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Family and friends, along with her church family at Puckett
Baptist Church, were the village that Melinda desperately needed.
Even though Melinda quit her full-time job, there still weren’t
enough hours in a day for one person to care for these infants and
older brother.
When the triplets reached seven months, only one of the boys was
developing “by the charts.” Austin was turning over and sitting up,
but his brothers weren’t. Tests diagnosed Brendan and Christopher
with cerebral palsy. The questions of “why” became part of Melinda’s
prayers. Her faith was being tested.
In the years that followed, all of Melinda’s questions were answered.
Christopher and Brendan’s attitudes were always positive, and they
were always smiling. Their outgoing personalities continued to inspire
all those they met. People were changed from just being around them.
Melinda realizes that she and their stepdad, Billy, have been changed
too. “We soon learned to dislike the word ‘normal.’ Our sons might
have disabilities in having their mobility confined to wheelchair
mode, but they aspire to be independent and have a drive to work,
be in public, and enjoy activities all young people enjoy,” she said.
This summer they made personalized insulated cups and set up
their sales table at Crooked Creek Animal Hospital in Pelahatchie
where their mom is employed. They’ve also played baseball with the
Miracle League in Ridgeland and have led the Puckett Wolves into
the Friday night football games.
The boys enjoy disability hunts, fishing, and playing air hockey.
Their brothers are two of their best encouragers and friends.
Melinda and Billy have set a goal that Christopher and Brendan
have every opportunity that their condition and drive will allow.
Billy affirmed, “We all have limits, but we are going to push their
limits. You never know what you can’t do til you try.”
Melinda, with a mother’s grit, said, “I don’t want our boys to ever
look back and say ‘I couldn’t do this or that.’”
Dr. Rhodes, the Pelahatchie veterinarian where Melinda works,
was the first to realize the pressing need that the wheel-chair bound
boys had. Their home is a 14x72’ trailer that sits on family land in
Puckett. Its narrow doors and challenging space for wheelchairs are
daily obstacles for the entire family. When Dr. Rhodes first discussed
the restricted conditions of their living space, Melinda brushed the
topic aside. “I felt there were so many others that didn’t have any
place to call home or have a roof over their heads. We had both.
I didn’t feel we deserved to ask for any help, even though I had
prayed to God for years for a house of our own.”
Others felt otherwise when concerned friends contacted Shannon’s
Home of Hope, a ministry named after the late Shannon Love who
was a volunteer at the juvenile delinquent center in Pelahatchie.
Since its beginning, the non-profit ministry’s goal has been to build
an emergency shelter for juveniles needing a stable environment.
While working toward the million dollar funding, the ministry has
branched into a need-meeting group that are inspired to give
immediate aid when and where they can.
When Michelle Rhoads, a board member of Shannon’s Hope
Ministry, heard the need associated with the triplets, she began to
make others aware of that need. Monies raised from a benefit for the
family along with contributions began to make Melinda’s dream
more closely kin to reality, Donations for the dirt work, plumbing
and installation, electrical work and other services continue to come
in. Family and friends are now referring to “when they get their new
house,” not if.
Blueprints for a wheel chair accessible house to call home are
being designed and will be built on the family’s property. All three of
the triplets name space as their main request. One of the boys said
that he would love to have their own air hockey game. Melinda is
hopeful the boys can have the space to get and use exercise machines
that will enhance their muscles’ mobility.
Melinda doesn’t know what the future holds for all of her sons,
but she’s confident that God has a special job or mission for each of
them. Melinda smiles with assurance, “I call them my little angels
that God sent to change me and encourage others.”
For the present, this family needs the funds to make this much
needed home a reality. Extra space is always essential for wheel chairs
and angels’ wings.
To be a contributing part of this project, visit www.shannonshomeofhope.org
or go to the ministry’s facebook page.
Hometown RANKIN • 63