The benefits I have received through the study and application of Christian Science have been many and varied. It was my privilege to attend the Christian Science Sunday School, and, as a boy, I was quickly healed of a number of so-called childhood illnesses. My school and college years were generously filled with certain proofs of God's love and protection.
After graduating from college I became a member of the United States Air Force. In March of 1956, while stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, I was given a three-month leave of absence to practice for the 1956 Olympic Trials, specifically in the three meter diving event. In addition to training for the Olympic Trials, I was practicing for the World Wide Air Force Championships and the National AAU Championships to be held in July of that year.
In mid-June I injured my back during practice, and the trainer stated that I had pinched a nerve. He said I would be unable to dive for at least two weeks, and advised that I take daily whirlpool baths to ease the injury. At that time I was unable to bend even halfway over without excruciating pain. I returned to my Air Base for several days to straighten out my thinking with the understanding I had of Christian Science. I endeavored to see that all skill, accuracy, and precision were qualities of Mind, that these qualities had never been injured or impaired, nor had I as the expression of these qualities.
