Written by: Carina Theunissen
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In May 2021 I coughed non-stop, day and night, for two days. That Sunday my husband took me to casualty, where they immediately said I definitely had Covid-19. In hospital they put a mask on me that suctioned so tightly I felt as if I could not breathe. Shortly afterwards, I was placed in an induced coma. My breathing kept getting weaker, and the doctors decided to do a tracheotomy. After the operation, however, I did not wake up at all.
Doctors gave up hope
Five weeks later I was still in a coma… The doctors told my husband there was no chance I would survive. But God had other plans – He gave me a second chance at life. When I finally opened my eyes, I was completely paralysed. I could not move my arms or legs, and I could not utter a word. After intense physiotherapy and hard exercise, I began to use my hands again. In the meantime my feet had started twisting, and the doctors said I would never walk again. On Christmas Day 2021 I went home for the first time, but I was still in a wheelchair.
God’s strength in my weakness
I told my husband that by God’s grace, I would walk again. Back at the rehabilitation centre, I had the most intimate quiet times with the Lord every day. I had daily exercise sessions, and by evening I was so exhausted I felt I could not go on. But every morning the Lord gave me new strength, and I was ready for another day of hard work to learn to walk again. Just three weeks later I took my first steps. They were still shaky, but I was walking again. Praise the Lord – He is good!
A new outlook on life
Today I am deeply grateful for every little thing people so easily take for granted. After five months in ICU I appreciate nature anew – I notice every twig and hear every bird’s chirp. Before Covid I was always in a rush, urging my sons to walk faster. Now I move slower and look around at what I used to miss. Today I can speak freely again and testify, and I tell almost everyone about this great miracle. Thank You, Lord, that You walked this road with me. With God, anything is possible!
Please email info@joymag.co.za if you have a short miracle to share with us!
This article is featured in the November issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 05/11/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only. Artwork adapted from www.freepik.com
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