These days, life is hard for just about everyone. Maybe you’re stuck inside and your mental health is suffering. You might’ve lost your job and now you’re worried about getting your next paycheck. Or perhaps nothing terrible has happened but you’re eager to get back outside.
Whatever the case may be, people who have it worst are those affected by the pandemic. While they suffer, their families have no choice but to look on helplessly, unable to do anything to make things better. After all, you aren’t allowed into the hospital to be with a family member if they’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19.
A difficult situation
One family recently faced this very situation. Rene Johnson from New Hampshire was admitted to Catholic Medical Center in Manchester for flu-like symptoms. Unfortunately, his test came back positive for the coronavirus, leaving his family quite worried.
Showing support
When they found out they couldn’t go into the hospital, Rene’s five kids and their families decided to do something about it. They wanted to be by their dad’s side. So, if they couldn’t be inside the hospital, at least they could be outside.
Setting up in the parking lot
The family wanted to be as close to their dad as possible. So, they stood in the parking lot. They were committed to staying there to show their love and support. But it wasn’t long before unexpected friendships were made.
Bonding with the nurses
This isn’t the kind of gesture that goes unnoticed. The nurses became aware this family was always outside. Before long, they started to strike up conversations.
Everyone at the hospital knew them
According to nurse Lynn Harkins, “They’re kind of famous with our staff. Everyone would come in and say, ‘Is the family there?’ And everyone would go to the window and wave.”
Sharing notes through the window
These nurses wanted to communicate with the family outside so they could tell them how Rene was doing. That led to them writing signs for the family to see. They’d say things like, “We will tell him you love him. We will hold his hand.”
The family also made signs
This family appreciated the gesture so much, they started making signs to share with the nurses. They thanked them from the window since they couldn’t go inside. Seeing a friendship develop in such a unique way is beautiful.
A turn for the worse
But things weren’t looking good for Rene. Even with incredible care, he continued to get worse. Sadly, he succumbed to the virus. His nurses were there at the window to share the news and to offer their condolences to the family.
Showing gratitude
One of Rene’s sons, Kevin, had this to say about the nurses.
“Words can’t tell you enough what these people did for my father. I really consider them really lucky to be able to hold my old man’s hand when I really wish I could’ve held his hand and kissed him. They’re the heroes in this. I just can’t believe what they did for us, and I’ll just never forget it. Just thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The family hasn’t left
The nurses weren’t able to do anything else for their father at this point. But that doesn’t mean Rene’s family isn’t still doing their part. They’re still standing outside the hospital to show their support to all the medical staff on the front-line.
To learn more about this heartwarming — and heartbreaking — story, we invite you to click on the video below. Just make sure you have some tissue nearby.
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Source: People, ABC World News Tonight
