Granwel and Nereza were both strong in their Christian faith along with their love of God and family. They raised their children in this same manner.

Joe followed in his father’s shoes starting out as a medic and eventually becoming a physician assistant (PA). He also has a love for aviation and currently owns 3 aircrafts that he enjoys flying. He has served in the National Guard for the last 9 years and was recently promoted to Colonel. Quite a busy man when you add on husband and father.

He met his beautiful bride Diane several years ago on-line. She was caring for her mom at the time and neither had been married before. They have now been married for 14 years. 

Diane is the youngest of 6 having 5 older brothers making her the only daughter and the baby in her family. She works as a sales consultant for a faith-based telecommunications and security company called “Hiscall” and absolutely loves it. 

Diane reached out to us pretty recently to transport her husband Joe who at the young age of 53 had a stroke. 

As I said earlier he is a PA and combines that with his love for both travel and flying so he works as a traveling PA. He recently signed a 2 year contract with a hospital in Iowa where he would work a few weeks on and a few weeks off. Earlier that day he had flown himself there and later that same day he began his night shift at the hospital. 

In addition to all of this he has been doing some very intense work-outs in an effort to get his body physically ready for the necessary requirements to make Colonel. It was while sitting at the desk and working through some charts that he suddenly fell to the floor. The staff immediately rushed over to him and began stabilizing him for transport to a larger hospital nearby to better care for his needs.

When Diane received the call about his stroke she quickly packed a few things and contacted the airlines. Unable to find a flight soon enough, a friend of theirs simply said, “meet me at the airport and I will fly you there.” Another friend flew out to Iowa to fly Joe’s plane back to Tennessee.

Finally, Joe is now able to fly back home for rehab. The stroke has affected his right side but he is improving really well. He knows what he wants to say but still has difficulty saying it which is quite frustrating.

We landed in Iowa where the rain had recently stopped and the clouds were beginning to open up to a beautiful blue sky. The temperature was perfect and the faint smell of fresh rain lingered in the air. Claire and I stepped inside the FBO and were greeted by a stunning, adorable, dark headed young woman. Without hesitation she smiled and said, “you must be my crew!” Her personality was bubbly and contagious! We said, “yes” and quickly went out to meet Joe.

Joe is quite handsome having a head full of thick dark hair with a hint of grey. A mustache, goatee and rich tan skintone. We secured him inside the aircraft and raised his head so that he could see out of the window. He is used to being in the pilot seat not lying down as a patient.

Our flight was smooth and Diane, Claire and I chatted the entire time. She suggested we turn on ATC (air traffic control) so that Joe could enjoy listening. He would occasionally reach his arm up for her hand to hold.

It was great to hear Diane share with us how God has worked in their lives and continues to do so. Her faith is very strong too and together we wondered how people who do not have faith get through life. 

She shared about how God brought Madison their 19 year old daughter into their lives when she was just 10 years old. They were able to adopt her and she has been a precious blessing for both of them. You could hear the love in her voice as she spoke about her. Madison is in her 2nd year of college and lives on campus just about 15 minutes from home. For her high school graduation they went to Paris and are planning a trip to Italy for her college graduation. They also have 3 dogs, a yellow lab, a black lab and a pomeranian who rule their home. 

We really enjoyed talking with Diane. She is truly a delight. 

The time seemed to pass too quickly and we were landing in Tennessee. The ground ambulance was running about 20 minutes late which was another God ordained blessing as I see it.  

There were at least 20+ family and friends waiting at the gate. Unfortunately it looked like they were not going to allow them all out on the tarmac. As I began walking toward the crowd an adorable young girl was walking toward me. She had a sweet round face, soft smile and long gorgeous blond hair. She looked at me and said, “that’s my mom” as I replied, “you have to be Madison.” 

I continued on and after speaking with the gentleman in charge of the FBO to explain the circumstances he and I escorted everyone out to the plane. One by one they all stood in line patiently awaiting their turn to climb on board and see Joe for themselves. Madison being first of course. Tears streamed down his cheeks with gratitude as each one welcomed him home with a huge hug. Claire, also teary-eyed, was inside with Joe and able to snap a picture of almost each one.

After everyone had had their opportunity to see him the ambulance showed up. It was such a tender heart-warming sight to be a witness to. I imagine perhaps like heaven will be when God calls His children home to paradise to spend eternity in His presence.

Please continue to pray for Joe and his continued rehab. He is highly motivated and without a doubt will work hard and God willing have a complete recovery. Also for his entire family as they represent God in their everyday lives.

PSALM 92:1-2,4-5

IT IS GOOD TO PRAISE THE LORD, PROCLAIMING YOUR LOVE IN THE MORNING AND YOUR FAITHFULNESS AT NIGHT. 

I SING FOR JOY AT THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS. HOW GREAT ARE YOUR WORKS 

O’ LORD, AND HOW PROFOUND YOUR THOUGHTS.

Thank you to Hal and Claire for sharing this mission with me.

Soli Deo Gloria and Blessings,

Shelli RN