When my son was about eight years old, an abnormal gland condition developed in his neck. The swelling seemed to increase in size every day; so we asked for the help of a Christian Science practitioner. However, there was much opposition from relatives who believed that because he was not receiving medical attention we were neglecting him. The school authorities were much concerned also.
I was new in Christian Science at the time; so I finally yielded to pressure and took him to a doctor, who said that immediate surgical attention was necessary. A major operation was performed, and a culture was sent to the state laboratories for analysis. The verdict was that the condition was tubercular, and I was advised to take my son to the seashore so that the salt air might benefit him. However, when we returned home in the fall, the swelling had returned.
I had been very unhappy during the whole period, because I felt that in seeking medical help I had denied God's power. I even felt unworthy to attend church services or to read the Lesson-Sermon, given in the Quarterly. But at last I took my stand and made a firm decision to depend on Christian Science regardless of what the material picture might be.
