How I Felt When I Heard A Nurse from My Neighborhood Has Ebola

Though I’ve been aware of Ebola for many years, I didn’t really understand how quickly the disease can spread. Learning about it gave me so much compassion for the countries in Africa who are struggling under the weight of this terrible situation.   Then, recently, it really hit home when I learned that the nurse who contracted Ebola — Nina Pham — actually lives a few streets over from me. Literally just a couple of blocks.

I don’t know her, but what an amazing person!

If you haven’t followed her story, she is a Forth Worth native who went to Texas Christian University. She became a nurse and trained to take care of the most challenging cases.  That’s just what she got when she took care the first American who contracted the disease.  According to CNN:

“She is a very devoted Catholic, and always puts the other people’s interests ahead of her own,” said family friend Tom Ha, who has known Pham since she was in eighth grade.

Ha taught Pham in Bible class at his church.

“She comes from a family that is (of) a very strong faith,” he said. So he wasn’t surprised “that she (did) more than her duty called for in order to make sure the patient had a chance to survive.”

I think it’s inspiring to see people of faith bravely going into dangerous situations, sacrificing themselves for other people.  (Reminds me of a certain someone.)  Nina apparently has a dog that she adores:

Many of Pham’s photos on social media feature her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Bentley.

After Spanish authorities euthanized an Ebola patient’s dog last week, many in Dallas feared Pham’s dog might face the same fate.

But Dallas city spokeswoman Sana Syed said Bentley is safe and being cared for in quarantine.

“That dog was very important to her,” said Mayor Mike Rawlings. “We want to make sure that dog is as healthy as can be at this point and being taken care of.”

Here’s a photo of the authorities going in to get Bentley:

I join with all of Texas — all of America! — in praying for Nina.  But I’m also thankful for people of faith who so value their fellow man that they are willing to lay down their lives.

May we all be so courageous.

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