(Minghui.org) MAINLAND CHINA—As I shopped in a small store, I noticed someone I knew. The doctor who had treated my husband many years ago was talking with the store's owner. We greeted each other, and the doctor soon left.
The proprietor found me later as I finished my shopping. “The doctor inquired about your husband's health,” he said. The proprietor assured the doctor my husband was in very good health. “Your husband's doctor was truly amazed,” the owner told me. “'He got a second chance at life!' was all the doctor could say.”
My husband's doctor had good reason for his amazement. In 1997 doctors diagnosed my husband with acute pancreatitis, and an associated infection known as pancreatic necrosis.
The events that follow can only be described as miracles.
In 1991 my husband, then 38, suddenly developed acute pains in his back and stomach. At first, the pains came once or twice a month. Then they became more frequent.
At the mid-management level, my husband's job required entertaining clients. He often came home drunk and in a mean temper. When he was that way, we fought. Instead of looking after him, I mocked him, saying that his drinking was what caused his health issues and foul mood.
The fighting made our home life very upsetting. This also made me ill. Our home was not a nice place, for us or for our child.
In 1996 I encountered a video of the Falun Gong nine-day lecture series. When I watched these lectures, I felt I had made a big breakthrough. I now understood the purpose of life.
I worked for the government. Although I believed in Falun Gong, I did not study the principles. I just did the five exercises, which many considered just a way to keep fit. It was not safe to tell others that I practiced Falun Gong and I was fearful of being found out.
My husband suffered attacks for the next seven years. His brother, a doctor, insisted my husband undergo a series of examinations and tests.
The doctor I met at the store was trained in performing ultrasounds. My husband received dozens of ultrasound treatments with him which relieved the symptoms.
In late 1997, my husband was hit with another attack. Ultrasound and CAT scan tests revealed late-stage pancreatitis accompanied by pancreatic necrosis. The doctor called it an extremely aggressive and terminal illness, with little chance of recovery.
When his brother heard the diagnosis, he cried. My husband's doctor was direct. “This will be very tough to treat. Even if we can treat him, the best case is that he will be unable to digest food.”
Other Falun Gong practitioners knew my husband and I fought, and said I had to do better. I read in Zhuan Falun that “the first thing a cultivator should be able to do is refrain from hitting back when attacked and refrain from swearing back when sworn at.” [1]
They advised me not to complain about my problems at home. I began reading Zhuan Falun in earnest. Now, whenever my husband lost his temper, I did not fight with him.
Even so, I continued to be upset inside. In my heart, I could not tolerate his bad behavior.
I knew that practitioners live according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance. This last principle came home to me in a powerful way.
I was doing the second exercise during Chinese New Year in 1997. Right in front of my forehead I saw the Chinese character for “Forbearance.”
As we were having a family meal, I noticed my child wore a necklace that had the character, “Forbearance.”
Then, one day at the office, the character “Forbearance” appeared nearly two feet high in front of me.
These were big hints that I needed to be more tolerant. It took a while, but soon I did not even get upset in my heart when things heated up in our house.
I continued to read Zhuan Falun and these words made a big impression on me:
“You should always be benevolent and kind to others, and consider others when doing anything. Whenever you encounter a problem, you should first consider whether others can put up with this matter or if it will hurt anyone. In doing so, there will not be any problems. Therefore, in cultivation practice you should follow a higher and higher standard for yourself.” [2]
I then realized how much my husband did for our family. After I had my baby, I fell ill. Without complaint, he regularly fed our baby formula. He worked hard at his job and the company rewarded him with good bonuses.
I wondered how he endured all the pressure. Drinking to ease the stress now made sense to me and I began to be more considerate and sympathetic to his concerns.
Soon my bad temper improved. My illness dissipated. I had more energy. Family life turned for the better. My husband recovered and he soon returned to work.
When the CCP began to suppress Falun Gong in 1999, I refused to renounce my belief. The authorities wanted me to slander my practice on TV but I refused to be interviewed.
For this the government detained me and later sent me to a labor camp. My work place fired me.
This was a difficult time for our family. My husband's symptoms flared up in 2000 and again in 2002.
My husband visited me regularly while I was in the labor camp. He demanded justice for me and spoke to authorities at the labor camp and at my job. Twenty days after entering the labor camp, I was set free and got my job back.
After my release, my husband proudly introduced me to others by saying, “This is my wife, whom I am proud to say practices Falun Gong. While in a labor camp, she did not disavow or renounce her faith.”
People would question him. “You are not afraid to be involved with Falun Gong? You can save yourself if you divorce her.”
He would respond with much force. “Divorce her because of Falun Gong? Absolutely not!”
He went even further by pointing out questions over the Tiananmen self-immolation hoax and let others come to their own conclusions.
My husband has now completely recovered from the pancreatitis.
I told him about Falun Gong. My husband does not practice Falun Gong, but I do and I understand these words from Zhuan Falun. “Since you practice a righteous way, your practice will benefit others.” [2]
My family thanks Master for his saving grace!
This account was written to commemorate Falun Dafa Day 2014.
---------------------------[1] Li Hongzhi: 《Teaching the Fa at the Conference I》〈Teaching the Fa at the Founding Ceremony of the Singaporean Falun Dafa Association〉[2] Li Hongzhi:《Zhuan Falun》