Narrated by Qiu Xue-ping, deputy head nurse at Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital
Compiled by Cai Jia-qi
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Painting by Wen Mu

Three days after hip surgery, Ms. Zhang began rehabilitation. With her family’s love and support, she took each difficult step with perseverance, showing the strength of life.
Ms. Zhang, 78, was cleaning her home when she slipped and fell, fracturing her right hip. She was rushed to Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, where she underwent surgery and received care in the orthopedic ward.
The day after surgery, feeling deeply discouraged, she repeatedly asked the medical staff, “Will I ever walk again? Will I become a burden to my family?”
Although the hip replacement surgery was successful, her recovery would be challenging. Her age, slower bone-healing ability, and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes meant that healing would require time, patience, and determination. However, with the support of her family and our care team, of which I was a member, she demonstrated incredible resilience.
On the third day after surgery, we began guiding her through some basic rehabilitation exercises. When we asked her to try sitting up, she did so, but her face tightened with pain. Every movement was a struggle. “It hurts so much—I don’t think I can do this,” she said. “I’m too old. Can I really get out of bed and walk again?” But we didn’t give up. We developed a step-by-step plan to help her regain her strength.
In the first stage, we helped her sit up in bed, practice deep breathing, and perform simple leg exercises. In the second stage, she practiced standing with assistance, learning to balance using a walker. The third stage involved walking—taking steps around the ward.
When Ms. Zhang finally stepped out of the ward for the first time, caregivers and family members of other patients in the same room broke into applause. Beaming, she said, “I really can walk again!”
Family support played a crucial role in her recovery. Every day, Ms. Zhang’s children visited her, reassuring her with their presence and bringing her favorite foods, such as warm sweet potatoes and soothing soups. These thoughtful gestures provided not only physical nourishment but also emotional encouragement.
One day, her granddaughter said, “Grandma, you have to get better soon—we’re going to walk in the park again!” Ms. Zhang smiled and replied, “Alright, I promise.” From that moment on, she worked even harder on her rehabilitation. Despite the pain she felt every time she tried to get out of bed, she pressed on. “I can’t let my family worry,” she said. “I have to get better, and soon.”
Step by step, she made progress. With the help of a walker, her steps became steadier, and she was soon able to climb stairs with the support of a handrail. Her determination inspired other patients in the same room. Witnessing her steady progress motivated them to approach their own rehabilitation with renewed resolve.
Many assume that old age makes recovery from a fracture a long shot. Some patients give up before even trying. But Ms. Zhang defied those assumptions. With unwavering determination, optimism, and the constant support of her family, she overcame the pain and stood tall once more. Their love was her greatest strength, helping her create a quiet miracle of resilience.
Growing older may bring challenges, but it’s never a barrier to healing. In the orthopedic ward, we’ve witnessed countless stories like Ms. Zhang’s. Each time a patient goes from being unable to stand to walking again, it reaffirms the strength of the human spirit. With compassion and professional care, we’ll continue to walk alongside every patient on their journey to recovery.
