After almost a month at sea on an ocean sailing race, our yacht was hit by several major squalls. During one of the most severe wind gusts, a large wave came over the bow, and I was thrown with great force against the inner forestay, injuring my chest. I managed to crawl back to the cockpit and get myself below, but I needed help to remove my wet weather clothing and get to my bunk.
I prayed for relief from the pain and for a sense of peace, but the pain was so severe I didn’t seem to be able to pray effectively. A medic on the boat examined me and requested that I take painkillers, which I took to ease everyone’s concern. However, I found the drugs offered no relief. Several of the crew commented it was unlikely I would be able to continue on the next leg of the race, and this weighed heavily on my mind.
We arrived in port 24 hours later, and my wife and a friend met me at the dock and helped me get to our lodging for the nine-day stopover. I was very grateful for their support, both metaphysical and practical, as I was still unable to use my left arm normally and could not lift anything without being in considerable pain. However, I was confident in the effectiveness of Christian Science treatment, and having abandoned the painkillers, I asked my wife to call a Christian Science practitioner on my behalf. He prayed for me for the week I was in port, and I was in touch with him daily.
