Grace Down Below

After we took multiple loads to the new apartment, we came upon a large television. So the three of us, two other men and I, positioned ourselves and lifted the TV. As soon as we lifted it, something happened. My right leg buckled. “Hold on for a second. Could one of you switch positions with me?” I said. They both agreed so we lowered the TV and one of them switched places with me. I no longer carried the TV; I basically guided them up the stairs. I took as much pressure off my right leg as I possibly could. Maybe I should have eaten earlier. I thought to myself. As we entered the apartment, I decided to rest for a moment. I felt somewhat fatigued so I leaned back on a chair. Time was of the essence so I stood up and attempted to take a step forward. Without warning I almost fail flat on my face. The others caught me with haste and sat me on the couch. Everybody was confused about what just happened. We were desperate for a logical explanation. In the process, we discovered that my right leg went completely limp. Neither of us had any idea of what the issue might have been. As I sat on the couch I tried countless times to lift my leg, but it was hopeless. I struggled to hold myself up so they placed me on the carpet so I could lean my back against the couch. Could it be a cramp or muscle spasm? I thought to myself. We figured it was minor so they continued to move the furniture. Before they left Ally squatted down and prayed with me. Moments later the others headed back to the old residence and left one of the guys with me. He was advised to keep a close eye on me just in case matters grew worse. As I sat on the carpet leaning sideways matters grew worse. About twenty minutes later, my right arm went limp as well. Thoughts began to run through my mind like an overflowing river. What is going on? Why is this happening? What’s wrong with me? What should I do? I thought to myself. Moments later, I called a friend who worked at a hospital within the city. He thought that it might have been a severe muscle spasm or cramp. He gave me instructions on what to do but we didn’t have the proper supplies. No matter how we looked at it things didn’t add up. So I hung up with him and sat puzzled all over again. When it seemed things couldn’t get any weirder, I had to use the bathroom. This can’t be happening. I thought to myself. It was difficult to move so I asked the teenager for help but to no avail. As I positioned myself to lie on my belly; he froze for a moment and fear paralyzed him. So I literally crawled to the bathroom by gripping the carpet with my left hand to pull myself. It took forever it seemed. After I made my way to the bathroom I attempted to stand. I struggled horribly so the teen stepped in. He held me up as I gained somewhat of a balance. I hopped to the toilet as I held onto the counter and shifted my weight to my left side. I was exhausted! By the time I made it to the toilet, I had little to no strength left. My bladder was about to explode! I tried to balance myself as I reached for my belt with my left hand. As soon as I unbuckled my pants urine scattered everywhere. All I could do was shake my head. I was ashamed. Never the less, I had the other guy assist me back to the living room. And then as I sat down, I looked up to heaven. “God, whatever it is I’m facing, cover me. Please, don’t let me die this way.” I said.