Many Years Ago, when our children were about 10 and 12, I built a platform for them to jump off while holding on to a rope swing. To test the rope's strength, I climbed the platform, sat on the swing seat, and jumped off. Seconds later, I landed hard on my back on the eight-inch-high edge of the board that had formed the swing's seat — the knot had come undone. It appeared that some bones had either broken or been severely dislocated. With my kids' help and all the strength I could muster, and relying on God, I struggled first to our deck chaise, and then inside onto my bed. The children encouraged me all the way with the thought that God never created accidents.
Moving and breathing were very difficult. As soon as my wife returned home, she began praying, as well. In a couple of days I began to move a little more freely. Soon another relative, who was a Christian Science practitioner, arrived at our home for a Christmas visit, and I asked her for Christian Science treatment.
A couple of days later, I wondered if I should get X-rays, as it was very obvious that some back bones were still very much out of place. But I felt my real need was to have "absolute faith that all things are possible to God" (Science and Health, p. 1).
