My mother had been interested in Christian Science for several years, but I took little interest in it other than to attend a church service with her occasionally until in 1959 I became very ill with severe pain in my head and stayed home from work for a week under medical care. The condition continued to get worse until the doctor ordered me to enter a company hospital, since I was an employee of a railroad.
After a week of tests, examinations, and X-ray photographs, the verdict was given that I had a brain tumor and that there was an immediate need of an operation. My mother and uncle came to the hospital to see me. After hearing what the doctors had said, they asked me if I would try Christian Science. I was so fearful of an operation that I said I would try anything rather than have an operation.
A Christian Science practitioner was called and was asked to come to the hospital to see me. She talked to me of God's ever-present help and loving care for His child and assured me that man is actually ever His perfect child and that nothing can be added to him or taken away from him. I gradually felt a great sense of peace, and the pain was relieved. I was ready to cancel the operation and to rely fully on Christian Science.
