It’s been nearly two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the beginning, we’ve watched the world lose millions of people.
After spending a total of 100 days in the ICU and rehabilitation center, former principal of McBain Elementary School, Pat Smith, is sharing his story of survival and faith.
Just a year ago, Pat Smith couldn’t stand, leave his bed, or even walk… which are some of the struggles he’s had to overcome since contracting the virus of 2020.
Now, as the New Year and holidays approach, he’s reflecting on how far he’s come.
“I wasn’t planning to die,” Smith said. “I wasn’t afraid to die, at all, but I just didn’t feel like that was my time.”
Smith currently lives in Lake City. He contracted COVID-19 last year and was admitted into War Memorial Hospital in Salut Ste. Marie on Halloween.
“I got sicker and sicker and sicker,” he said. “By Saturday, I looked out at the the bay and said, “Lord, what am I going to do?””
Just like many other people, Smith was healthy, averaging around 20 miles a day on his bike, but that all changed when he got COVID.
Once he was admitted, his health rapidly declined. He was eventually visited by Dr. Bo, the doctor responsible for saving his life.
“I was willing to trust him,” Smith said. “Just with that regiment, in a week I had turned it around. Everything was looking so much more positive and ultimately, that was the key. He was a Godsend, a brilliant man, he really is.”
Dr. Bo took away all of Smith’s medication and replaced it with a steroid treatment. He was in the ICU for 50 days, eventually being transferred to the rehab center around Christmas.
“I went over 100 days without physically touching any of my family members at all, which was… that’s kind of a bummer, Smith said. “But you’re so into trying to get better, that’s where my psyche went… I was very tired, but I’m not a person that gives up.”
Smith says besides family and his supportive community, God was there to help him get through the tough times.
“It was a faithful journey, is what I’d say. I had a lot of discussions with the Lord and it wasn’t always happy discussions, but they were pretty truthful and I learned a lot more about myself,” he said. “I gained a greater depth of I think, who I am, and I am a happier person because of it.”
He says people need to be mindful, cautious and get their vaccine. He also says to not let COVID change your lifestyle to a certain degree.
“It isn’t the end of the world, but respect it and be smart,” he said.
Smith says he and Dr. Bo are still get friends to this day. Smith is still recovering in pulmonary therapy and is getting stronger each day.
You can follow Dr. Bo on Instagram to learn more @ask.the.doc.
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