Canfield’s English: Grateful for COVID-19 Recovery & More

Renee English, a teacher and communications director in the Canfield Schools, is a COVID-19 survivor and is hanging tough, along with her sons, Gavin (left) and Preston. Renee beat the infection early last year while also battling multiple sclerosis. Read more in this story on the Cleveland Clinic website.

How do you feel about recovering from COVID-19? 

I am grateful for recovering. I am also grateful for the lessons I learned while recovering, for my family and friends, and for the Cleveland Clinic medical professionals. I am grateful that I learned to slow down and embrace the noises of life.  I am grateful for the daily deliveries from my father while I was quarantined. I am grateful for the calls from my mom and siblings. I am grateful for FaceTime so I could see and talk to my two sons and their father.  I am grateful for all of my friends who took the time to reach out to me when they heard I was sick. I am grateful for the outpouring of support, even from people I don’t know. I am grateful for everyone who prayed for me and my family. I am grateful for the team at the Cleveland Clinic who called me daily to check on me. 

What are the things that led to your recovery? 

During my recovery, I was completely alone in my home, making it painful to be separated from my children but easier to rest. I recovered using Tylenol, resting, hydrating and praying. I was told by the Cleveland Clinic that my lifestyle prior to the diagnosis helped in my recovery. Since I have multiple sclerosis, I work out daily and try to maintain a healthy diet.

How did this situation affect your work life? 

Honestly, my work was not affected. I am employed in a school district as a teacher and communications professional. I became ill after we were on emergency remote instruction in March 2020. I have been able to continue to provide instruction for my classes, attend and host virtual meetings, as well as function in my communication role. 

How about your personal life? 

The hardest part of this was being separated from my children and family, as being alone is emotionally challenging. The sounds of solitude are deafening. The noises of silence are loud. The longing for human interaction and the longing to embrace family were very real. I am so thankful that I recovered and am able to be around my loved ones. 

What advice are you sharing with the people you love? 

I would like to share hope with people.  I want people to know that a COVID diagnosis doesn’t always lead to hospitalization. I was terrified when I heard I was positive. All of the news reports were negative and I was afraid. However, I beat this while having an underlying medical condition. As for the people I love, I would say don’t take anything for granted because in a moment everything can change.

Renee wrote this story for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website about her recovery from COVID-19 last year.