Fifty years ago for a child to say that he was a Christian Scientist would bring about teasing and ridicule. The writer knows, having had such experiences. But how freely our young people today can acknowledge their interest in this beautiful and practical religion and be highly respected. My parents realized that their children would frequently be misunderstood because of their religion; so they carefully and earnestly taught them the meaning of the words, "Love is reflected, in love" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 17). This valuable training was a great help then and indeed has been throughout the years since. Instead of losing friends, we gained many enduring friendships.
I am one of nine children born in the high Rocky Mountains to pioneer parents, pioneers not only in the making of Colorado history, but also in Christian Science as well. The last four children, of whom I am one, were born under Christian Science treatment after our mother had been healed of Bright's disease. After her healing she became an active worker in the practice of Christian Science. Our branch Church of Christ, Scientist, was allowed to hold services in the state penitentiary, which was located in our town, and my parents participated in this work. A number of the prisoners became interested in Christian Science and asked my mother for treatment. I can well recall many healings they received and the joy of my parents in witnessing the rehabilitation of these men and women.
When a child in the third grade I contracted pneumonia. Although our neighbors were much upset because my parents did not have the help of the doctors, I was healed and back in school in a very short time. While I was in high school I developed a goiter. It grew to be very large and most uncomfortable. The healing was slow, but it brought a time of wonderful enrichment for me, as I turned to Christian Science more faithfully. Finally with the help of a practitioner I was completely healed. It was gratifying to know that the schoolmates and teachers, who could not understand my complete dependence upon Christian Science for healing, saw the healing and acknowledged it.
