36 year old Nate was on vacation in Florida when he dove into a shallow pool and hit his head. He was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed as an incomplete quadriplegic, meaning that he does have some gross movement of his arms. We were contacted by his brother Matt to bring him back to Indianapolis.
So we landed in Fort Myers just in time for the daily afternoon downpour and make our way to the hospital. Nate is definitely ready to go back home. Even better news he is beginning to get sensation back all over his body as well.
We arrive back at the airport where Hal and Pastor Eric have been waiting. With a break in the rain, Pastor Eric prays over Nate as we board Nellie.
Nate did great during his flight despite the fact he is not a big fan of flying. He was able to sleep a good part of the way. Nate and his family are from Muncie, Indiana. He has 1 brother who is retired from the pharmaceutical industry and his sister is an 8th grade high school math teacher.
Nate attended Ball State and has 1 year left of residency in becoming a medical doctor. He shared that he had taken a break to spend time with his father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. His brother along with their mom is helping to care for their father.
Our flight was rather quiet as we allowed Nate to rest. At last we have landed back home again in Indiana. Nate is now awake and very happy. I called his brother to let him know we were on our way to the rehab facility.
In a very short time we arrived and were greeted by Matt and their sweet parents.
After placing Nate into bed his family joined us in prayer.
He has a wonderfully supportive family whom I know will encourage him in rehab. We also encouraged him to not give up on becoming a doctor.
2 CORINTHIANS 5:1
FOR WE KNOW THAT IF THE EARTHLY TENT WE LIVE IN IS DESTROYED,
WE HAVE A BUILDING FROM GOD, AN ETERNAL HOUSE IN HEAVEN,
NOT BUILT BY HUMAN HANDS.
Thank you to Hal, Jason and Eric for sharing this mission with me.
Many Blessings
Shelli Engle RN
JUST A PLANE FUN FACT:
The song “Back Home Again in Indiana” was 1st published in 1917. At that time it was a current pop tune selected by Columbia Records and released as a 78. (If you don’t know what that is, check with your parents) For years Louis Armstrong and his All Stars would open each public performance with this number. Although not the official state song perhaps the best known song that pays tribute to the Hoosier State.
