Before COVID changed everything, my greatest joy in retirement was spending time with my grandchildren. I also found deep purpose serving with a youth-based Christian chorus that toured across the country each summer. I had the honor of driving their equipment truck — often covering 3,000 to 5,000 miles — while watching those young people sing, perform, and share their love of Christ. My late wife often traveled with me, and those are some of the most treasured memories of our life together.

But then came COVID.

I spent weeks in the ICU (though thankfully never ventilated), followed by months in a COVID unit and inpatient rehab. After a setback and serious organ complications, I was readmitted to the hospital and then transitioned to a long-term care facility for what became the final three months of my recovery. In total, I was away from home for nine months. The care I received from the medical staff — especially in that final facility — was nothing short of extraordinary.