My father, David Thomas Reid, died on January 19, 2022, at age 87 of COVID-19. This is a story of his passing.
It’s not the only story. It’s told from the perspective two thousand kilometres away, by his son. The story as told by David Reid’s friends much closer to him will be different.
But it’s still a story that should be told. That should be read by many people to understand some aspects of the man’s life, of the COVID-19 pandemic, and of how individual choices affect the lives of everyone around them.
COVID-19 delays surgery
A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Winnipeg fire department, my father had been admitted to hospital in September for back surgery. But the COVID pandemic raged particularly heavily in Manitoba, and the health care system was overwhelmed. As a result, his surgery was delayed repeatedly. Also, he was only allowed one accredited visitor, and that was his best friend, Frank Leswick. Frank was the only person who was admitted to visit my father in person, and who came every day. At the end, it was Frank who fed my father lunch, and who brought home-made food.
Only Frank Leswick was permitted into the ward, because of COVID-19. If I had travelled to Winnipeg, I would not have been allowed to see my father in person.
Instead, we spoke by phone regularly. Through September, he repeatedly told me that nurses told him not to eat anything after supper, so he would be ready for surgery first thing the next morning. But in the morning, he would be told his operation had been delayed yet another day.
It was only after his story hit the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press that he finally got his surgery, which apparently went well. Surgeons fused some of the disks in his spine and relieved the painful pressure on his nerves.
Dad began to recover and started physical therapy. He even began walking again. I could tell from his voice how happy, indeed proud he was of that accomplishment.
The plan was for him to move to another facility that specialized in geriatric care and rehabilitation, and eventually return to his own home.
And then, it happened.
Someone unvaccinated brought COVID-19 into the hospital. My father was one of the first infected, but far from the only one. The hospital had to go into nearly total lockdown for several days.
My father seemed to recover from the most acute symptoms after a couple of weeks, but never fully recovered. The damage to his lungs was too great.
His oxygen levels declined through December and January. A nurse told me about some of his symptoms, which were too gruesome to recount here. His friend, Frank, called me to tell me the outlook was not good.
And then came the day. January 19.
He was gone.
His death came as no surprise. He was, after all, 87 years old. But his suffering was unnecessary, caused by an irresponsible, selfish and stupid person who refused a simple, harmless method that protects thousands.
The lesson from this? Talk to your loved ones as much as you can. Share with them. And do what you can to protect them.
As for what I will do now: redouble my efforts to encourage people to get vaccinated and do all those things that are truly effective at protecting all of us.
Who’s with me?
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My father’s story is similar. He was an 89 year old USMC Korean war vet. He had a number of falls last year. His fourth fall had him in a different rehab facility from the previous two stays. The facility gave him COVID and dragged their feet getting him to a hospital to he couldn’t get the antibodies. He tested positive on November 24th and passed away on December 6th. He was vaccinated but had not had his booster as they dragged their feet on that as well. When I asked the facility director if all their employees were vaccinated, her response was our state required all healthcare workers to be vaccinated. Not what I asked. She wouldn’t answer my question. Hospitals here would not let anyone in.
I feel your pain and you have my deepest sympathy.
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Thank you, Cathy.
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My heart goes out to you. My husband and I are the senior citizens that our only child is trying to protect. The scariest thing, however, is health care related outings.
May your voice reach those who have yet to believe.
I’ll be at the front of the line for my second booster as soon as it’s available.
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I am so truly sorry.
I know nothing eases the pain but can I say that with time, I now look back and remember the laughter and the joy.
I cannot understand why the vaccines have frightened people when the result of not having it is so clear to see.
The news the other day showed one of our hospital wards and the doctor just saying at each bed, with unvaccinated patients. He said individuals were saying, I’ll have the jab now, too late was his reply.
I hope you find some peace of mind, and remember, your dad knew you loved him.
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Stories like yours must be shared, Scott, if only to remind the unvaccinated that behind the ever rising numbers is a PERSON who was known and loved. My deepest condolences.
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My heart felt condolences on the loss of your father. I am 72 years old and dread getting the virus. I was able to get the third vaccination. I’m careful to wear my triple ply mask especially now with variants that are everywhere. A simple vaccination is all that is required, it may not be a cure right now but, it can lessen the symptoms of the virus if one gets infected. I don’t understand why they do not want to be vaccinated if not for themselves at least for members of their families and friends. I understand your grief and send you blessings of continued good health during these uncertain times. May your father rest in peace. Take care and may our Lord bless you.
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My deepest sympathy for your loss. I am 83 and the sole caretaker for my Korean War Marine Corps veteran husband who is fading away with Alzheimer’s. I cannot let him go anywhere but medical visits and those fill me with trepidation. People don’t realize that they are choosing for not just for themselves but for everyone they come into contact with.
Again, my condolences and wishes for the happy memories to take precedence
JudyShelton
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I am very sorry to hear your story. I know where you’re coming from. My father, thankfully, did not suffer from Alzheimer’s, but I know others who do. It’s so disheartening. Please, stay strong and hopeful. I know you’re doing everything you can.
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Thanks. It’s never easy no matter which side you are on. At least the memories are still bright and fresh, not shop-worn. Bless you and yours. Judy