Grace Beyond Limitations 【Mood Medley】Series 22

Under Limitations

During a routine visit to my family doctor, the nurse recommended I get the RSV vaccine. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is short for respiratory syncytial virus, and once infected, it can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, shortness of breath, severe coughing, and other illnesses.

Thinking about how since the COVID virus invaded, my body has long become a "check-in hotspot" that has "received countless guests," I asked the nurse: "Do I have to get it?" She responded in a non-mandatory tone: "That's entirely up to you." A standard and polite answer. To be honest, I'm not very willing to accept this kind of seemingly "free" choice. Fortunately, she added another sentence: "But given your situation, I recommend getting it."

Well, since I was already there, why put it off? So I took care of it on the spot!

I waited quite a while in the examination room and finally the nurse came to give me the injection. I have to say, this nurse who appeared before me was very special—she entered in a wheelchair, with a physique that brought to mind Nick Vujicic, that "no arms, no legs, no worries" warrior of life. The difference was that Nick could still pace back and forth on stage, whereas this young nurse had no continuation of limbs from the waist down. Her leg area looked like two pieces of dough pressed together, naturally exposed without clothing covering them, her entire body directly "seated" on the wheelchair. She wore a uniform, fully equipped, with straight golden hair slightly past her ears, clear eyes, fair skin, and a beautiful face. You could see she took great care of herself.

I reflexively stood up wanting to help her move the chair, but she said firmly: "No need!" She then used her wheelchair to move obstacles aside and immediately transitioned seamlessly to introducing the injection and began preparing to administer it.

In my lifetime I've encountered countless medical personnel, but I've never encountered such a special situation. I was curious and a bit worried. Without hands, how exactly would she give the injection? Compared to having no legs, the nurse had continuous arms, just no palms, so she had to wear prosthetic supports that fit over the bones extending down from her upper arms, tapering from thick to thin. The prosthetic supports were designed like metal clips that could steadily grasp and secure the syringe.

Noticing my arm already had half a bandage applied, I habitually closed my eyes and distinctly felt the force of the needle—it hurt more. Perhaps it was psychological? Perhaps the way of holding the needle was different? Fortunately, it was over in a moment. Once the bandage was applied, the job was done! Though this injection was atypical, it was still effective.

Living with Grace

After leaving the clinic and returning home, I looked online for the reason why it hurt more. It turned out the force came from different muscle groups. Typical nurses can use their fingers and wrists to control delicate force, but prosthetic supports transmit force differently—the insertion angle is more direct, the force is applied more quickly and directly. At the same time, because she couldn't use fingers to pinch and stabilize the skin to reduce the needle sensation, and because I was indeed a bit tense psychologically, this would also amplify the pain. Nevertheless, I deeply felt that being able to encounter this beautiful nurse was undoubtedly a special blessing.

I deeply admire this nurse's precise professionalism—without limbs and relying on a wheelchair for mobility, she could perform her work so skillfully. How much training must this have required? How much effort? She was not trapped by her limitations but was able to care for others; her very existence gave great strength to those who encountered her! Though her body and limbs were supported by prosthetics and a wheelchair, she still entered the examination room with a natural, graceful demeanor and interacted with people.

Her steady and focused service to patients showed me a grace and dignity that transcends limitations! At the same time, seeing that the medical clinic was willing to provide this work platform, employing every capable and willing person, filled my heart with deep emotion and admiration.

After finishing the appointment, walking on the road home, the wind blowing fiercely, which intensified the soreness in my left leg from lumbar disc herniation compression. Along with many "old ailments" I could only coexist with peacefully, in that moment, I actually felt my own limitations, but at the same time felt grateful for what I had.

This encounter with the nurse was somewhat unexpected, deeply touching, and caused me to reflect. Though it was a seemingly brief encounter, her actions and attitude vividly told me: every limitation life gives us does not constitute an obstacle to moving forward.

You and I are all walking within limitations, and when the time comes, perhaps we will all need some form of wheelchair or prosthesis. When that time comes, there's no need to deliberately be strong. I will entrust my vulnerability, hoping that under the Lord's grace, I can still live with grace.

———————————————————

Miao Huitian, single at an older age, travels when she has money, takes walks when she doesn't. She can be lazy or diligent, active or a homebody; appreciates beautiful scenery, beautiful things, beautiful objects, loves good food, beautiful writing, and beautiful music.