Kootenai | Kootenai Health | Issue 4, 2021

“I asked the nurse for tape to put up pictures of my grandkids,” Lillian said. “I said to my roommate, ‘OK, I’m going to share my art with you and we’re going to make our room pretty.’ There was a lot of warmth and love in our room.” For a time, it felt like she was away at “Camp Kootenai,” Lillian said. “It turned into camp,” she said. “When my roommate was discharged, I was like, ‘I’m going to miss my camper.’ She called me Fireball. She said, ‘Lillian, you’re such a fireball.’” Lillian also kept track of the special moments and kindness she experienced with her nurses and doctors. “One nurse was so sweet. She really helped me through the nights,” Lillian said. “She held my hand, just supportive in that way. All the doctors were also very supportive and positive. They were part of a great team.” Lillian has since sent cards of gratitude to thank her care team for getting her through what could have been a long, lonely separation from her family. “The hospital team became my family inside the hospital,” she said. A light indark times As of late August, Lillian was pleased to report she was two weeks free from her oxygen tank. “I’ve graduated,” she said. Registered nurse Sammy Sperber was among those who cared for the Wheelers during their stay. She said caring for COVID-19 patients is different from other medical patients because of the isolation they experience. “We are their hand to hold and shoulder to cry on,” Sammy said. “When couples are admitted together, they are able to lean on each other, but to be able to care for and help both of them is truly special. It was an honor to care for Lillian and her husband. Despite how sick they were, they were positive and a light to come to work to.” Lillian and John Wheeler were admitted to Kootenai Health when they both had COVID-19. John was out in just a few days, while Lillian had to be treated for more than three weeks. “Thank you, Heavenly Father; thank you, staff; thank you, family, for your prayers and support,” the Wheelers said after surviving COVID-19 in the care of Kootenai Health. Shining a light on COVID-19 See photos and videos of the COVID-19 isolation unit, hospital updates and much more at KH.org/covid-19 . “I called it my ‘Kootenai Hilton.’ At first, John and I were both in the same room and seeing the view of Shari’s and Shopko. At least we could see society working outside.” KH . ORG 9