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A few short weeks ago, the phone rang here in our Grace on Wings office and on the other end is a familiar voice requesting a return trip back home. So, today we will have the pleasure of transporting Cheryl from Arkansas back to her home in New Orleans. Cheryl has been battling major problems with her knee for over 2 years now and the doctors in New Orleans had recommended amputation.

In an effort to save her knee, we took her, along with her husband Ray to Arkansas for a second opinion back in January. Now, after a long 5 months she is finally able to travel back home. Unfortunately her problems with her knee still exist, despite several surgeries while away. Infection has settled in and for now she will continue IV therapy at home in hopes of returning back, in a few months. But at least she is able to go home for a while and she is quite ready to make that trip.

Upon our arrival both she and Ray are anxiously waiting for us. We greeted each other with a big hug and kiss on the cheek, it was so good to see the two of them. The rehab center is very spacious and Cheryl has been getting excellent care while here. Her only complaint is that the food here is too bland, she misses her flavorful southern Cajun food.

It is a lovely clear day for our flight and prior to boarding Nellie we stopped to pray, thanking God for the beauty of this day and for healing for Cheryl’s knee. We all took our familiar seats as we had once before, back in January. We then spent the next 2 hours catching up like old friends as the time passed quickly by. Ray has been able to come home a few times during these 5 months to take care of necessary things. But for Cheryl, the 5 months have been very long.

We talked about sports, they are very big LSU fans and just love sports in general. Cheryl is very much a “gogetter” and is very excited to get home to be with her grandchildren who she has missed more than anything. They live very close and are involved in many activities that she tries to attend despite her knee issues. When we originally went to Arkansas in January she was hoping to be home for Mardi Gras in February.

She told me that her oldest grandson would have the honor of being in the Mardi Gras Parade and she was not going to miss it. Unfortunately she was not able to go but her family recorded the event for her and she was able to watch it. The grandchildren are now into baseball season and she is going to do everything she can to make up for lost time. She has also missed cuddling with her dog and she jokes that she hopes he hasn’t forgotten her.

As we fly into New Orleans Cheryl is looking out her window naming off all of the familiar sites from the sky. Finally we touch down and she is smiling ear to ear and Hal calls out “welcome to New Orleans.” The ride is short from the airport to their home and as we enter everything looks the same as it did when we left. We hug once again prior to leaving, as Cheryl is sending Ray after a “PoBoy” sandwich and a “Chocolate Snoball” two of the New Orleans favorites that she has missed.

I know they would covet your prayers for healing from the infection in her knee and that she would not have to lose her leg.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:5

SO THAT YOUR FAITH MIGHT NOT REST ON HUMAN WISDOM,

BUT ON GOD’S POWER.

Thank you to Hal and Jason for sharing this mission with me. May the God of grace and peace be with each of you.

Many blessings

Shelli Engle RN