While I was earnestly searching the Scriptures for an answer to what seemed to be a stubborn problem of anxiety and a false sense of responsibility for the situation in which I was placed with regard to my children's future, thought was focused on the last chapter of Genesis. Joseph's erring brothers sought forgiveness for their responsibility in his experiences, and he answered them, in part, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it ' unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." Looking back over the years, I saw that each difficult experience had proved to be a steppingstone forward, something which could be utilized in solving the more involved problems of the present time. And in that sense I wish to express my gratitude for God's protecting care over me and mine during all the years.
I started in the Christian Science Sunday School in 1899, in the little group from Kansas City which presented the "white student" now standing in our Leader's study at Chestnut Hill. During childhood years the so-called usual childish ills were promptly healed. During the war years, anxiety, anguish, and bereavement had to be met. Later marriage, motherhood, loss of home, black despair, terror, bitter mental suffering, further bereavements, and many physical ills had to be seen in the right perspective. It was needful for me to seek and utilize God's help in every problem, and to see behind the claim of error the perfection of His creation.
With four sons there has been an especial need to destroy the fear of accidents. Recently the third son, in playing baseball, collided head-on with another child who was also running. Both were knocked down and severely cut. My son's eye seemed to be injured. In the school doctor's absence a hasty first-aid bandage was applied by one of the teachers, and a member of the family was summoned to take the child home. Hours later, at bedtime, the teacher called up to satisfy herself of his condition, and told me of what was behind the bandage, which I had not removed, supposing that what was necessary had been done. Her account forced me to investigate, and I found indication of the need of stitches or support of some kind. The boy and I talked over the question of whether or not to go to a surgeon, and as he was satisfied that divine Love did the healing, regardless of stitches, we agreed we would trust God. I held the wound closed for quite a long time, until it became clear to me that God's law was operating to control the situation, and then rolled the child over to go to sleep. He was home the next day, which was Friday, and on the following Monday returned to school without much to show except some discoloration in the eye, and a thin line from which the scab was peeling.
