In 1979 I hurt my back with a muscle strain injury. I was flat on my back for two weeks and had to take pain pills and muscle relaxants. The doctor recommended hospitalization and traction but I had two preschool children.

During the next seven years, my back was very sensitive. Backaches were a common occurrence. If I would move the wrong way, I would be in pain. Several times the pain was so intense that complete bed rest was the option.

During my family vacation, in 1986, we drove to Montreal. My husband enjoys car trips and we often spend six to eight hours in the car. The long days of riding in the car, sleeping in strange beds and sightseeing caused my back to ache. By the third day in Montreal, the pain had increased. I needed to rest my back or I would not be able to walk soon. My family's vacation would be ruined and we would have to go home.

My husband talked me into visiting one more place, a church. When we walked into the church, I took the kids to the front of the church to sit. We waited while my husband took pictures. My son asked to light a candle. I gave both kids the required donation for the candles and they went up to the altar. They picked candles in front of St. Jeanne. I said a short prayer to St. Jeanne, asking her to help me so I would not ruin the vacation for everyone. After a few minutes, my husband finished his pictures and came to let us know he was ready to leave. As I walked out of the church, I realized my back felt fine. The pain was gone. St. Jeanne had listened to my prayer and we finished with a wonderful vacation.

Since the trip to Montreal, I have had no back problems. It was a small miracle for me but to be free of the intense back pain is a wonderful miracle. I will always be grateful to St. Jeanne.