Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Former Lamar superintendent's widow- I've been in here since my husband died- all alone. That's a hard way to grieve.

Joanna Wilson, Lenexa, Kansas, lost her husband, former Lamar R-1 Superintendent Dennis Wilson,  to COVID-19 last month then could not get tested for the virus for several days even after she developed symptoms.

In the accompanying video from Action News 41 in Kansas City, Wilson tells the story of her husband's death and her nightmarish wait for the test that proved what she knew was the case all along- that she had contracted the virus.

"This virus turned my world upside down," Wilson said.







"I called the Johnson County Health Department and reminded them that I'd lost my husband to it, that I had been a caretaker and been around him a lot and I talked about the symptoms that I had. The response was 'no, that doesn't follow the criteria for being tested,' " she told Action News 41.

Among the symptoms Wilson experienced were the tell-tale loss of taste and smell that have been associated with the virus.

Being rejected for testing was an ordeal Wilson had already experienced. When her husband developed flu-like symptoms, she took him to two urgent care facilities, neither of which would test him for the coronavirus.

Fortunately, Wilson was finally able to find a doctor who agreed she needed to be tested immediately after she received multiple rejections by going through the normal procedures.

The test proved she had COVID-19.

"I've been in here since my husband died- all alone. That's a hard way to grieve."

3 comments:

Mapetite said...

God bless you dear lady. What you went thru is unacceptable. I wish there were someone to advocate for those that need to be tested and cared for properly. I've been praying for you since I read your story, and I pray for peace for your heart and healing for your body.

Faith said...

I can't even imagine. You lost your beloved, then have been ostracized from your family and the rest of the world with no one to help you. Just as countless others have done, I have prayed for you so many times and will continue to do so.

Anna said...

Joanna my heart absolutely aches for you. Dennis was a kind, generous man who was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. You both have done so much for so many people..I am so sorry this happened. You will get through this.. so many people love and support you. You may be physically alone right now but you have so, so many people who are praying for you and your family and who will be there to support you. Love you