In January, 1925, I was involved in a collision with two streetcars. I was in my automobile (stalled on the ice) in the middle. The streetcars were unable to stop because of ice on the rails. An ambulance carried me to a hospital in an unconscious condition. My mother was notified, and also all of my family and relatives. Mamma called a Christian Science practitioner, and then came to the hospital immediately. After looking at the X-ray pictures of my head (I had no other apparent injury), the doctor stated that there were fractures, and that I could not possibly live. Mother did not believe his statement. She was earnestly, bravely, positively, lovingly, praying for me as taught in Christian Science.
Some time later, the doctor came into the room to check on my condition. After checking he stood by the bed for several minutes. Finally, he said, very gently, "Your son has passed on." Mamma continued to pray for me. The doctor said he was very sorry and walked to the door, where he stopped. My mother said, "Doctor, you have made a mistake." He came back to the bed immediately to re-check my condition. With a look of wonder, he stated this time, "Your son is alive. Give the good God all of the credit, as we have done nothing for him."
Mamma sent a telegram to her only sister on the West Coast, and she came to us immediately. My mother was with me every night, and my aunt every day. I was attended by my beloved father, brothers, cousins (all of whom were Christian Scientists), and friends. I was unconscious for several days and conscious for several days, but not rational. My left side was paralyzed. The practitioner and my loved ones met every problem through prayer, and the hospital gave me no medical treatment.
