48 year old Michael’s health problems began 16 years ago when he was involved in a car accident. The accident caused serious significant injuries requiring him to have a multiple organ transplant involving his stomach and bowel.
Most recently he contracted a serious infection in his knee and that is what took him from his home in Florida to Cleveland, Ohio. Now having done all they can in Cleveland he is more than ready to return to his home state. When we entered his room he was surrounded by his family and several staff. What I noticed first about Michael were his beautiful piercing sky blue eyes. He and his wife Jennifer are both from New Jersey originally.
They have been living in Florida for about 30 years. Michael has worked as a landscape contractor and really enjoys his job particularly working in the warm weather. He and his wife have been married for 27 years and raised 3 beautiful daughters ages 26, 24 and 22. Their oldest daughter got married this past summer and they were very thankful that Michael was well enough to walk her down the aisle. Jennifer and the girls will stay behind in Ohio to tie up loose ends and fly home to Florida tomorrow.
Before we left his room they posed for a picture with Michael as he held onto the cross we had given to him.
There were lots of hugs and kisses from them even as we made our way down the hall. Many of the staff also stopped what they were doing to say their good-byes as well.
We transferred Michael from the cold windy weather in Cleveland and onto Nellie.
The flight was long but we reassured him that we would get him there as quickly as possible. The flight was very smooth and view outside the plane was spectacular.
At last we have arrived in beautiful sunny Fort Lauderdale. It is about 76 degrees with a warm breeze. I found it a smorgasbord for my senses with the sound of the many varieties of
palm trees rustling softly, and then there is the faint smell of salt coming off of the ocean in the not too far away distance.
All of this is very relaxing. It is easy to see why Michael and his family love it here.
We transferred Michael from Nellie into the ambulance for the ride back to the hospital he had been at prior to going to Ohio.
We were greeted there by friendly staff who helped us get him into his comfortable bed. We prayed for Michael and the staff that will now care for him as well as travel safety for Jennifer and the girls as they too return home.
COLOSSIANS 3:12-14
THEREFORE, AS GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE, HOLY AND DEARLY LOVED, CLOTHE YOURSELVES WITH COMPASSION, KINDNESS, HUMILITY, GENTLENESS AND PATIENCE. BEAR WITH EACH OTHER AND FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER IF ANY OF YOU HAS GRIEVANCE AGAINST SOMEONE. FORGIVE AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU. AND OVER ALL THESE VIRTUES PUT ON LOVE, WHICH BINDS THEM ALL TOGETHER IN PERFECT UNITY.
Many thanks to Hal and Jason for sharing this mission with me.
Many Blessings
Shelli RN
