BERGEN, N.Y. — “Live, laugh and love, you know,” Darrell Wright said.
Yes, it’s a cliché saying many of us probably have hanging in our living room. But for Darrell Wright, it continues to have a new meaning. Even in times of digging up tiger lilies for his wife, Sharon. It was last year when we first introduced you to the RN over at Sister’s Charity Hospital. He was settling into his new home in Bergen, after the fight of his life. Darrell spent 51 days in the hospital, either hooked up to a ventilator or ECMO. Around this time last year, he woke up.
“He was awake, full beard,” Sharon Wright, Darrell’s wife laughed.
Despite contracting COVID-19 while at work, Darrell returned to Sister’s back in September.
“They gave me a little party when I came back,” Darrell smiled.
It wasn’t easy getting back into scrubs for the 12-hour overnight rotations. Stamina was one thing Darrell had to build back up.
“I still have some slight memory issues, but that could be just being 50,” Darrell laughed.
Knowing he has lung damage, Darrell even masks up even when mowing the lawn.
“I have to make sure I don’t get any pollen or grass debris,” Darrell explained.
All things he’s learning to deal with. He hopes by continuing to share his story, other survivors can learn how to take care of themselves post COVID-19. He says asks questions, if you feel something isn’t right, go to your doctor. But more importantly, take time to smell the flowers, or in their case, feed the chickens.
“Just appreciate your family and friends,” Darrell smiled.
The same can be said for those who have watched a loved one battle the virus.
“It’s always nice to have him home,” Sharon said.
While Darrell used to say he wore a badge of honor after surviving COVID-19. A year later that badge has changed.
“How about a badge of happiness just to be around,” Darrell smiled.
Sharon had a less severe case of COVID-19 and loss her sense of smell. For her, going to a chiropractor and doing acupuncture helped it return. Here are some tips an ENT gave Spectrum News.
