“I Cannot Do Much the Way I Am”

As a teenager I attended many different churches, but whenever I asked questions, the answers I received left me feeling more frustrated. There has to be more, I thought.

Many years passed. I married, and my wife and I had two lovely daughters. One day two young men came to our door, talked awhile, left us a book, and departed. We did not see them again. I read a few pages in the book they left, the Book of Mormon, but put it down again.

By age 47 I was crippled with arthritis and unable to walk without the aid of two walking sticks. One day a neighbor invited my wife and me to a garden party at his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When we arrived, the party was just ending. I was in great pain from the arthritis in my legs. Our neighbor’s wife kindly showed us through their meetinghouse, which was a beautiful building. Outside, we stopped by a food stall run by a man, Edward (Ted) Crosby, who has since become a great friend.

This newfound friend invited us to his home for a meal, and there we met two missionaries. The elders called on us a few days later, and the words they spoke sent a thrill through me. This was what I had been searching for all those years! During the time the missionaries taught us the gospel, I prayed and read everything I could about their message, and soon I was anxious to be baptized.

One day shortly after my baptism, I was out walking my dog. The pain in my legs was tremendous, and I was exhausted. I sat down on a low wall to rest for a moment, and it occurred to me that I ought to pray for help. I bowed my head and whispered, “Father, I don’t know what Thou hast for me to do, but whatever it is, something must be done about my legs, as I cannot do much the way I am.”

A wonderful warm feeling came over me, enfolding me from head to toe. I stood up feeling renewed. I tossed my canes over my shoulder and marched home. Despite some lingering pain, I have been able to walk many miles since that day without undue discomfort. I do not know why the Lord chose to heal me, but I am thankful for this blessing in my life.

I am forever grateful to our neighbors who befriended us and to ward members who welcomed us as we learned about gospel truths. Finding the answers to my questions of long ago has brought many blessings into my life.

Illustrated by Justin Kunz