Healed in many ways

A few months ago, I seemed to experience a stroke. My sister came to help, but when she found me, she thought I had passed on. She packed up my belongings, loaded my truck, and drove me to The Leaves, certain I was either already gone or about to die. She left shortly after dropping me off.

I drifted in and out of consciousness as the Christian Science nurses gently settled me into a room for care. Even in that cloudy state, I stayed in prayer, holding to what I knew of God’s presence. Within three days, I was completely free of the effects of the stroke. The Christian Science nurses were extraordinarily kind and attentive, meeting every need with such tenderness.

By the third day I was up—making my own bed, getting dressed, and moving around freely. The staff soon recognized that I no longer needed skilled care and transitioned me to Creekside, the residential side.

I spent time in my room quietly praying, and the staff encouraged me to join community activities.

I formed strong bonds with both the Christian Science nurses and the other residents.

I worked closely with a wonderful Christian Science Practitioner throughout my stay. Even though I’d grown up in Christian Science, my time at The Leaves brought a new and deeper understanding. I had always thought of God as “up in heaven,” but I learned—truly learned—that God is within us and we are never separate from Him. A major part of my progress involved forgiving my sister, and as I let go of resentment, I felt the healing take hold.

Often the Christian Science nurses would read articles to me the Practitioner had sent. One night, when I was feeling very low, a young Christian Science nurse spoke the truth so clearly and lovingly that it lifted me right out of despair. At The Leaves there is so much support. I honestly don’t know if my healing would have come as quickly without this sanctuary. I was lifted out of pain, fear, and the entire condition within three days. After moving to the residential side, I stayed for about a month, continuing to pray, study, and savor this dawning understanding that every part of me is aligned with God.

I’m delighted to share that there have been no aftereffects or lingering symptoms. And the blessings keep unfolding. Before this experience, I tended to keep to myself and didn’t have many friends. But the people I met at The Leaves—such genuinely good people—changed me. We bonded deeply, and they helped me feel more open and connected. Now that I’m home, I don’t struggle socially. My life is full and vibrant.

I’m so grateful for Christian Science. My time at The Leaves gave me a completely new perspective. I thought I understood Christian Science before, but now I truly do. In less than two months, I learned more than in my entire life, and I appreciate Mrs. Eddy more than ever. I was also a Christian Science nurse for 26 years, so seeing the other side of the work was profound. It deepened my love for this healing practice.

Since we’re speaking of the effectiveness of Christian Science, I’ll share another healing. Years ago I was in a serious car accident caused by a drunk driver. I woke up in a hospital operating room and immediately called my Christian Science Teacher. The doctors said every bone in my chest was broken, my leg was dented, and I’d be bedridden for months. But within days I was completely healed. Five days after the so-called accident, I took a long walk around a large lake with friends.

At the time, I think I took Christian Science for granted. But after being at The Leaves, I no longer do. I am deeply, joyfully grateful for this experience and for the quick, complete healing I received.