"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, to-day is big with blessings." These are the first words in the Preface of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. Before I could read, my mother taught me that statement; and I remember saying it first thing every morning when I was growing up. What a sense of joy that statement brought! What a promise it is!
Although my mother had been interested in Christian Science and attended a branch Church of Christ, Scientist, she did not begin to study and practice Science until I was born. At my birth the doctor told her I probably would not live through the night because of a serious jaundice condition. Also my premature arrival made him think I wouldn't be able to retain food. He added that even if I did live, my legs were so badly bowed (the soles of my feet pressed together), I would have great difficulty walking, if I ever walked at all. My dad was sent to the corner store to telephone a Christian Science practitioner and a Christian Science nurse. (I had been born at home.) The practitioner agreed to pray for us, and the nurse came to care for my physical needs.
Coming to fill out either a birth or death certificate a few days later, the surprised doctor found me well able to eat, and the jaundiced look entirely gone. By the time I was old enough to walk, my legs had straightened out perfectly, and I walked with no difficulty at all.
