November 22, 2021, is a day that changed our lives forever. Burt and I tested positive for SARS-Cov-2 and covid 19 was detected. Burt started with a headcold and a low-grade fever a couple days prior. He said, “Even my teeth ache.” I started with a headache. By November 22, Burt felt sick and I had body ache and very tired. We went to be tested. Our test results: positive for SARS-Cov-2 and covid 19 was detected.
Burt continued to decline. By Friday, four days after testing positive, Burt was very weak and not feeling good at all. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital. X-rays showed severely damaged lungs with covid pneumonia. He had no underlying health issues.
I was not allowed to see him, although we could talk on the phone, but he had a CPAP and hearing and understanding his weak voice was difficult. After a few days, extreme frustration, anger, and animosity began to swell within me at the system, hospital protocol, restrictions, uncompassionate staff, and not being able to see Burt.
His treatment consisted mainly of steroids, and oxygen. When his body demanded more oxygen, he was given high-flow heated oxygen. No IV’s – “We don’t want to cause fluid in his lungs.” He had only sips of water, so he was dehydrated and getting weaker. I would get daily updates but with incomplete facts. For instance, “He gets 250 mL (8 oz) of protein shakes throughout the day” but when I questioned staff how much did he actually drink, they were uncertain. Or that “His oxygen level is 96%.” I was elated when I heard that. What I didn’t know was that when they tried move him to his side, Burt’s oxygen level would drop to the 80’s. He lost 15 pounds in 10 days.
I was getting desperate to help Burt. I asked if they could at least give him Vitamin C and Vitamin D3. “No,” they said. “It is not hospital protocol.” “But it’s not even medication – it’s vitamins!” I pleaded. They did, however, start him on Vitamin D3.
On Saturday evening, December 4, I received a call from a compassionate nurse. “I am going to bend the rules,” she said. “Would you like to see your husband tomorrow?” “Yes! I haven’t seen him since November 26.”
Burt and I spent almost three hours together holding hands and watching the Vikings, although, Burt would often drift off to sleep. Of course, I was gowned and shielded to the max, but at least I got to see Burt and spend time with him. This was the first and only time I was allowed to see Burt in 13 days of hospitalization.
I asked to have a meeting with the main doctor treating Burt, the charge nurse and social services to get some answers for what seemed like negligent care. A meeting was set up the following day. At the meeting, the doctor looked me straight in the eye and said, “Your husband is going to die.” The nurse said when Burt goes on comfort care, he will be allowed to have visitors. Burt went on comfort care Tuesday, but still he was not allowed to have visitors. “He has to wait for 20 days so he can have visitors on Friday,” I was told.
I asked if I would be able to bring him home on hospice and care for him. “He won’t make it out the door,” the nurse said. “The level of oxygen he’s getting cannot be given on home health care.” So, I eagerly waited for Friday to see him, but that didn’t happen. He died Thursday morning at 4:00am.
That night, I cried, and cried out several times to the Lord, “Why, Lord, could I not see Burt before he died? Just five minutes.” I knew there was no answer so I tried to lay it aside, but I could not.
The next morning, I had my answer! The Lord impressed upon me that Burt was not alone. He was comforted by the Creator of the universe Himself without any human intervention! The Lord comforted Burt and gave me peace that passes all understanding to what must be. I realized my meager, human comfort was only temporary at best, but nothing compared to being comforted by his Savior and Lord as the angels prepared to escort him into the very presence of God! As I realized this, all my frustration, my anger, and my animosity toward hospital rules and protocol melted away when I glimpsed the bigger picture.
I write this as an encouragement to you. Restrictions and protocol can’t stop God! If you have a believing loved one who may have died alone because of rules, regulations and protocol, be encouraged. Your loved one did not die alone. Yes, your loved one may not have had human comforters; they had the one true God who comforts His people as only He can! Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6 The hundreds and thousands of prayers for Burt’s complete healing have been answered. Burt will never have to face death again. He has been completely healed! To God be the glory!
God is sovereign, and human rules and protocol can’t stop God, nor can the gates of hell prevail against Him!