Man Recovers from Stroke, Completes Pilgrimage to Baishatun Gongtian Temple

MIAOLI COUNTY (CNA) – A man surnamed Liu from Tongxiao Township, Miaoli County, annually participates in the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage. This year, due to a stroke, he was unable to join. However, the Nanshi Nursing Home team initiated a 'dream-fulfilling project' for him. He diligently underwent rehabilitation and, before Mazu's departure, 'walked' into Gongtian Temple to pay respects, shedding tears of emotion. The Dajian Health Care System's affiliated Nanshi Nursing Home today shared this dream-fulfuling story. Mr. Liu, a 41-year-old native of Tongxiao, never missed the Baishatun Gongtian Temple Mazu pilgrimage in previous years. However, a sudden stroke at the end of last year drastically changed his life, leaving him unable to care for himself. He moved into Nanshi Nursing Home in January this year, initially feeling frustrated due to confused consciousness and agitation. With the patient companionship of nurses and caregivers and self-care training, Mr. Liu successfully regained consciousness and had his nasogastric tube removed. He lamented that his body was not as good as before, wondering 'if he could ever personally offer incense before Mazu again.' This touched the nursing home team, who decided to launch a 'dream-fulfilling project' to help him return to his spiritual center. The nursing home stated that to stand before Mazu in the best possible condition, Mr. Liu showed astonishing resilience, enduring the hardships of rehabilitation every day and constantly practicing with a walker. On the eve of the Baishatun Mazu walking pilgrimage, under the care of accompanying medical staff, he overcame the physical disabilities after his stroke and finally returned to his hometown's Gongtian Temple, slowly walking into the main hall with his own feet. Medical staff said that when Mr. Liu put down his walker and clasped his hands together, it was as if he was looking back at his arduous life journey from his carefree youth to illness and despair, and then to standing up again. He couldn't help but burst into tears. This scene also moved the devotees and medical staff present. In addition to seeking spiritual comfort, his family has always been a concern in Mr. Liu's heart. After the pilgrimage that day, the team arranged a vehicle to drive to Tongxiao urban area, arriving at his family's shop. Faced with this 'unexpected surprise,' his family and neighbors were astonished to see him, who was previously bedridden, standing upright before them, and they all offered hugs and praise. Mr. Liu emotionally said, 'The care from family and friends is the greatest motivation on the road to rehabilitation.' Dajian Nanshi Nursing Home pointed out that the dream-fulfilling project is not just about fulfilling a wish, but also an important part of rehabilitation treatment. Driven by psychological energy, it can enable individuals to walk more steadily and further on the road to recovery. In this season of the Baishatun Mazu pilgrimage, Mr. Liu's story proves that as long as one does not give up, the road home and the pilgrimage road are no longer distant. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150417