BEING GRATEFUL

I consider being asked by Ken Curry to author this quarterly article an honor and a privilege. I am thankful for so many things in my life, and I wanted to share a personal story that reminds me daily of why I am so grateful.

On Monday, March 16, 2020, I woke up with a constant cough that made it hard for me to breathe and speak. I called my doctor and was told to take Ibuprofen, drink plenty of fluids, and get some rest. Over the next few days, I began taking 4–5-hour naps (I don’t take naps) and developed a fever that I could not shake. It was apparent that I had COVID-19.

The recommendation in the early stages of COVID-19 was to quarantine for ten days, and if one was still showing signs, then a visit to the hospital was strongly recommended. On the tenth day, my wife told me that I needed to go to the hospital. I told her to give me one more day, and then I would comply with her suggestion. She knew that would be my answer and was smart enough to call for an ambulance in advance. I had no choice when she told me the ambulance was in the driveway.

The ambulance ride was short, and I soon arrived at the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, New Jersey, on Thursday, March 26th. I remember checking in and waking up in a fog and confusion in early May. I was told by the doctor and nurses caring for me that I had suffered a severe case of COVID-19. I later learned that I had been intubated (ventilator inserted) on Sunday, March 29th, and extubated (ventilator removed) on Thursday, April 23rd. Two days later, I was intubated again, and on Friday, May 2nd, I was extubated for the last time. I now celebrate two birthdays: my biological birthday and May 2nd, the day I was given the second act on the stage of life.

After having a G-tube (feeding tube) inserted, I was transferred to The Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation. On May 13th, I began my journey to recover from lying in bed for 48 days. My Occupational Therapist (I was her first full-time patient) arrived promptly at 9:00 a.m. to start the rehabilitation process. She asked me to get out of bed so she could see how long I could stand up. I spoke with her, and she had a difficult time understanding me since I hadn’t talked much during my stay in the hospital. She finally understood that I was asking her for help to get out of bed since I didn’t have the strength to do so on my own. I could finally stand with the assistance of a walker and did my very best to stand as long as I could. I struggled mightily, and when I could no longer support myself, I sat down in a wheelchair. I asked how long I was standing, and she told me it was nineteen seconds. I was distraught since I thought I would never be able to walk again, but I was happy to be alive.

The rehabilitation process began (occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy for my swallowing issues) for an hour each day. It was tedious, challenging, and tiring, but I followed my therapists’ instructions and always tried to do a bit more than they asked.

I was reluctant to ask how long I would be in rehab since I thought it would be months. One day, my physiatrist (a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation) came into my room and told me I would go home on Friday. I wisely commented that there are 52 Fridays in a year, so which Friday would I go home? I arrived home on June 5th after 23 days of rehabilitation. I was gone for a total of 71 days.

I received at-home therapy for three weeks and returned to Kessler for outpatient treatment for a couple of months. I worked hard on my rehabilitation, taking it one day at a time. I was not a very patient person before my illness, but I learned patience after my ordeal. I focused on the fact that every day, I could do something I could not do the day before. Two highlights were when I could tie my shoes (I was so proud of myself) and put my pants on without using my bed or leaning against a wall for support. It seems like no big deal, but it was a big deal. Oh, and it was a special day when the G-tube was removed after 148 days, and I could begin eating and drinking again.

I have fully recovered and continue to work hard to keep myself in shape. I walk six miles just about every day in about 90 minutes. On my two birthdays, I walk fifteen miles in four hours. I then visit Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and The Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation to thank the doctors, nurses, therapists, and aides who saved and restored my life.

I don’t recommend the COVID-19 self-improvement program, but it changed my outlook on life. I have learned a great deal from my near-death experience, and I want to share a few important thoughts with you.

• Tell your family you love them every day. When I came out of my coma and realized that I almost never saw my family again, I broke down and cried at the thought.
• Loyal and good friends are essential; tell them how much they mean to you. I was amazed at the support I received from so many people during and following my illness. I continue to receive overwhelming support.
• Be grateful for the life you’ve been given. There may have been trials along the way, but they benefit you in the long run.
• Work on your attitude. A good attitude will lead to a good life; a bad attitude, on the other hand, will lead to despair. You can control your attitude.
• Be nice to everyone. It makes them feel good, and it should make you feel good.
• I believe the prayers I received from so many saved my life. God was listening.
• Ron Wilkson, Jr: “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose.”

I got a tattoo on my right wrist about a year after my return home: “Faith, Family, Friends.” This short but powerful verse is my secret to life.

Every day is my birthday, New Year’s Day, and Thanksgiving. I am blessed to still be on planet Earth, and my goal is to make a difference, personally and professionally, every day.

The holiday season is the time of year that we celebrate many special days. May God bless you and your loved ones during this special time, and I wish you all the best in 2025.

Be grateful for your life and the blessings bestowed on you.

Bill Squires

Posted December 17, 2022