Jingyun and her twin sister brought such joy to their parents when they came into this world together, 13 years ago. They were like angels to their mother and father.
When the twins were about 6 months old, their mother noticed a difference between the two girls. A medical examination revealed that Jingyun had cerebral palsy.
Her parents were heartbroken by the news.
They would go on to spend all their savings on years of rehabilitation for Jingyun and eventually went into debt to continue her therapy, but the results were not what they had hoped for. Dismayed, they gave up on Jingyun’s treatments when she was 9 years old.
They did not, however, give up on Jingyun.
Jingyun’s family lavishes her with love. Even her twin sister shows Jingyun an almost parental, nurturing love. Love keeps this family together. Love keeps them strong.
The family noticed that Jingyun seems to find joy with her unique abilities. She will tap on a plastic stool like a drum, displaying an extraordinary sense of rhythm and musical talent. As she plays away blissfully, Jingyun seems free from all anxieties, living in “a pure land,” as her mother put it, her voice tinged with sadness.
Our distribution partner in China has been doing their best to help Jingyun and her family. They brought her a GEN_3 wheelchair, assembled it, and taught her mother how to maintain it. This gift allows the family to take Jingyun out more often, allowing her to see the world and be inspired.
Despite life’s challenges, this family finds contentment and joy in the love that they have for one another. What a humbling reminder to all of us, to be thankful for what we have.
Blessings,
Don Schoendorfer
