Our healing journey began four years ago, with faith, hope, and resilience that took us from despair to the joy of blessing others. On November 16, 2020, our lives changed when my husband, Jonathan, woke up with a 103° fever, and we knew the invisible COVID-19 virus had entered our home.
Less than two weeks later, on November 25, Jonathan's condition worsened, and his health deteriorated to the point that he asked me to call an ambulance. He was admitted to Aultman Hospital with double pneumonia and dehydration. On November 28, I received a FaceTime call that became all too familiar, as Jonathan, tearful and struggling to breathe, said goodbye. The medical team made the difficult decision to intubate him and place him on a ventilator. Knowing it could be the last time we saw each other, we shared a prayer and our goodbyes.
Due to visitation restrictions, I had to relinquish control to the medical staff. However, the nurses allowed me to call and check in for updates throughout the day. I was treated with patience and kindness, and over the weeks, I got to know the nurses who were taking care of Jonathan. They truly became part of my family.
The Aultman nurses, "angels" as we called them, never gave up on Jonathan. They kept me informed, answered all my questions, and shared in my sorrow. Some sang praise songs while caring for him, offering emotional support in ways I will never forget. Their empathy and compassion were a lifeline during those long, uncertain days.
In an effort to show our appreciation, we began sending food and notes of gratitude to the medical staff. These dedicated individuals were putting their own lives on hold, risking their safety to care for others. Their sacrifices were immeasurable, and we wanted to give back in whatever way we could.
After months of worry and sleepless nights, Jonathan miraculously woke up on January 1, 2021. He had defied the odds and became a living testament to the power of prayer and the strength of the human spirit.
In 2025, our mission with Another Act of Kindness is to spread love and compassion to frontline workers in our community. We organize acts of kindness to show appreciation for their dedication. We also support the education of future nurses and respiratory therapists by awarding scholarships each spring. Additionally, we offer mental health and wellness retreats, titled Healing the Healers, for nurses and other frontline workers. These retreats provide tools to cope with compassion fatigue, burnout, and vicarious trauma, which can improve job satisfaction and mental health.
We also provide Code Lavender comfort items for families of patients in intensive care units at local hospitals. These items include blankets, lip balm, lotion, books, coloring pages, and lavender sachets to provide comfort during challenging times.
Looking back, we never imagined that such a harrowing experience could lead to such positive outcomes. Along the way, we’ve connected with incredible people and have been blessed beyond measure. It feels so rewarding to be kind and share our compassion with others.
We are always welcoming new volunteers to join us in our mission. Our second annual gala, Celebrating Community Kindness, will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Arrowhead Golf and Event Center in North Canton, Ohio, from 5:30-10:00 pm. We would love to celebrate life with you.
For more information, please visit our website at anotheractofkindness.org or scan our QR Code.