Flu Shot Gone Wrong

By Michelle Mouille

"EVEN THOUGH LIFE KNOCKED ME TO MY KNEES, GOD HAD ALREADY EQUIPPED ME WITH THE POWER TO GET BACK UP!... I JUST DIDN'T KNOW IT YET!"

This is an unvarnished account of how a vibrant little boy's life was transformed perpetually after taking a simple vaccine: the flu shot!

Author, Michelle Mouille, thought the

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: May 21, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890413567

Michelle Mouille

ABOUT THE AUTHORMs. Michelle Mouille, a native Texan, is a devoted mother, determined advocate, three-time Tae Kwon Do Olympic champion, Christian speaker, and entrepreneur. She is President and Founder of Wish For The Sky Brain Injury Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation granting wishes to children with brain injury, epilepsy, and autism. They also hold community events for the public free of charge, such as their Christmas Give Back and Tacos and Testimonies faith-filled event. Currently, Ms. Mouille is spearheading proposed legislation for vaccine reform.

Book preview

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Flu

Shot Gone Wrong

A Mother's True Story of

Faith, Hope, Love, & Divine Intervention

in the Midst of Upheaval

Michelle Mouille

Flu Shot Gone Wrong: A Mother’s True Story of Faith, Hope, Love, & Divine Intervention in the Midst of Upheaval

Trilogy Christian Publishers A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive Tustin, CA 92780

Copyright © 2024 by Michelle Mouille

Scripture quotations marked BST are from The English translation of The Septuagint by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brenton (1851). Public domain. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM. Scripture quotations marked ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Scripture quotations marked (TLB) are taken from The Living Bible, copyright c 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without written permission from the author. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, CA 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

Cover design by: Kelly Stewart

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN: 979-8-89041-355-0

E-ISBN: 979-8-89041-356-7

What Others Are Saying

Flu Shot Gone Wrong is one mother’s riveting account of her family’s journey from catastrophe to exultation. The unconditional love and unshakeable faith detailed within this page-turner will inspire you to persevere, even in the face of insuperable adversity.

—Grace Rollins

Owner of L&R Associates, Real Estate Broker for fifty-plus years

Ms. Mouille writes with enthralling sincerity. A must-read for any parent!

—Jacob Alford, Esq.

Attorney, Co-Owner of Alford & Clark Law Office

Every chapter of this book caused me to become progressively impassioned. I cried, empathized, hoped, and celebrated, finding myself engrossed in every word. A truly beautifully written account of personal tragedy that will restore your belief in the power of prayer and divine miracles!

—Christine Cumberledge, B.M. Ed

Middle School Band Director/Included Several Times In:

Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers

An inspirational love story that will move the hardest of hearts. A mother’s love, tested almost beyond human comprehension, proves to be enduring and unconditional, especially when coupled with faith and the grace of God. A remarkable journey you will never forget.

—Susan G. Simmons, J.D., Mba

Attorney

Dedications

To my darling son, Maurice:

I have contemplated for countless hours about this dedication, searching to find the perfect words that convey my innermost feelings to you. I soon realized it was not possible for me to express my unremitting love for you in just a few words or even many paragraphs. Your angelic face always fills my mind. No matter what task I am attending to throughout the day, I can always feel you with me. When I am feeling down, you always make me smile, and just one look from you causes my heart to soar. You have made me a better person and taught me so many things. Your undeniable spirit, strength, courage, and ultimate will to survive amaze me time and time again. You will always be my angel, a true blessing sent by God. I know our journey and your life story are meant to shield and uplift the lives of others. I’m eternally grateful God has allowed me to be your mother. I can only hope I’ve made you as proud as you have made me. I will always be here for you, and our bond will forever be unbreakable.

To my beloved children Malik, Mariah, and Malani:

I can still see you crawling around the floor as babies and taking your first steps. Watching you grow from that stage in your life into bright, compassionate, and spiritual young adults is a blessing for me. It makes me so proud to see each one of you develop into independent, earnest, goal-driven individuals. My love for you is infinite, and I cherish the moments we share together. I know you will prosper and do great things in life, and I look forward to being by your side every step of the way.

To my dearest dad:

What can I possibly say to you? The person who not only taught me right from wrong but has also been there for me along every twist and turn throughout my life. I’ve scoured my mind repeatedly for words that let me express my perpetual love and gratitude for you, and I’ve concluded that no such words even exist. I don’t know what I would have done without you by my side every day during Maurice’s ICU battle and without all your selfless love and support thereafter. I hope you know how much I treasure our indestructible relationship.

To my precious Hannah:

No words I write can ever express how beautiful you are in every way. Your infectious smile lights up any room. Whether we are together or miles away, you are forever in our hearts! We miss you more with each passing hour and can’t wait to see you again. We love you dearly, and I am so thankful that God is the Ultimate Restorer of all things!

To my loving family:

I am truly blessed that God has surrounded me with a family so nurturing, dependable, warm-hearted, and who has always shown undeniable love for me and my children.

Mema:

You have always been there for me and undoubtedly gave your last to make sure the kids and I never did without. I can recall so many unforgettable memories we have shared, such as you always lying with me for hours when I had terrible earaches as a young child. You wiped away my tears and placed the warm washcloth gently against my ear until I finally fell asleep. Your love and kindness have been unceasing for all these years. You have taught me to be strong, and I will never be able to say thank you enough for all you have done. I hope you know my love for you is endless, and you are like a mother to me. I love you, Mema!

Thank you to yoursiteguy.com for website developing, graphic designs, and being an all-around awesome friend!

Thank you to our friends (who are more like family) from the Agape Church here in San Antonio, Texas. You truly live by your motto: Love God, Love His people, and Watch Him Work. It’s such a blessing to see the Divine connections God brings across your path when you step out in obedience! I look forward to doing even greater work together and winning countless souls for the Kingdom!

Mover of Mountains

Faith is a force that is greater than knowledge or skill,

And the darkest defeat turns to triumph if you

Trust in God’s wisdom and will,

For faith is a mover of mountains—

There’s nothing man cannot achieve

If he has the courage to try it

And then has the faith to believe.

—Helen Steiner Rice

"Your life is a book filled with chapters that tell the story of your journey from beginning to end. The pages, no matter how smooth, torn, few, or plenty, are unique and tailored only to you. Faith is the binder which securely adheres the experiences together."

—Michelle Mouille

Contents

Preface

The Calm Before the Storm

The Storm Hits: The Day Our World Changed

ICU: The Battle Begins

Please Help My Baby

Maurice Is Still Fighting

Our Faith Will Not Be Subdued

Miracles Happen When We Move

Please Open Your Eyes

Warm Springs Rehab: Long Road to Recovery

It’s Time to Fight Again

Sometimes Things Happen for A Reason

Done! Done! Done!

We Need A Christmas Miracle

Sundry of Emotions

Please, God, Let Him Do This

Preparing for the Unknown

God Will Take Care of You

Coming Home

Getting Used to Our New Life

Hasn’t My Baby Suffered Enough?

Hello Again

It Is Time

This Can’t Be True

Does Everything Have to Be Such A Fight?

We Can Never Tell What Will Happen Next

Can I Do This Again?

Please Show Me A Sign

Returning to School: An Unfamiliar Quondam

I’d Give Anything To Take Away Your Pain

Battle Within Myself

The Lord Is Watching Over Us

The Unfaltering Love Of God

I Will Never Forget

Bounce-Back Mentality

Anchored to Hope and Faith

We Have Been Waiting So Long

Rise Up

Growing in Perseverance

Through Tragedy Comes Good

Epilogue

Preface

I have learned that life is never predictable and can throw many curveballs at you along the way. It is also beautiful and mysterious, filled with great treasures and unforgettable memories. The secret to getting through the arduous times, I think, is developing a personal relationship with God, staying in faith, whether at the highest peak or rock bottom, and worshiping through it all. During certain periods of our lives, especially the profoundest moments, it can feel as if, somehow, we are being tested. In my family’s story you are about to read, I have felt this way many times. It was as if God was watching to see how I would handle what was going on. In my school-aged years, I never got the highest marks when taking exams. However, if this was indeed a test, I was determined to pass with flying colors!

Do I really have what it takes to keep getting back up? This question constantly lingered in the back of my mind. The answer was Yes. Even though life knocked me to my knees, God had already equipped me with the power to get back up! I just didn’t know it yet!

We have all gone through adversity and had to be unyielding to overcome our own tribulations. The question is, how will you react in the storm? When the wind and rain are coming down in sheets and droves, blinding you more and more with every drop, floodwaters rising all around you to dangerous levels, and then suddenly you’re faced with a choice… Will you let it take you under or continue moving forward?

Having experienced first-hand the way tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye, I know what it’s like to see your whole world shattered and then fight from a place deep down inside you didn’t even know existed to find a way for the pieces to fit again.

I’ve fallen down many times along the way. Fear, grief, and agony, cutting deep like a knife. The old saying God never gives you more than you can handle would ring in my ears as I found myself crying, curled up in a ball. Through the darkest hours, I came to see God’s Love, Faithfulness, Grace, and Divine Miracles at work.

Over the years since heartache struck our family, namely my son Maurice, I have learned even the greatest trials can bring about hope, strength, joy, and restoration. With God as my refuge, I not only made it through but learned many valuable lessons and observed numerous signs and wonders along the way that I can’t wait to share with you.

There’s a reason the car wreck didn’t take you out, the anxiety couldn’t break you, and the sickness wasn’t able to stop you! You weren’t left here just to watch others succeed! You are here to seize your Divine Purpose and walk in the fullness of what God has planned for you! Please don’t let all the tears, sleepless nights, and rejection be in vain. Trusting and seeking God wholeheartedly when you are going through the hardest of times releases not only unshakable faith but also unlocks a master key to open every door you’ve been believing for and also ones you didn’t even know God had planned on the road to your destiny!

I am writing this book in hopes other people might benefit from our experience and come to find that God is always with you, especially when you’re convinced He’s nowhere to be found! I pray this memoir inspires you to never give up, cherish each day to the fullest, and to seek and find Our Creator with all your heart, causing you to believe again, hope again, trust again, love again, and realize your best days are still ahead!

Love and Peace,

Michelle Mouille

The Calm

Before the Storm

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.

Psalm 28:7 (NIV)

It was a chilly morning in late October. We were starting out with our usual weekday routine: waking up early to get my oldest son Maurice ready for kindergarten, fixing my baby Mariah a bottle, who was just fourteen days old at this time, and trying to let my two-year-old, Malik, sleep without being disturbed.

The aroma of bacon and eggs filled the air as I made Maurice’s favorite breakfast. I could hear him singing along to Blue’s Clues in the front room. I had been separated from my kids’ father for a while. We had been in love once, but when we started having children, everything changed. He was in and out of jail and in and out of the kids’ lives. He was incarcerated at the time, so we were living with my dad. My kids and I shared my old childhood bedroom located toward the back of the house. Times were hard. We were on government assistance and struggling to make ends meet. We didn’t have much financially but were extremely rich in love. My dad and I had always been very close. He watched my youngest kids while I dropped Maurice off at school.

Want me to walk you in? I asked Maurice as we pulled up to the school.

No, Mom, he said with spunk. I’m a big boy. I can find my class.

I smiled.

I know you are, sweetie, I replied. "I’ll see you

this afternoon!"

Okay! I love you! he called as he jumped out of the car.

I waved and blew him a kiss. I got home, said goodbye to my dad, and started the day with my two little ones, Malik and Mariah. I got them fed, did a couple of loads of laundry, and checked the clock. It was almost time to pick Maurice up.

I had to get him out of school a little early that day. The flu had been going around, and I had finally made him an appointment to get his flu shot. I was dreading it because I knew Maurice hated needles, but his pediatrician had recommended he receive the vaccine.

I often think about that day; I can see Maurice and I walking hand-in-hand to the car, But, Mom, I’m in the middle of an art project. I don’t want to go get a shot, he stated persistently.

Looking back, I wish there could have been some type of altering force that changed our course to the clinic that afternoon. Perhaps a flat tire, getting a traffic ticket—anything so he wouldn’t have taken the immunization shot.

On the way to the appointment, Maurice couldn’t stop talking about an activity they do in his classroom called King and Queen for the Day. Every morning the teacher chooses a new King or Queen. They get to wear a crown and get their picture taken, which is then hung on the wall. The other kids write down nice thoughts and draw cool pictures about their classmate who has been chosen. Maurice talked often about this and couldn’t wait until his turn!

When we arrived at the health center, I