mission_397

77 year old Ted has been living in Virginia for nearly 40 years. He was a professor of marketing at the university there and he also spent time in Connecticut teaching as well. He is a father of 3 and has fostered 4 children in addition to that. Hank is a member of his local Rotary Club and very involved with that and his church. 

He has had some issues over the past few years. It seems as though his health has begun to decline even more and he recently expressed the desire to go to Chicago where his 2 sisters live. We were contacted by some of his very dear friends who wanted to help make that happen for him. They all pitched in and raised the necessary funds in record time. Each one of them spoke very highly of Ted and how much he meant to their lives.

We arrived at his bedside in Virginia to find him surrounded by several of these dear friends who wanted to see him off and wish him well. Many of them had been visiting him regularly since he had no family there. I think they were as excited as he was. They all gathered for last minute pictures and words of kindness.

Once on board Ted was rather quiet, only answering when spoken to. I asked him if there was anything wrong. After a some hesitation he shared the he was a little embarrassed about all of the attention everyone was giving him as he did not feel worthy of it. 

I told him he was very blessed to have such a wonderful support group and I was sure that if anyone of them needed help that he would be first to offer. He shook his head in agreement. We talked a little more and he shared how he had enjoyed teaching bible study at his church. I think the lull of Nellie made him a little sleepy so he seemed to rest quite comfortably during the remainder of the flight.

When he awoke we were landing in Chicago. Upon our arrival at the new facility we were greeted by his sister Diane and a friend who had been waiting just inside the door. As soon as Diane laid eyes on Ted she began to cry tears of joy and she was literally speechless. It was obvious how happy Ted was to see Diane too. A big smile came across his face and I noticed tears in his eyes too. We gathered around to pray for his care and thanked God for allowing him to be near his family.

I have since spoken with a few of his good friends in Virginia and they told me that he is doing great since the move. They said it has made a huge impact on him and his outlook. He is working hard at getting his strength back and enjoying his time with his family.

PHIL. 2: 34

DO NOTHING OUT OF SELFISH AMBITION OR VAIN CONCEIT. RATHER, IN HUMILITY VALUE OTHERS ABOVE YOURSELVES, NOT LOOKING TO YOUR OWN INTERESTS BUT EACH OF YOU TO THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHERS.

Thank you to Hal, JR, and Ollie for sharing this mission with me. May the grace of the Lord be with you.

Many blessings

Shelli Engle RN