You remember Wilder, the boy with the amputated arm? Well, I found out what happened to him: The other day he was helping his dad in their shop, probably working on cars or metal gates. While working, he went to hand a metal rod to his dad standing on the stairwell. When he was just about hand the rod over, he moved in front of some sort of electromagnetic field, and was electrocuted. The electricity entered his body through his arm, moved down his body, and exited through his feet. This is why his arm had to be amputated.
My heart breaks for Wilder. I cannot even imagine going to sleep, and then waking up with a part if my body gone. A part of my body that had always been there. A part that helps me do complicated and mundane tasks alike. A part that has scars and memories associated with it… And it’s gone.
The other day I asked him what he wants to do when he grows up. His face became sad and he just said, “no se” (I don’t know). After a moment of silence, he looked at me with tear filled eyes and said, “Me mano… Me mano” (My hand… My hand). I drew closer and said, “Oh it is ok! You can do anything you want with one hand!”. I then went on to tell him about the female surfer who had her arm bit off by a shark and still surfs today. I told him that people loved her because she did it with one arm, even when it was difficult.
On the way home, Lauren and I decided to pray that we could find the movie “Soul Surfer” in Spanish in the plaza… Which seemed like a long shot. We asked the Lord to place it there for us. When we got to the plaza, the second movie stand we came to had “Soul Surfer”. Prayer answered: Check!
The next day at the burn unit, I learned that the physiotherapist had been looking for a movie for Wilder. I told her what is was about and she got really excited. Some of the other kids and even the nurses watched it while Wilder was having a procedure done. I love that they were watching something about God… And they all loved it!
When I was leaving the unit that afternoon, Wilder’s little sister was allowed to come in. She ran to Wilder, hugged his neck, and profusely kissed his face. Wilder was crying and stroking her hair. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I squeezed past them and exited the building. Once outside, I found his mom sitting on bench. At the mention of Wilder’s name, she began crying and mimed that his arm had been cut off. I rushed to her side and held her. I told her how she is a good mom and that is was just an accident: Not her fault! I prayed over her and told her that God was with her.
I am so thankful to be a part of others hard moments in life. It is truly an honor to love on the Lord’s children and be the comfort they need. Because I know that when I need it, God will send someone to me.
Grace and Peace,
Katalina
