Page 78 - The Big C

look up to say, “Yes, she recognizes them,” and she quickly
did! The family encouraged her to continue her trust in God,
to not be anxious or afraid, and to never lose hope that God
will restore whatever they have lost through covid-19 (time
with family and friends, her mobility and functioning, etc.).
Worship songs were played, and prayers were uttered to lift
her spirits up. Before the end of the month, she was off the
ventilator, breathing on her own.

June 2020: Wilma suffered from what is called a locked-in
syndrome. She was conscious and cognitively intact but was
unable to communicate because of her paralysis. Video calls
from her family have been limited to only once per week.
Sometimes, the family would simply talk to her over the
phone. They hoped and prayed that they would visit her in
person regularly because touching her would be therapeutic
since touch is her love language.
Wilma celebrated her birthday in the hospital, and her family
was able to visit her in person. This was her first time seeing
any of her family in person since being taken to the hospital
about two and a half months ago. “I could say that the entire
visit was not found wanting with emotional moments. For
us to touch and hold her was very special indeed.” Perry
said. They set up an iPhone in her room to do Facetime daily.
They also planned with the hospital’s interfaith chaplain to
regularly visit Wilma for prayer, Bible reading, and the
playing of worship songs. The family was approved to see
her in person once a week, though it was tough to see her
writhe in pain. From time to time, her leg and arm muscles
would contract, which caused her excruciating pain. Only
with a copious amount of grace and inner strength from God
would she endure the untold physical pain and emotional
anguish that she went through.

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