One evening, when our only child was two years old, she was suddenly stricken very ill, becoming delirious almost immediately. Although we had had several healings in Christian Science, we had not the slightest understanding of it. I was so frightened that I wanted to call the doctor. My husband, however, wanted a Christian Science practitioner. We called the practitioner, but to my relief she was not at home. I then called the doctor. When he saw the child he was much alarmed and told us to notify our relatives, as she probably would not live through the night. At midnight, while the doctor was still working over her, my husband went to the practitioner's home and begged her to help us. From then on she supported my husband and me, helping us to realize that God is all-power, that He fills all space, and that He would not fail us.
For weeks the child hovered between life and death. A consultation of doctors was held, and doctors and nurses were in constant attendance night and day. In the meantime we were faithfully studying the Bible and Science and Health by Mary Baker Eddy, both of which were illumined to us. I grew rapidly in understanding because of my great need; so when one day the doctor told us there was no longer any hope I was happy to tell him that he was no longer needed; that we were going to have Christian Science help. In a short time he and the nurses left and the practitioner came. I shall never forget her face when she closed the door of our room and said, "Now we are alone with God." A great weight seemed to be lifted off my shoulders. Although the child seemed near death I had no fear, only confidence that all would be well.
The doctors had diagnosed the trouble as double pneumonia and a severe bowel infection, either one of which they said was severe enough to cause her death. After the doctors were dismissed we soon discovered that the child had been severely burned by hot packs. The burns were large and very deep and showed no signs of healing. The practitioner stayed with us all night and by the next morning a scab had formed over the burns and the bowel trouble was healed. She stayed with us night and day for some time, and the child gradually recovered health and strength. Anyone can easily imagine our gratitude to God and to the practitioner who brought us out of frightful darkness into light.
