TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD (PART 1)

Bruce Baker worked for a large bottling company in Youngstown, Ohio. It was in the early fall of 1948 when his illness began. It all started with what seemed to be an innocent, hacking cough. Bruce was not in the least worried. He figured that cutting down on his smoking and a box of cough drops would fix him up. It did not—the coughing spells became increasingly frequent and severe.

THE CONDITION WORSENS

One night in October, he came home from work feeling miserably ill. He thought he had bronchitis, so he self-medicated, and then returned to work, feeling a bit better, but still far from well. Three weeks later, on November 2, he came home from work too sick to stand on his feet. At 7:00 P.M. he suffered a violent chill despite the hot water bottle and extra blankets his wife Geneva piled upon him. He continued shivering until after four o’clock the next morning.

MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

That afternoon, the doctor diagnosed his illness as viral pneumonia. For thirty days he was treated for this disease, but his condition continued to grow worse rather than to improve. The most frightening symptom of all evidenced itself: each time that he would cough in the grip of a chill, he would find himself unable to breathe. He had to physically force the air in and out of his lungs. Many nights, Geneva sitting and kneeling by his bedside prayed the whole night through.

DISCOVERY OF THE TRUE CAUSE

Viral pneumonia was soon not sufficient to explain his illness. To get at the source of his illness, Bruce was tested for various possible ailments, but all tests proved negative; his illness continued unabated. Finally, one of the doctors at the South Side Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio, questioned him about the nature of his work before he was ill.

The physician discovered that the alkali mixed with water in the bottle washer for sterilization purposes had burnt his lungs, as Bruce must have inhaled large quantities of the fumes while using a stick to stir the mixture.

FINAL DIAGNOSIS AND LONG SUFFERING

The physician suggested that the patient be tested to confirm his diagnosis. This was done and it was found that his lungs had indeed been badly burned.

His illness was diagnosed as emphysema and bronchial asthma. He underwent a lengthy course of treatment in Cleveland, but his condition did not improve. Bruce was hospitalized three times in Youngstown, and under the care of a total of nine doctors. For over four years he could not work—all he could do was sit or lie.

Miraculous Monday: 26th December 2022

Miraculous Monday 023