Each Day is a Miracle
Meet Lewis Nielson. Lewis is a model for Beaux-Arts Academy. He is not only interesting to draw, but he has an interesting story that I want to share. I am inspired by how he has overcome challenges in his life including his battle with cancer and other health problems.
Throughout Lewis' career, he worked for a medical manufacturing facility. He helped design and make the equipment and there met his wife. He was married later in life and had a wonderful friendship and relationship with his wife, with whom he traveled and enjoyed spending retirement with. But unfortunately she developed colon cancer. In order to bring in a little extra money and because he is an artistic person, Lewis began modeling. One day while modeling, his family came in and informed him that his wife had passed away. To make this difficult, devastating time worse, during this same year he also lost a granddaughter, his brother's wife, and his dog to cancer.
Finally, he himself was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. His esophagus and lymph nodes had to be removed which unfortunately led to a condition called pleural effusion, a buildup of fluid around the lung. This turned into ARDS, acute respiratory distress syndrome, where fluid leaks into the lungs, preventing proper breathing. He then developed sepsis, a life-threatening complication to infection.
He was extremely sick and within 30 days he had 7 operations and was put in a medically induced coma for 54 days. There were a couple of times that he woke up. One time he was blindfolded and tied to the bed. Because he had a respirator, he felt that he couldn't breathe and that he was dying. He began shaking in bed and when the nurses tried to help him, he asked for paper so he could communicate. He wrote, "I can't breathe" but instead of explaining what was happening or comforting him, his medication was increased so that he was put out again. Another time he awoke and began hallucinating and another time woke up and felt extremely cold because he had a temperature of 105. Nothing was explained to him and he was again put out. One time he saw the bedside notes of a doctor who wrote, "I don't expect to see this patient tomorrow."
However, Lewis surprised the doctors. It was during this time that the medical equipment that he helped to design and create helped to save his own life. For 60 days after his coma, he was placed in a recovery area and had to relearn basic skills such as walking, bowel habits, balance and even vision. Although he felt somehow that he didn't belong on earth, he began to start again learning to be a person. After the 60 days he was able to relearn to walk.
Lewis' story is a miracle. There is a reason for his still being here. The doctors and nurses who cared for him have nicknamed him "Miracle." Now Lewis is a enthusiastic, hard-working model. He loves what he does and despite his continued health challenges resulting from the cancer, he makes the very most of each day. He teaches students at Beaux-Arts Academy that "every second is precious."
Thank you Lewis for the perspective you share with us and helping us to appreciate the miracle and opportunity of each day!