it was of God. I found myself an eager listener to all my uncle had to relate, as his healing seemed wonderful to me.
