When he was eleven years old, our elder son was stricken with lockjaw. The disease resulted from an injury he had sustained two weeks earlier. At the time, my mother, who made her home with us, was the only family member who was an active student of Christian Science. The first symptoms became evident on a Friday morning. My husband became greatly alarmed and rushed our son to a hospital. Following the diagnosis it was decided to take the boy home, where he could have complete quiet in order to lessen the severe symptoms that had been predicted.
Shortly after the youngster was brought home, about ten o'clock that Friday morning, he became unconscious and remained in that state until Sunday morning about seven. From the time he was first taken to the hospital until the next evening, Saturday, he was given many units of antitoxin. The progress of the disease remained unchecked, however, so the two physicians who were attending him stopped all medication. They held out very little hope that he would survive the night.
From the beginning, my mother, though she did not give specific Christian Science treatment for our son while he was under medical care, had clung steadfastly to spiritual truths found in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy. My mother affirmed over and over that God alone was present and the only power, and that no suggestion of evil could usurp the all-power of God, good. Loving friends and relatives were assisting in our son's care, so my mother was able to spend her time in prayer. Of course, after all medication ceased she was free to pray directly and in earnest for the youngster.
