Patient 530,000: He grew up poor, in a house with a dirt floor

As an elementary school student, he struggled with English, as only Spanish was spoken in his home. He worked hard to measure up and his effort was reflected in his progress. He also helped his younger brothers and sisters, hoping they wouldn’t struggle with English as he did, praying they wouldn’t suffer the humiliation of their fellow students laughing when he mangled the English he was trying so hard to master.

In his heart and his head, he knew if he could read, write and speak English, life would be easier, he would feel less inferior, he would count for something.

By middle school, he had a job as a dishwasher in a fast-food restaurant. His studies came after closing. As he became older, his days became longer. Now that his mom was a single parent, he helped more with the younger kids, getting up at five o’clock in the morning to get himself ready for school and then help his mom feed and dress the younger kids. His paycheck went to help pay bills, buy clothing for the family, buy school supplies.

After graduating high school, he went to the local community college and found out how he could afford to attend. By this time, he knew he wanted a job in law enforcement, and being a cop would require 60 credit hours of college coursework.

Being the first in his family to go to college, he had no idea what a “credit hour” was. College presented – in English – an entirely new vocabulary - semester, minimester, clock hour, lab fee, tech fee, etc.

Almost as quickly as he learned how to manage his time, juggling class, studies, work and home responsibilities, he also began to embrace the all-new world of a college student.

It took time, but eventually his transcript reflected his completion of 60 credit hours. His next step? Apply to the police academy, which he did after going to police headquarters and visiting with the recruiter.

Getting through the Academy took stamina, sometimes more than he could muster. In the end of his training, he was recognized for his second effort, his determination and his willingness to help others get through the requirements.

He easily found a job on a small-town police force. Shortly after his arrival, he also found the love of his life. He adopted her three children, was a good husband and father and an outstanding role model for kids in the community. He also was recognized for his work as a law enforcement officer, moving up the ranks quickly and highly regarded for his work ethic, the dignity and professionalism he brought to his job.

Last year, when the pandemic arrived in the community he serves, he took extra shifts when needed. While his wife worked safely from home and his children taking classes online (their oldest son is in college in Colorado), he continued going to work on the front lines, serving the community as he always had, as he always had wanted to do.

By the first of 2021, he considered himself among the fortunate. He had been careful to mask, use sanitizer, keep his distance whenever feasible. Every COVID-19 test he took, the results were negative…until mid-February.

Not only did he test positive, but he began having symptoms almost immediately. His wife insisted they go to the hospital when breathing became difficult. He was in ICU for two weeks. He kept getting worse. Finally, his physician recommended a ventilator.

He was on the ventilator for 10 days. Still no improvement.

The pulmonary specialist told him: Because COVID-19 had so terribly damaged his lungs, there was little more they could do. Every breath, even on the ventilator, was excruciating.

Like the man he had learned to be at an early age, with the courage of his convictions and for the family he loved, he made his decision. He asked the doctors to take him off the ventilator.

His family encircled his bed, holding hands. They all took their turn, telling this good and faithful servant how much they loved him and what he had meant to their lives.

Two hours after the ventilator was removed, the patient breathed his last painful breath. His hospital room was filled with sobbing and with prayers.

That day, COVID-19 took another precious life and, in its place, broken hearts, broken families and unfulfilled dreams… just as it had left millions of others to carry on without their loved ones.

Let us pray for the families who have lost family members and friends, and let us pray for the end of this nightmare.