On a summer morning in 1929 while taking a strenuous ride on horseback, I became very tired. As there was nothing in sight on the road, I loosened the reins and relaxed in the saddle. My mare became suddenly frightened by some children who came running out of a farm lane, and I was thrown over her head as she shied and bucked. My head struck the macadam road, and I lost consciousness. When the horse arrived without me at the farm where I was staying, the man who cared for the horses came after me in a car. He found me lying unconscious in the middle of the highway. Picking me up, he put me in the car and drove home. I was carried to a hammock swing on the porch, and a friend called a practitioner, who came at once.
All through the day she sat beside me. I learned afterwards that at times different ones tried to rouse me, but they were unsuccessful. Twice during this time my friend called me by name and said, "God is your Life." Each time I answered, "I know." Of this I have no recollection.
It was four o'clock in the afternoon before I regained consciousness. I then proceeded to go upstairs and get into my bed, impatient at the efforts of the others to help me. This happened on a Thursday. From then until Sunday afternoon my condition grew more critical. I remember very little of what happened during that time except that a pain in my head continued. My niece, who was also at the farm with me, kept vigil at night and my friend by day. The practitioner came frequently and was always available. My husband, although not a Christian Scientist, was willing to leave the outcome in God's hands.
