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Shortly
after my recovery, Louise developed a uterine tumor. That
normally requires extensive surgery and removal of the female
organs. She was scheduled for surgery, but before the procedure,
it was discovered that her tumor had disappeared. Another
miracle.
In 1975, when my daughter Doyla was twelve years old she
was found to have idiopathic scoliosis, a debilitating spinal
disorder. That affliction causes extensive curvature of
the spine or permanent crippling. Specialists were consulted
and radical procedures were recommended, including implantation
of a steel rod in her spine or a full body brace. None of
that was necessary.
Since that time, Louise has been extremely active in Christian
ministry and heavily involved in work with foreign missions.
She spends as much or more time as a servant of the Lord
as she does in taking care of our family. She's said time
and again: "It's so exciting to be a Christian. It's
by far the most exciting part of living," And I know
she believes that as strongly as any person on earth.
Fortunately, money was not a problem when the mountains
of medical bills came pouring in for Louise and Doyla. I
did very well at the poker table during all those years.
When I left the hospital after my operation, I recuperated
for a while and then Ireturned to the poker circuit with
a zest and appreciation for life that I had never had before.
Each day when I woke up the sky was bluer and the grass
was greener. The world was as bright as could be. I was
alive. From the first session I started playing again, I
won fifty-four times in a row. I never booked a loser until
the fifty-fifth session I played. Never before, or since,
have I had such a streak. I won enough to completely clear
my immense doctor and hospital bills and had plenty left
over to keep my family comfortable for several years.
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