Peggy, my
mother, is 90 years old. Four years ago,
she had a series of strokes that left her weakened on her left side. She works hard at maintaining what mobility
she has, but she needs to use a walker or even a wheelchair if the walk is
long.
Over Christmas
holidays our family went to the beach for two nights…a long-time tradition for
us. We are an ever-growing clan. As Mama looked longingly at the Pacific she
said, “Do you think I can stick my feet in the water?”
“Sure, we
got strong folks here.” So off we went
helping her walk across the sand because the wheels would not roll.
Sometimes we even carried her to the water
and then back to her wheelchair. She and
we did it, but boy! Did that trek wear her out! After we wheeled her to her room, she said that the only water she
wanted to put her feet in again was the River Jordan!
Many
families here have loved ones with no wheelchairs or walkers. The families guide them and walk them or
carry them.
One mother
used to bring her teen daughter with severe Cerebral Palsy to the clinic for
her seizure medication and check-ups or teeth cleaning. Holding the daughter
upright, mom would “walk” her to the clinic by propping the daughter’s feet on
hers. Now mom pushes her in a
wheelchair…over bumpy roads…but so much better.
Daughter can now sit up with the family at home and be safe.
Giving
people wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and crutches allows mobility and in some
cases more independence. Our clinic gave
out all those above-mentioned items, and in addition beds, toilet seats, and
shower chairs to 158 patients last year.
These come from donations sent to Nicaragua through the Peace Works
organization in New Jersey.
Patients who
have lost legs from diabetes or the war, born with maladies, had strokes, etc.
now can move about some, and they don’t have to wait for the River Jordan.
It is not
quite like Jesus healing the lame but – at least – there is movement.
-Kathleen
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