On more than one occasion I had wondered if I would have the courage to solve a problem with Christian Science if faced with an emergency. When injured in an automobile accident about two years ago, I found that it was the most natural thing for me to declare to the hospital authorities where I was taken that I was a Christian Scientist and wished to be released from hospital and that I would rely on Christian Science treatment for my healing.
The doctor and nurses were very kind and washed me and bound my head with clean bandages, but did not want to release me because a fractured skull was suspected. And they predicted that a deep cut over one eye would never heal without stitches. Apart from this, one leg was practically useless. However, after signing the forms releasing hospital authorities and the doctor from any responsibility, I was taken to my father's home.
A friend who was traveling with me at the time of the accident had asked a passerby to telephone a practitioner; so I was confidently able to state I was having Christian Science treatment. The same friend nursed me for three days and nights and worked closely with the practitioner. For three days I was not completely aware of what was happening around me, but the practitioner told my friend not to let me sleep continuously and to keep me mentally active during my waking hours. So we obediently sang hymns together and declared truths from the Bible and Mrs. Eddy's writings.
Within twenty-four hours the gash on the back of my head had healed over, and within three days I was wholly conscious of what was going on. Also, the use of the leg was returning. Within a week I went home, and in another week the cut over the eye was healed and the leg was functioning again, and I was able to return to work. When I had a medical examination for insurance purposes, the doctor who examined me stated on his report that I had made a remarkable recovery.
I do not remember the truths declared by the practitioner, but my gratitude for this healing grows deeper; and I have gained the confidence that Christian Science can meet any and every situation that it is called upon to handle.
I am grateful for the practitioner's support several months later when I had to be a witness for the prosecution in a court case relating to the accident; and at no time did I feel any resentment towards the young man in the other car.
Although the physical healing was complete, I wasn't happy about my car. It hadn't been repaired properly, and people often commented on its out-of-shape appearance. It was about six months before I saw and accepted the truth that God's work is finished, and then almost immediately I was offered a new car at a reasonable price in exchange for the other one.
I am grateful to God for Christ Jesus, for our beloved Leader, who shared with us this practical religion, Christian Science, for class instruction, and for all the activities of our movement—especially for the literature distribution committees, through whose work I was led to the study of Science.— Warminster, Wiltshire, England.
I am the friend who was with Miss Norris at the time of the accident, and I can state that her account of this experience is true. I am grateful for my training as a Christian Science nurse, which enabled me to take efficient care of her while she could not care for herself, and I am deeply grateful for the privilege of working with the practitioner on this lovely healing.—
