84 year old Carl and his wife were married for 64 years before she passed away a few months ago. They have an 80 acre soybean farm in Michigan and raised their son (who passed away about 5 years ago from cancer) and daughter.
Carl enjoys golfing and he and his wife have a summer home in Arizona. Since the loss of his wife, his health is such that he too needs care. His daughter Cheryl feels it would be best for him to go back to Michigan and be among old friends.
We arrive this morning at the luxurious retirement center he is living in. It is set at the foot of the Santa Rita Mountains complete with meticulously manicured, landscaped courtyards and VIP full service restaurant. I can definitely see why he loves this place. He is seated in the dining room at the table with 3 of his private caregivers.
These 3 ladies helped care for his wife before she died and are now caring for Carl. There is no mistake how much they love and care for Carl. They move him back to his private apartment and assist us with getting him onto our cot. All the while doting over him and fighting back tears as they assure him that everything will be alright. They not only verbally express how deeply they will miss him but also through their actions. They promise to keep in touch via phone and skype.
Once at the airport Hal prays and we place Carl on board Abe. One of his caregivers had followed and she got on the plane once again to tell him goodbye and give him reassurance.
Carl is dressed in a yellow polo, his hair is gray and he is now dependent on oxygen.
His is very hard of hearing and his hearing aids are not working very well. He is also a little difficult to understand. He does very well with his flight. His daughter had told me that he loves to eat. She was right.
During his flight he enjoyed a sandwich that had been prepared for him and during our refuel I grabbed him a couple of chocolate chip cookies that he enjoyed as well. I also sent a picture to Cheryl and gave her an update.
Before long we had arrived in Michigan. Once we moved Carl off the plane we met Cheryl. She had come to follow the ambulance to the Masonic Home he will now be going to.
She brought him a sandwich and some snacks for the ambulance ride. She was quite happy to see her father. I prayed over Carl just prior to his leaving and Cheryl thanked us for getting him there safely.
1 PETER 1:22
NOW THAT YOU HAVE PURIFIED YOURSELVES BY OBEYING THE TRUTH
SO THAT YOU HAVE SINCERE
LOVE FOR EACH OTHER,
LOVE ONE ANOTHER DEEPLY,
FROM THE HEART.
Thank you to Hal and Jason for sharing this mission with me.
Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.
Blessings
Shelli Engle RN
