Old age sneaked up on Thomas Mahlalela, as did declining health. Then The Luke Commission came along with a bit of encouragement and a Free Wheelchair Mission chair.
“It came from God,” Thomas said. “I do not have anything to give, except to say thank you. I have no silver or gold.”
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| A TLC staff member explains to Thomas how to maintain his new wheelchair. |
Concerned for her father-in-law, Takhona Mahlalela brought Thomas to a TLC rural outreach at their community school for medications and any other help offered.
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| Instructions accomplished, recipient and caregiver and TLC staff alike express thankfulness. |
“One day about four months ago, he just stopped walking,” said Takhona. A couple months later, she took him to the city to a doctor. He was diagnosed with diabetes.
“My feet started to swell, and then I just could not walk anymore,” Thomas explained. “When I came today, I did not know I would get such a nice chair with wheels.”
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| A new FWM wheelchair is assembled and fitted just for Thomas at a Luke Commission rural outreach. |
Now 75 years old, Thomas was a self-taught veterinarian when he worked as a younger man. He has one wife and one child, a son who is Takhona’s husband. The couple has six children, ages 5 to 17.
“Now I can sit up and move and talk with my grandchildren again. They still need Mkhulu (Grandfather) to teach them,” smiled Thomas. “I’m at a loss for words. Thank you.”
(Janet Tuinstra)