A hundred and fifty days in the making

By Lionel Aquino Sanchez Jr.
Special to the Saipan Tribune

This story begins with a simple game of dodge ball. One little hit from a ball was all it took to trigger a war inside my body that would change my life. A staphylococcus-laced clot ran through my bloodstream. Within days I had an extremely high fever. I lost my appetite and could not sleep. Then I found myself fighting just to catch my breath and soon, thereafter, I could not even walk. I was in trouble.

On Dec. 22, 2007, I fell asleep. A couple of months and thousands of miles of ocean had passed before I woke up. I was at the Kapiolani Medical Center. Christmas had come and gone. The New Year was not new anymore. Everything was different.

Each day that passed was filled with stories of what had happened during my long nap. Sad stories. Happy stories. My stories. Stories of how sick I had become. The efforts of the different medical teams that have given me new life. Most of all, stories of my family who were back home pulling for my recovery and waiting for me to return home.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have been involved in my road to recovery. Should I forget anyone, I offer my apologies.

To the local healers, you have relieved me of my demons. Thank you all. To those who have contributed in their own special way, know that your concerns and contributions are greatly appreciated.

To Bishop Thomas Camacho, Fr. Isaac and Fr. Jesse, and the Mercedarianas at Maturana, thank you for all the prayers, Masses and blessings.

To the Intensive Care Unit of the Commonwealth Health Center, you are my heroes, my guardian angels without wings. Without you it would have been impossible to have written this letter. We went through two Code Blues, collapsed lungs, and death. We’re still here. Dr. Letti Borja, Dr. Nguyen, and Dr. Hernandez, you have given me new life. I believe it was twice that you had to revive me. I could never repay you. Know that I am forever thankful for all that you have done.

To the CNMI Secretary of Public Health and Medical Referral family, without your concerns and efforts I would not have been able to find my way to recovery. Thank you for coordinating the evacuation and treatment in Hawaii. Nino Bihu in Kanat Tabla, “si yu’us ma’ase” for seeing that my evacuation pull through. To the CNMI LNO family in Honolulu, thanks for transporting me to and from the clinic and also for taking care of my parents and I while there.

To Dr. A. Naclerio and Nurse Whitney and members of the Military Medivac Team, you are my heroes and guarding angels with wings. Your quick response to my call of need opened the gates to my recovery. From what I was told, I was a stubborn little patient. You had me on manual life support. Thank you for keeping up with me. Again, thanks for the ride.

To the medical staff at Kapiolani Medical Center, thank you for getting me back on my feet. Our experiences have been painful yet happy ones. To the team of surgeons that have ventured throughout my body, thank you. I am still in one piece. You’re good. Those who were with me through therapy, it is nice to be back on my feet. I owe that to you. You have all given me the opportunity to be a kid again. I will never forget you.

To Uncle Eddie, Auntie Tina, Franklin, EJ, Auntie Anning, Auntie Alvie and my fellow Oahu families too numerous to list, thank you for taking time off your busy schedules to make time for me. You ensured my well-being and the enjoyment of my stay on Oahu. Auntie Alvie, the zoo was great. Auntie Anning, the strolls around the medical center were fun. Franklin and EJ, thanks for the laughs. To Auntie Chong and Mom Chilang, thank you for flying to be by my side upon learning of my condition. To my brother, Angel T. Guerrero, without all your encouragement I would probably still be lying in bed. You pushed me to get off my back and on my feet, here I am. Know that your families here at home are praying for your quick recovery and safe return. “DO NOT GIVE UP. DO NOT EVER GIVE UP.” To the rest of the families that visited and assisted my parents and I during our stay in Hawaii, we are thankful for all your support and care. I pray the next time we meet will be under different circumstances. Aloha and mahalo.

And to my family, thank you for all the prayers during my time of need. This was the second holiday season we spent at the hospital. Thank you for being by my side every step of the way. You did not give up on me and gave me strength to continue fighting. I struggled, fought and fought. I won. WE WON. I look forward to more years of good times with you all. I love you. Austin and Naveah, big brother is back. I’ve missed you very, very much.

To the Lord Almighty, thank you for granting me life. To all my guardian angels, thank you for watching over me.

I have been told that being here is nothing short of a miracle. Maybe it is. The real miracle is seeing everyone gathered together on my behalf. You are my miracle. It was nice seeing everyone I love once again. Their faces brought me happiness. They were there to welcome me home. It felt as if I never left. There is much catching up to do. I’ll get there, slowly but surely.

Lastly, I want to thank my Uncle Jay for helping me put my thoughts in writing. I know it was a pleasure and honor for you to help me.

This Thank You has been a hundred and fifty days in the making. My name is Lionel Aquino Sanchez, Jr. I am a 7 year old kid from As Lito, Saipan. This is my story. It certainly feels good to be home.