Now it’s getting wild
You could describe Don German as an adventurer. Independent, life-affirming and full of energy. In his youth, he even rode his racing bike through France. Now he is 7o years old. He spends his retirement with his wife in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. A year ago, he lost his lower left leg. Unfortunately, poor circulation due to his diabetes made the operation necessary. Afterwards, the previously so agile man was confined to a wheelchair.
“If you want a prosthesis,” he was told, “then you have to go abroad and look around!”
Don German spent the days at home sad and depressed. When you’ve reached the end of your rope, many people remember God. So did German. His prayer was a silent cry for help borne by the hope that God could actually hear our cries.
Shortly afterwards, he is sitting in his apartment as usual. The door is slightly ajar. A stranger comes by to visit his neighbor in the apartment building. The man’s gaze falls on his stump. “Why don’t you go to Curahuasi to the Diospi Suyana hospital? I’m sure they can help you!”
Don German moved away again last Monday. His prosthesis – in a leopard look at his own request – helps him regain his independence and drive.
In his own words, he is looking forward to going dancing with his wife.
When Christian Haupt, head of the orthopaedic workshop, tells me the story, he has my full attention. From the wheelchair to the dance floor. From neediness to independence. Simply brilliant. /KDJ
