(Minghui.org) I am a 57-year-old retiree from Heilongjiang Province. In 2004, a friend introduced me to Falun Dafa, but I did not take up the practice that year. I have now practiced Falun Dafa for five years. It is Master Li who has given me a new life.

Sometime in early 2005, I felt numbness in my fingertips but didn’t pay much attention to it. While having dinner with friends one day, my bowl dropped from my hand. Though I couldn’t hold on to the bowl, I still ignored the numbness. On another occasion, when having dinner with my son, my bowl slipped through my fingers and fell to the ground again. We looked at each other but didn't say anything. I suddenly had a premonition that I was losing the use of my hands.

After a year, I could not even walk. I lost feeling over my entire body and became incontinent. A doctor diagnosed me with Lichtheim’s disease, which causes degeneration of the posterior and lateral columns of the spinal cord. This rare condition causes atrophy of the nervous system. Most patients do not survive more than two years with this disease. After returning from the hospital, I had thoughts of suicide. I no longer wished to live and wanted to avoid causing more trouble and suffering for my family.

In the fall of 2006, a Falun Dafa practitioner visited me at home and encouraged me to study Zhuan Falun. He suggested studying at least one lecture every day. Inspired by him, I picked up the book and began to read. At the beginning, I could read only while lying down. Soon, I could sit up while reading. Later, I sat on a chair to do the exercises. Soon I could even do housework, and my bowel movements returned to normal.

A couple of years later, I realized that since I started to practice Dafa late, I should be even more diligent. So I studied the Fa a lot and memorized Hong Yin and Hong Yin II. I also memorized Zhuan Falun and read Master’s new articles. Through a large amount of Fa-study and memorization, my xinxing improved quickly. In the process, without my even noticing it, my spinal condition completely disappeared.

I am extremely grateful for Master’s mercy and to fellow practitioners who selflessly helped and encouraged me. To repay Master's grace, I will be ever more diligent.