Written by: Leon Mouton
Article source: JOY! Magazine
My brother, Paul, and his wife, Jeannie, are permanent caravanners in the Dibiki Holiday Resort in Hartenbos, owned by Oosie and Martie Pretorius. Paul suffers from facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a debilitating neuro muscular disease that causes deterioration of the muscles in the entire body. Our mother, who was also afflicted, suffocated at the age of 77 because of her lung muscles collapsing.
Deteriorating rapidly
Although deterioration differs from person to person, up until a few months ago Paul was still able to walk with the assistance of a cane. After contracting shingles, his nerve endings deteriorated to the extent that he no longer has feeling in his hands. All his limbs collapsed in a very short time, leaving him at the mercy of others; his dear wife bearing much of the load. Caravan life became difficult (nearly impossible) without the assistance of expensive equipment. The ablution facilities became out of reach as Paul could not even get upright in his bed.
Losing dignity and pride
What makes Paul’s situation so different to many other sufferers’ is that the deterioration is normally encountered over an extended period, and there is usually ample opportunity to adjust to circumstances. I, for instance, was still playing golf in 2008 and deteriorated to complete dependence on a wheelchair over the years until now. I am definitely not where Paul is at this stage – yet I am 71 years old, and Paul is 69. Understanding in an instant what the difference between pride and human dignity is, Paul lost his dignity in a very short space of time due to his dependence on others for the most basic tasks, including basic hygiene.
Sharing God’s love
In came the contribution of two beautiful Christian people – the owners of the resort. Where permanent caravanners such as Paul and Jeannie would normally move out of the resort over the Christmas period, due to it being an extremely high-income period for the owners, they gave Paul and Jeannie a permanent space that would not necessitate them moving out. Their next contribution to the crisis was when they built, at their own expense, ablution facilities for disabled people. These facilities can only be described as magnificent. On the wall hangs a painting depicting Jesus’ feet, walking on water. This was done by Martie herself. With the necessary assistance, Paul can now attend to his ablution duties in a much more dignified way, opening the door for him and Jeannie to continue living in the resort.
Following Christ’s example
Oosie and Martie, together with Paul, have started a church on the premises that is growing from strength to strength under the ministry of Pastor Alan Lawrence, who is also a permanent resident in the resort. The principles and example of Jesus are clearly portrayed in Oosie, Martie, and the hearts of the community that surrounds them. The whole community has contributed to making circumstances for Paul and Jeannie liveable.
Dibiki Holiday Resort: 044 695 1532 | dibiki.co.za
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Date published: 06/12/2023
Feature image: LEFT: Oosie and Martie Pretorius. CIRCLE: Paul Mouton
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