Grace on Wheels
- JbelME
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Sometimes, the light that radiates from a gem shines so brightly that all who stand near are touched by its blessings. Such is the case of Prentiss Sanderson, an Army veteran who, despite losing his legs and fingers to an infection years ago, he travels the City of Hampton in his wheelchair, inspiring all who meet him.
The first time I met him, I was leaving Olie’s. With a gracious smile, he said, “May I open the door for you?” I saw him in his wheelchair and noticed his amputated legs, and I couldn’t help but wonder how he planned to manage such a task.
“Yes, of course,” I replied, following behind him. To my surprise, the door swung open — it was automatic. We both laughed.
It was campaign season, and I was running for a special seat on the local City Council. After our shared laughter, the gracious gentleman accompanied me to my car, giving us time to talk and get to know one another. He spoke with eloquence, and when he learned I was a candidate, he offered thoughtful advice and even volunteered to distribute flyers on my behalf.
At the time, I had run out of flyers, so I gave him my card instead. I didn’t see him again—until August 15th, 2025.
On my way to the Dollar Store, I spotted him maneuvering his wheelchair with ease. I stopped, rolled down my window, and asked if he remembered me.
“Did you win? Of course I remember you,” he said with a smile.
“No,” I replied.
“Oh, that’s because I had to leave,” he answered.
“Leave? Where to?” I asked.
“Well, you know the Apostles were also in prison,” he said, and nothing more needed to be explained.
He was just as gracious as before, though I sensed a trace of distraction in his manner. This time, his thoughts were on other matters — he voiced concerns about mental health and the urgent need for affordable housing for veterans living with conditions like his.
I asked if he had any family. He told me they were in Florida, but he didn’t want to depend on them. Then, almost shyly, he mentioned that he was hungry.
“What would you like to eat?” I asked.
“Chinese food,” he replied with a smile.
Fortunately, there was a Chinese restaurant just a few feet away, so we headed there. This time, I was the one to open the door for him — but in true gentlemanly fashion, he insisted I go in first while he held the door open.
He knew the place well and was familiar with the people there. Without hesitation, he ordered Lo Mein and a drink.
I can only imagine the physical, mental, and spiritual battles he faces each day. Yet one thing is certain: he has never allowed those battles to overshadow the man he is at heart — a true gentleman.
If you know him and have the ability to help, please do. Today, all I could offer was my time to listen, a meal to share, and these words — written in the hope that someone who knows him, and is in a position to help, will read them.
During our conversation, he shared with me how he could be found on Facebook and on YouTube. He does not have access to those pages anymore.
Last post on his Facebook page:
All glory to God my father my savior my friend My Healer My Redeemer my everything for those that know me you know I don't look nothing like what I've been through it's not a doubt I've been healed from the inside out for I will never be the same again! February 14th, 2021.
Youtube: Prentiss Sanderson - YouTube
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