All Human Life is Precious, Irreplacable

Hope. We all have hopes and dreams. Some of our hopes are simple – making it to work on time in rush-hour traffic. Other hopes are more complex – the end to inner-city crime or food for all those who hunger. Life is filled with both disappointments and joy. During the difficult times, it is hope which sustains.

Meghan Marie Salter came into the world on October 16, 2002. The daughter of Mike and Ellen and sister to Lauren, Michael and Shannon. Meghan was born healthy with no apparent health problems. For the first three weeks, she ate, grew, slept, and did everything a healthy, happy baby would do. Then her health started to change during the second week of November.

Through all the ups and downs of Meghan’s medical challenges, the Salter family had hope. Meghan does not move her arms or legs. When she wakes from a long sleep, she will stretch her back. She also can move her head from side to side. Meghan’s smile, however, lights up the room.

Meghan is a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and friend. Meghan’s life has immeasurable value not only to those around her, but also because she is a precious and irreplaceable individual. Meghan’s future is unclear – in reality, everyone’s future is uncertain, but as members of the human family we have a responsibility to care and love each other.

The Salter family members are wonderful examples of compassion, love and hope. Mike and Ellen, through their love and care for Meghan, have lived a life of compassion for Lauren, Michael and Shannon to witness and from which to learn prolife values. Meghan’s brother and sisters will take turns picking out her outfits, brushing her hair and caring for her. When the family is playing a board game, Meghan is included with others taking her turn for her. Meghan’s room is literally the family room in the house. She is the center of activity and included in everything.

Mike and Ellen said, “We couldn’t think of having her anywhere else.”

Because of Meghan’s condition, the Salter family has a tremendous amount of family time together. Mike now works from home; this arrangement allows him to assist with Meghan’s care. The whole family participates in helping Meghan. Mike and Ellen have explained to Lauren, Michael and Shannon that Meghan is a gift from God, a treasure to be cherished.

Mike and Ellen said, “Meghan is special, we have been chosen by God to care for her.”

Caring for Meghan is not easy. Stress is common and some days are better than others. But each day God provides the grace needed. Light follows the dark days. The Salter family knows they need to be faithful to their family and protect and guard Meghan to keep her safe. Caring for Meghan is a community event. Many nurses participate by taking shifts at the Salter home, and the Salters’ church has provided meals for more than two years.

The question has been posed to the Salter family: “Wouldn’t it be better to let Meghan go to God? Then you could move on with your life.”

Ellen said, “We have changed our life completely. Meghan is our life and caring for her is not a sacrifice. Meghan is a blessing.”

The Salter family reflects the reality of the sanctity of all human life. There is a duty for the strong to defend the weak. We must make the choice to respect all human life – no exceptions.

Meghan’s redemptive suffering brings deep inner peace and spiritual joy. It is because of their faith that the Salter family has hope. Through it all, Meghan continues to inspire all who are close to her with her perpetual courage, toughness and resiliency.

[Editor’s Note: Please read part two of Meghan’s Journey in the August / September issue of the RLM News. For more information, visit the Salter family at www.babymeghan.org.]

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