AROUND THANKSGIVING LAST YEAR, my family had to move my dad into a Christian Science care facility in California. A long-standing condition seemed to require more assistance than my mom could give on a frequent basis. We were all glad to see my dad more comfortable and in the loving care of the dedicated Christian Science nurses, and the move also served as a call to action for everyone in our family to pray more diligently about the false picture that was being presented. We knew that my dad is an idea of God—expressing power and authority—not an aging man or a helpness victim.
After a couple of months, one of my brothers called to say that my dad's health appeared to be failing. We live hundreds of miles away, and when I told my wife she offered to take care of our kids if I wanted to take a trip to visit him. Considering the demands of her job, this was a generous offer, and I was grateful for it.
I spent about a week in California, visiting my dad for many hours each day. We had lots of good discussions, I read him various articles from Christian Science periodicals and lectures, and I had opportunities to pray when he was resting. It was a great visit for both of us, and helpful for my mother and my brothers.
