Chapter 1: A Promising Athlete

This narrative recounts a real-life experience that hit close to home. My cousin Mike, a 38-year-old athlete, contracted COVID-19. Standing at 1.80 meters tall and in peak physical condition, he faced a life-altering battle that nearly claimed his life.

Growing up, my uncle, a passionate hockey player, introduced Mike to the sport at a tender age of five. It was remarkable to see him glide on the ice, a feat I could hardly imagine for myself. Mike's dedication to hockey was evident throughout his life; he played for various local clubs and even received an invitation from one of the country's premier teams. Hockey, known for its rigorous and often brutal nature, demands resilience and grit, qualities Mike possessed in abundance. We all took pride in his accomplishments.

The ordeal began one Saturday morning. As was his routine, Mike set out for his morning run, but later that day, he decided to grab a beer with friends before lunching with his wife and son. He mentioned feeling unwell since the morning, and after a drink, his condition worsened. Upon returning home, he had a meal and tried to rest, hoping to feel better.

When he awoke, his symptoms had escalated—persistent coughing and difficulty breathing plagued him. Despite his wife's insistence on seeking medical attention, Mike, ever the tough guy, resisted. He endured this suffering for over a week until finally, his family convinced him to visit a doctor.

Section 1.1: The Hospitalization

During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike arrived at the emergency room, but he didn’t leave for almost two months. He was hospitalized immediately, requiring oxygen and spending over a month connected to a machine. His wife received the distressing news that he was in critical condition, a reality that shocked everyone.

For nearly two months, his family was unable to visit him. The only accounts we have of his experience came from him after he returned home. He faced dire circumstances, being placed in a ward designated for critically ill COVID-19 patients, where he witnessed the death of fellow patients, all while grappling with the fear that he might never see his family again.

Subsection 1.1.1: A Small Ray of Hope

In an emotional state of despair, Mike found himself in a situation unimaginable for an athlete: he was confined to a hospital bed, reliant on nurses to assist him with basic needs. However, as the days passed, his condition gradually improved. A doctor eventually provided him with a private room, which significantly aided his emotional recovery.

Slowly, he regained strength, but he still faced challenges. A nurse had to assist him to the bathroom in a wheelchair, a humbling experience for someone who had once been so active.

Chapter 2: The Mystery of Recovery

Despite undergoing numerous COVID-19 tests during his hospitalization, all results came back negative, baffling the medical staff. Blood samples were sent for further analysis, and consultations with other hospitals did not yield any conclusive results. Yet, the consensus among doctors remained—Mike had COVID-19.

When he was finally discharged, the doctors conveyed to him and his wife just how precarious his situation had been. There was a moment early in his hospitalization when it seemed he might not survive the night. Thankfully, he did, and he was welcomed back to his family.

However, his struggles were far from over. Mike, who had transitioned to coaching youth hockey after his playing days, found that his physical condition had deteriorated significantly. Despite his desire to continue coaching, he had to step back, realizing he could no longer keep pace with the children he once trained.