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(no subject)
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Bob Johnston
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Jan 20, 2004 08:01 PST
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CHICKEN SOUP DAILY SERVING:
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A Hidden Miracle
By Laura L. Peterson, D.C.
During my last year at chiropractic school, I was privileged to be
included in a chiropractic mission to El Salvador. I joined a group of
fifty dedicated chiropractors and interns for a weeklong trip. In small
groups, we spread out all over the country to bring chiropractic to the
people of El Salvador. My small group was stationed at a church in the
capital, San Salvador.
The first morning we arrived just before 8:00 a.m. to see 100
people lined up outside of the church. Some had traveled for more than
four hours by bus. Through word of mouth and news reports, they had
heard of our arrival and anxiously waited to be seen by the American
chiropractors.
Seven of us quickly set up our adjusting tables in a small room
just inside of the church. As the clock struck 8:00 a.m., the outside
doors opened and the line rushed forward. It was first come, first
serve and as soon as one patient finished, the next in line was just
seconds away. Being a chiropractic intern, I was used to seeing only a
few patients per day. I quickly adapted my skills to be
able to see over 100 patients per day. The range of conditions,
llnesses, and complaints was amazing. There was everything from severe
scoliosis and back injuries to heart problems and diabetes.
Many patients touched my heart during my time in El Salvador, but
the most memorable was Miguel. About half way through the first
morning, a mother brought her six-year-old son to me. My Spanish was
very limited, but with the help of a translator, I understood the boy to
have a very weak immune system. He had frequent head and chest colds,
sinus infections and bronchitis. His mother was very concerned about
him, since he was continually sick.
After examining the boy, I discovered he had severe misalignment of
one of the vertebrae in his upper neck. I adjusted him that morning. I
explained to his mother that we were only here for a week and it was
vitally important that he be adjusted as often as possible. She agreed
to bring him back for his second adjustment that afternoon and then
every day that week.
The next day I kept my eye out for him. I didn't see him in the
morning, but I saw him just after lunch. He had a big smile on his face
and was very excited to be back. I checked him again and found some
improvement since the previous day. Encouraged by the changes, I made
another adjustment in his upper neck.
On the third day, I was again thrilled to see Miguel and his
mother. Not only did Miguel have a huge smile on his face; this time so
did his mother. She was elated and was talking so quickly in Spanish
that my translator could hardly keep up. I understood about Miguel's
illnesses, but I did not know about his other challenges. His mother
explained that Miguel had difficulty talking because he had problems
making certain sounds and articulating his words. He
had previously been shy and withdrawn due to his difficulty
communicating.
Miguel's mother was so excited because suddenly Miguel's ability to
communicate completely changed. He began talking as a normal
six-year-old boy would. He was able to form sounds properly and
articulate his words. Miguel could express himself and tell stories and
be the young boy he was meant to be.
I will never forget Miguel, nor the precious week I spent serving
in El Salvador. It was an honor and a privilege to be part of that
mission. Everyone greeted me with a warm heart and open arms. They are
some of the most loving and gracious people I have ever met. I left El
Salvador not only with memories that will touch my heart forever, but
also a bag filled with gifts from many of
the patients as a thank you for bringing chiropractic into their lives.
Every time I think of Miguel it reminds me that there is a hidden
miracle in all of us just waiting to be uncovered.
______________________________
Reprinted by permission of Laura L. Peterson, D.C. (c) 2003 from Chicken
Soup for the Chiropractic Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and
Dr. Fabrizio Mancini. In order to protect the rights of the copyright
holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior
written consent. All rights reserved.
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May you be blessed today
Bob Johnston
Sand Dollar Publisher
Minneapolis
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