I was planning to go with my sister the next day to help with packing and moving my elderly parents so they could live close to her, a 10-hour trip one way.

But I had to tell her over the phone that I felt achy and feverish with a cold coming on. I didn't think I should go because I didn't want my frail mother to get whatever I had.

After I hung up the phone, I lay down on the bed since, in addition, I felt the effects of the stomach flu. I thought, if I have to get to the phone to call my sister to tell her I definitely couldn't make it, I couldn't even do that! I felt so awful.

I tried to rest and, surprisingly, within the hour all my cold and stomach flu symptoms were completely gone. It was as if they had never happened. I have never taken cold medicine. My colds usually last from two to seven days, but this one went away suddenly.

I believe my very religious sister had prayed for me. I went to Arizona the next day without any ill effects and helped to get my parents moved.

J. Crane
Please respond to: John