Dear Sunrise Haven Staff and Board of Trustees,

Having served two terms as a board member and visited for rest and study, I thought I had a pretty extensive picture of just how everything works at Sunrise Haven as well as what happens when one is a patient. I was wrong! Until I was cherished as a patient, I couldn’t even begin to know the depth of love that was extended to me and surrounding me.

The whole process was a demonstration of Love. I was in extreme pain and could barely walk. I called Sunrise Haven, was admitted, and a friend agreed to drive me. I was on my way within the hour.

From the moment I entered the facility I could feel the love and healing atmosphere. While I was filling out admissions paperwork with the staff, it was obvious that I was very uncomfortable. The Christian Science nurse paused, put down the paperwork, and said very quietly, “The Comforter is here, the Comforter is right here.” I get tears in my eyes when I think of that moment because it was said so tenderly and truthfully. The pain immediately began to recede. I know you’ve heard this before, but the pain was like an ice cube sitting on a sunny window sill slowly melting away.

I was so touched by the wonderful care given to me by all the staff. My every comfort was seen to. My friend forgot my bag of clothes and the staff found me some to use temporarily. I hadn’t eaten much that day and was given a meal and settled in for the evening to begin my healing experience.

I think the dedication of the nurses and staff is what humbled me and awakened my ignorance of what a Christian Science nurse really does. I had seen them as very wonderful people working in a Christian Science facility and supporting healing the patients. That was just the tip of the iceberg. Every time someone came in my room, I could feel the love and the healing Christ they brought with them. There were Christian Science nurses that read to me, came in and sang hymns to me, had healing talks and shared healing ideas, and of course served the wonderful food so expertly prepared.

I can’t really put into words how touched I was by all the extra time the staff gave of themselves in addition to their regular working shifts. Many came in on their off-time to sit and read to patients or to visit and give encouragement. I had no idea of the depth of this pure love for Christian Science nursing, in the hearts of all the staff. I met many wonderful new Christian Science nurses as well as those I have known over the years. It was such a special time. I was almost sorry to leave for home because I was so surrounded with Love and friendship, but we all know we can’t stay on the mountain forever but must take what we have learned and share it with the world.

I am grateful to be free. I am back doing the things I did before and able to serve my church and family members again. My time spent at Sunrise Haven will be cherished in my heart forever. Sunrise Haven is in my daily prayers, of course, but now I have a clearer idea of what Christian Science nursing is and how the facility works.

It’s not just a beautiful building with wonderful people serving in it but
it is the Christ in action bringing healing to the world. Our Sunrise Haven is
a beacon light shining on our community blessing each and everyone in the Christian Science movement.

Love, Nancy Krussel