06/01/2024
Get Up and Walk!
After undergoing the first two surgeries and spending nearly two weeks in the hospital, my body was incredibly weak as I was transferred to a second hospital. Late afternoon of April 24, 2018, a nurse named Elise, who had been attending to me that day, firmly stated, "You can't spend the whole day lying down. It's time for you to get up and walk!" I was taken aback by her words, considering my frail state. I wondered loudly, "How can I walk when I'm this weak?" Elise reassured me, saying, "Don't worry, I'll help you." With her support, I got out of bed, although standing upright as my legs wobbled was a struggle. Elise instructed me, "Move your right foot." With a lot of difficulty, I followed her guidance. Then she instructed again, "Now, move your left foot." I made an effort and moved it slightly. In this manner, I took a few steps forward, covering a distance of about two meters before I returned to my bed. By the second day, I didn't need her again. I could use the walker and move the same distance on my own.
It was nearly six years ago, but I remember that day as if it were yesterday because it gave me many important lessons. Here are some of them.
1. You may know more than your coach.
I learned from my mom that I started walking before I was one. Therefore, I walked and ran for over two decades before Elise was born. So, in terms of experience, she was no match, yet she was my coach that day. In terms of knowledge, she was a nurse and not a physiotherapist. Therefore, I don't think she knew more than me about walking, yet with her help, I could walk. Sometimes, you need help to do what you know well but are not doing. Without such assistance, you remain 'lying down' to your detriment.
2. Your body may not like what it needs.
Most often, what you need is not what your body wants. And what your body wants is not what it needs. That's why God created you with a mind more powerful than your body. Yes, you can control your body. Apostle Paul declared, "I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT. If I followed my body that day, I wouldn't get up. My body just wanted to lie down. But with the help of Elise, I overcame my frailty and started walking.
3. The body likes habits.
The initial steps posed a great challenge, but as time went on, it became easier. This is how our body functions. Eventually, it surrenders and follows the mind's lead. Despite the struggle of the first few days, I frequently went out for walks due to the noticeable benefits. Even with four drainage tubes protruding from my body and connected to external bags after the third surgery, I persisted in taking my walks. I may have looked like a moving laboratory, but that never deterred me from strolling around. One amusing incident occurred one day when I was walking down the corridor. A man walking towards me was lost in his thoughts, looking downwards instead of ahead. When he approached and realized that the moving laboratory in front of him was a human being, he was shocked. I smiled and reassured him, saying, "Nelson Mandela referred to it as Long Walk to Freedom. Don't worry; I'll be fine soon."
4. There are many Elises around each one of us.
Reflecting on your unfulfilled goals of the past years, you may be tempted to remain lying down. However, Elise's advice was clear: "Get up and walk!" If you can't do it on your own, there are people willing to assist you. If they don't volunteer, take the initiative to ask them for help. In any case, cooperate with them. By the way, my recovery after that hospital stay was long and with many setbacks. I am grateful for the numerous 'Elises' that God has placed in my life. My children, in particular, stepped in where Elise left off. One would say, "Daddy, you can't eat that." "Daddy, you need to rest now." instructs another. At work, my colleagues often remind me to take breaks and have lunch. I'm grateful to all the caring people around me. I have humbly learned to accept the guidance of these Elises in my life. Thanks to God, I am completely well now. In fact, I am healthier and stronger than I was 30 years ago!
