Swollen, black and blue, feverish, infected, and throbbing with pain was a pretty accurate description of my big toe. With the skill of a butcher I had tried to trim the toenail and now it was severely ingrown and infected. I was acutely aware of how tender and sensitive this area was. My whole body took on a protective posture and attitude to protect the injured toe. When walking my body weight shifted to the other leg and foot as much as possible. The eyes were ever alert for objects that might hurt the toe. Ears listened for any indication of impending danger. Hands and arms constantly braced the body limiting pressure to the injury. The mouth would often voice caution and concern to those the brain deemed reckless. Then one day it happened. I kicked the toe squarely into a chair leg. Immediately, the entire body reacted. Sinking to the floor, my rear end took on the entire support of the body. The hands immediately reached for injured foot. The arms pulled the foot to the bosom area to offer comfort. The eyes offered salty tears for soaking the injury. The voice uttered something indiscernible that was intended to bring help and the stomach offered to throw up because the brain thought it might help.
As I reflect upon this incident, I can’t help but recall how the rest of my body reacted to this injury. They all responded quite naturally and appropriately. All responded with sincere care and concern. Each part shared in the pain and compensated for the injury and invariably aided in the healing process of the body.
Richard L. Grimes
(ã 2005 God Ain’t What He’s Cracked Up To Be… RLG)
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