MISSION REPORT 541

5/13/18

DEPARTURE: PORTLAND, OREGON

ARRIVAL: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

58-year-old Tracy traveled along with her husband Michael on a business trip to Portland. One evening they were planning to watch a little TV and Tracy said she would like to walk to the drug store and pick up something for them to snack on. She was only gone for a short time when Michael slipped on his jacket to go check on her. Not far from the hotel he saw a crowd gathered and said he immediately knew that something had happened to Tracy.

There she was lying on the ground after being struck by a car and thrown up onto the windshield. The paramedics had to intubate her on the scene and immediately rushed her to the hospital. All of this took place in mid-March. Tracy suffered multiple fractures along with a head injury. She has a tracheostomy but is finally off of the ventilator. She is unable to verbally communicate. Michael has since had to return home to Indiana leaving Tracy there with no family.

We were contacted to bring her back home. Unfortunately, there were a few setbacks that delayed the mission a few times. Michael contacted us late on Friday afternoon pleading to get Tracy home this weekend. He stated, “I will do whatever it takes if you could please get her home.” 

We quickly put things in motion to see what we could do knowing this would be a 2-day mission for us. We would need to go to Portland on Saturday in order to bring her home on Sunday, not to mention Sunday is Mother’s Day. God intervened in a mighty way worked everything out as only He can do and Saturday morning, we head to Portland.

We arrive at Tracy’s bedside early Sunday, and the staff have her ready to fly. Her eyes are hazel and seem to dart around the room looking intently at all there is to take in. Her brownish blond hair has been braided neatly by the staff. We introduce ourselves and explain that we will be taking her home. It is hard to tell if she really comprehends what we are saying. Our ride back to the airport is quick with no real traffic on an early Sunday morning.

As Hal prays for Tracy I quickly snap a picture and send it to Michael to let him know we are getting ready to take off. As we took off out of Portland we had amazing views of Mt. St. Helen, Mt. Hood, Rainier and Adams. They were spectacular as they towered above the clouds. 

During our fuel stop I took another opportunity to text Michael and give him an update. We held Tracy’s hand during our take-off and landings reassuring her that we were right there beside her. Although the flight was long Tracy did very well, resting intermittently and looking out of her window on occasion. 

We finally arrive back in Indy to our familiar hangar. We are greeted by the line guys and the crew from Heartland Ambulance. Our trip to the facility was again very short and quick. After placing Tracy into bed we prayed once again for her recovery as both Teejay and I wished her a “Happy Mother’s Day.”

PSALM 139:13-14 FOR YOU CREATED MY INMOST BEING; YOU KNIT ME TOGETHER IN MY MOTHER’S WOMB. I PRAISE YOU BECAUSE I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE; YOUR WORKS ARE WONDERFUL, I KNOW THAT FULL WELL.

Thank you to Hal and Teejay for sharing this mission with me.

A special thank you to Teejay and her family (she is mommy to a 2-year-old   little girl) for allowing her to be away on Mother’s Day to serve this family. As she put it….here we are 2 mom’s helping another mom….what a great way to spend the day. AMEN

Blessings

Shelli Engle RN