When I was a small child, I was considered very delicate, and one illness seemed to be followed by another. Then my father was wonderfully healed by Christian Science treatment after the medical doctors had given him up; in fact, it was one of the doctors who suggested that he call a Christian Science practitioner for treatment.
Shortly after Christian Science came to our family, I began to grow stronger. I was able to play with other children. I learned to swim, ice-skate, and ride horseback. By the time I was grown, I was very active in competitive sports and had an unusual amount of energy and strength. The fears of sickness and injury were completely removed from my consciousness.
For several years I danced professionally, working in motion picture studios. While still thus employed, I decided to take up flying, which I had wanted to do for some time. After I earned my pilot's license, many opportunities opened up in the field of aviation, and during World War II, I served as a ferry pilot with the United States Army Air Corps. I piloted all types of military aircraft—trainers, cargo, bombers, and fighters. On several occasions emergencies arose, and I enjoyed wonderful protection and a great sense of freedom from fear.
