Family - Sharon Irwin

In the spring of 2019, one of my sons became very ill. I had gone to Jacksonville, Florida, to be with him in early January and again in February. In April my daughter and I both went as he seemed to be getting worse. Finally, in late May we decided to bring him to Wilmington.

The morning after we all arrived back home he was hospitalized at NHRMC where he remained for one week. The day of his release my daughter and I met with his medical team to discuss plans for follow-up care. The logical place for that was my home, but I could tell that his doctor was skeptical of my ability to care for him.

When I mentioned that I was confident of the support of my church family, everyone agreed that I should become his primary caregiver. In December of 2019, the country became aware of a major health threat, COVID-19. Fortunately, at the same time, my son’s health had improved significantly.

By the spring of 2020, the country was in the process of lock-down. Because of my age and the danger that COVID posed for me, my children became my caregivers. They did all the necessary shopping and errands so that I could remain quarantined.

I recall feeling fortunate that I was not living alone during that time of isolation. And I am very glad to have been able to care for my son during his recovery. I’m also glad to have had my family’s help and support when my own health was threatened.

Illness has brought my family closer together. For this I am thankful.