32 year old Megan was born and raised in Michigan until she and her family moved to Indiana briefly and finally to New Orleans. She holds a degree in criminal justice, is married with 3 sons and is 22 weeks pregnant.
Around the age of 21 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is the most common autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The immune system eats away at the protective covering of the nerves allowing the formation of lesions along these areas.
This is what has landed Megan in the hospital, commonly called an exacerbation or flare up. This is generally brought on by stress. Megan currently has paralysis to her right side as a result which has left her unable to stand or walk. Hopefully this is temporary.
Megan’s husband James recently took a job in Indiana and they have been in the process of making the move from New Orleans to Indy prior to her hospitalization. Her circumstances are delicate and James has not left her side.
He contacted us a few weeks back to get our help with transporting her to Indiana when the time was right. After overcoming a few hurdles, this time has finally come.
We prepare to leave Indy this morning in the midst of some stormy weather. Our flight down was smooth and sunny once above the clouds. New Orleans is hot and humid and no different than Indy at this time.
We arrive at Megan’s bedside where she is surrounded by staff who have loved on both her and James. Andretta, the case manager that I had the pleasure of working with is waiting for us as well. Everyone pitches in to help up gently load our patient and a half onto the cot. James is very organized and has everything ready.
He is very knowledgeable about Megan’s disease k
eeping a daily journal of what is going on. As we begin walking down the hallway the staff is clapping as more and more of them are literally coming out of the woodwork. Within seconds they began to sing this wonderful jingle in unison wishing Megan and James well. It was such a fun and positive experience.
Just prior to boarding Nellie, Hal prays for Megan, James and baby Liam. The heat does not bother Megan at all, as James puts it, it can be 85 degrees out and she has a blanket on. We closely monitor Megan and the baby during our flight as we enjoy our conversation with this sweet couple. James is very protective of Megan.
They have been together for 8 years and married for 3. Together they have a 10 year old and two 8 year old sons. They are crazy about these boys and share several stories about them with us. They also have 2 dogs whom Megan calls her babies as well.
According to James all 3 boys and both of the dogs tend to flock to Megan on one end of the sofa, leaving him alone on the other. Megan is hoping to get her masters degree after the baby is born. James is a hard worker and is truly a “jack of all trades.” The love that these 2 share with one another is so evident. James says they have a date to dance in mid-August. When I asked if it was for a special occasion he simply smiles and says, “no, it is a goal to get her on her feet.”
As we landed in Indy James and Megan both commented on what a great flight it was each one thanking Hal. We whisked them off to the hospital and introduced them to the new staff who will be caring for them. They promised to let us know when baby Liam arrives as we prayed and hugged them good-bye.
Please keep this family in your prayers for healing for Megan, safe delivery of a healthy baby. For James as he must still return to New Orleans to get their home ready to sell along with starting his new job here in Indy.
MATTHEW 21:14-16
THE BLIND AND THE LAME CAME TO HIM AT THE TEMPLE, AND HE HEALED THEM. BUT WHEN THE CHIEF PRIESTS AND THE TEACHERS OF THE LAW SAW THE WONDERFUL THINGS HE DID AND THE CHILDREN SHOUTING IN THE TEMPLE COURT, “HOSANNA TO THE SON OF DAVID,” THEY WERE INDIGNANT. “DO YOU HEAR WHAT THESE CHILDREN ARE SAYING?” THEY ASKED HIM. “YES,” REPLIED JESUS, “HAVE YOU NEVER READ, “FROM THE LIPS OF CHILDREN AND INFANTS YOU, LORD, HAVE CALLED FORTH YOUR PRAISE’?”
Thank you to Hal and Jason for sharing this mission with me
Blessings
Shelli Engle RN
