When Prayers Are Answered
We are living in difficult times. From the COVID-19 virus; pressure of home-schooling; millions of people unemployed; donations to feed the hungry; senseless police driven murder of a citizen; daily protests; riots and looting; things just can’t get any worse. So, when something positive and good happens, let’s not hesitate to shout it out.
On the morning of March 22, I received a text from one of our officers, and DRT members, Gary Degrijze, that he was being admitted to Stony Brook Hospital. He had been struggling with his health for about two weeks, could hardly breathe, and had just tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. He texted, “I won’t be leaving here for a while”. The pandemic was in its infancy at this time and the body count low. His wife Ana had to drop him off at the door of the hospital. Gary, being an active Army Reservist, and in good physical shape, had to know he had a fight ahead of him.
Conversation with Ana was daily after that day. Ana, a Postal Employee, was placed in quarantine for the next two weeks. Thoughts and lots of prayers from this office and all who know the DeGrijzes went out to the family, as well as Gary, who had begun the fight of his life. Gary was placed on a ventilator shortly after his arrival. Ana kept the faith and constantly said, “he will beat this”.
Weeks passed, Gary was still on the ventilator and had heart issues. On Easter Sunday, the nurses at Stony Brook connected the family through Face-Time so they could communicate with Gary. When Gary heard their voices, he opened his eyes; and the machines went crazy. “He’s coming home to me, I got my Easter Miracle’, Ana texted”. I heard the hope and faith in her voice. I promised her to keep the prayers coming.
On April 16, Gary was started on dialysis as his kidneys became infected. Geesh! But Gary was still fighting. Ana and his family stayed positive though she said it was hard. There was a couple of times the doctors said they had done all they could do, for the family to get ready to say goodbye. And then a miracle happened! He started doing better. At last, he was starting to get weaned off the ventilator. The nurses would adjust the settings to slowly wean him off. There were some setbacks but he prevailed. His breathing got stronger, and they started him on breathing therapy.
April came and went. May arrived and Gary took a turn for the better. His family kept in constant contact through face time and I believe it gave him more fight. Ana says his nurses were tremendous, and he was such a good patient. On May 18, Ana texted and said, “Gary is doing Great”. If you wish to text him, he has his cell phone with him”. I could literally hear the joy in her voice. She was waiting a long time for this. Well, two minutes later, he called me. As the tears filled my eyes, I knew he was going to make it.
On Friday, June 5, Gary DeGrijze was discharged from Stony Brook Hospital and went to a rehabilitation hospital.
FYI. Gary spent seven weeks on the ventilator. His kidneys are fine. He is now in therapy for his arm and leg muscles, but he made it. He is a Miracle.
