Today we are transporting 77 year old Librado. He has 5 children and several grandchildren. 2 of his children live here in the United States and the rest of his family still live in Mexico with him. He was in Nebraska visiting when he became ill and now wanting to be closer to the rest of his family, he will be going to Pueblo.
As we arrive at the hospital in Lincoln we are greeted by Librado’s daughter-in-law Sandra, 3 of his grandchildren and an interpreter since he does not speak english. Also at his bedside are several staff members, his nurse Michelle, his respiratory therapist Kim and the case manager Christine.
They have all been instrumental in putting this transport together. We have been blessed to work this hospital in the past and all of the staff I have encountered are outstanding. As we are loaded and ready to leave Michelle turns her face so that Librado does not see her crying. She then tells him how much she will miss him and his family.
Sandra and the children hope to travel to Pueblo this coming weekend to see him. In the meantime his daughter Maria is planning on being in Pueblo when he arrives. She does not speak english either so I told Sandra that I would call her once we land so that she could then contact Maria. Maria will still be a ways from where Librado will be but the facility he is going to specializes in patients with ventilators.
We arrive plane side and are quick to get Librado inside and out of the bitter cold wind. Just prior to take-off we snapped a picture of him on Nellie and sent it to Sandra. Our flight was pretty uneventful and Librado did well. Upon landing we transferred him inside the ambulance for our short ride to the new facility. I called Sandra as promised so that she could contact Maria.
Once there, we were again greeted by a cheerful staff who had been expecting Librado. The nurse, the respiratory therapist and several others including the director all entered the room to meet Librado and help in any way. He has been on the ventilator for several months and they are confident that they can help to get him off.
We joined hands and prayed for Librado and his family prior to leaving. We left comfortable in knowing he is in good hands and will receive great care just as he had in Lincoln. Please continue to pray that Librado can be weaned from the ventilator, this will allow him to then move to a rehab unit even closer to his family.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:11
FINALLY, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, REJOICE ! STRIVE FOR FULL RESTORATION, ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER, BE OF ONE MIND, LIVE IN PEACE. AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU.
Thank you to Hal, Jason and Carla for sharing this mission with me.
Many blessings and may the God of peace and grace be with each of you who continue to pray
for this ministry.
Shelli Engle RN
