On Jan. 5, 1946, Charlotte Brim, age 33, her mother, and her cousin Fred started out on a trip from Indianapolis, Ind., to see family and friends in Princeton, Ind. The highway was very slippery because of mud and water. Their car slipped onto the shoulder, and as Fred attempted to swerve back onto the highway, the car overturned. It rolled down the embankment and landed in a plowed field.

Charlotte landed in a sitting position. She suffered crushed vertebrae and internal injuries. The last thing Charlotte remembers before slipping into a coma is a kind lady offering her a drink and the ambulance doors closing. She was rushed to Freeman Greene County hospital, because her condition was too critical to transport her to Indianapolis.

When she awoke four days later, she was paralyzed from the waist down. She heard the doctor telling her mom, “She’ll live, but she will never walk again.” Charlotte prayed in her heart, “By God’s grace, I will.” This determination and God’s grace were the keys to overcoming the many obstacles she would face.

In the initial stages of her recovery, clear evidences of God’s sovereignty become apparent. First, there was the local surgeon who performed the operation. It was months later when one of the public health nurses who cared for her said, “If he was sober. you were fortunate.” Some people would have pointed to “fortunate,” but clearly God was there with this doctor guiding his hand.

Upon release from the hospital, Charlotte and her mom moved into her Uncle John’s home. God’s sovereignty prepared Charlotte’s mother, Margaret (Peoples) Brim, for the task at hand. During Charlotte’s childhood (age 4–17), Margaret had cared for Minnie, Charlotte’s aunt, who was also wheelchair-bound.

The road to recovery includes divine appointments. When it came time for physical therapy to begin, Charlotte thought she would have to travel to New York to get the help she needed. However, one of the public health nurses said, “I know a physical therapist at Riley who I think could help you. If you don’t tell her I suggested it, I’ll give you her name.” Charlotte agreed and contacted Fran Eksram.

Fran did an evaluation and decided there were hopeful possibilities. On Fran’s advice, Charlotte asked her doctor to get Hofstrand canes and long leg braces. The doctor discouraged her from getting these, saying she would not be able to use them. Charlotte persisted, saying, “I know what I want.” After months of therapy, Charlotte climbed a flight of stairs at Riley. That same doctor stood at the bottom, saying, “I never thought I would see her do this.” Charlotte used these braces and canes for the next 12 years.

Prior to her accident, Charlotte had taught school in a variety of settings at Bicknell, Princeton, and Indianapolis. She was a wonderful teacher, who always appeared happy and very alive, with a ready smile for everyone. The impact she had on her students was evident by the many who stayed in contact with her.

In November 1946, following the accident, Charlotte was invited by Syracuse University to come to the next summer session and help out in a music workshop. Her talent and ability got her an offer for a permanent position on staff and the opportunity to complete a doctorate at Syracuse University. However, God had other plans for Charlotte.

Among those plans was Charlotte teaching at Riley Children’s Hospital. Charlotte taught a class known as the Vital Capacity Class, which consisted of students coming together one hour each day and singing. Often their vital signs had improved after they finished singing. During the 24 years Charlotte taught at Riley, she made many fond memories. No one can measure the effect Charlotte had on these students as she taught them from her wheelchair. Sometimes she would hear, “If Miss Brim can do it, I can too.”

It would be hard to name all the people influenced by Charlotte and those that were an encouragement to her. Dr. Robert Heimburger was a great friend and counselor with her many medical needs. She was a charter member of the Second Reformed Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis and thus began the long relationship with the Blackwoods, Johnstons. and other church members.

When once asked if she had any regrets in life, Charlotte smilingly told us she wished she had a family. God met even this desire in her life, though, through the church family. Five years ago, when she was moving to assisted living, God provided a “daughter” and companion for Charlotte, Joyce Nordmo.

Medically, Charlotte endured a great deal of suffering. In 1988, she broke her leg. In 1993, she broke her leg again. Then in 1994 in an accident she broke both legs. They were almost healed when her right leg broke again. Her right leg bones were so brittle that amputation was necessary. This led to difficulty balancing in her chair and transfers were nearly impossible. In September 2001, the left leg was also amputated because of infection. Other kinds of medical needs hospitalized her many times.

Two verses comforted her during these days: “Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them” (Ps. 119:165). “My grace is sufficient for thee; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Charlotte, who went into the Lord’s presence Nov. l 5, has demonstrated that God’s grace is sufficient. H is grace is there—we don’t have to become bitter but can welcome fiery trials with joy. Charlotte has come forth with a crown of gold.

Jenny is a member of Second RPC of Indianapolis, Ind., and is a homeschool freshman.