“My prayer is that someday I can walk, just like you.”
She gently reached out and touched my leg. Her words piercing.
Scars. Crutches. Pain.
As I looked back into her dark eyes, tears began to fill her
gaze. Tears filled mine as well. I don’t know what happened or how this woman
can no longer walk without the aid of crutches.
I don’t know her story. But these
simple words are one that I will never forget.
I stood in silence and looked back at her. No words.
The only words that ran through my mind were hers. “My prayer is that someday I can walk, just
like you.” They literally wrenched my
heart. I stood in silence a moment
longer and all I could think to do was pray.
So I gently asked if I could pray with her. Apple cheeks began to form and light shone
from her eyes. A beautiful smile spilled
across her face and she nodded in agreement.
We stood together her hands in mine and we prayed. The only thing I knew is that Jesus knew her
story and He loved her more than me.
Amen was spoken and I was enwrapped in her warm embrace. Her grip was tight and long. She released me, kissed my cheek and slowly
hobbled back inside so she could get back to work. In a matter of minutes the moment had come
and gone. I stood by myself for a time
and let the cool breeze kiss my skin. The
hot flush of my cheeks such a contrast to the refreshing wind. I knew this memory would forever be etched in
my heart, mind and soul. I knew I would
think of a simple step in a very different way.
I knew that now there would be days and times that I would look at my
two perfectly normal, healthy legs and I would be more thankful and grateful
than I had ever been.
