90-year-old Marion man defies odds with recovery

Bob Greene celebrated his 90th birthday recently.

While that is rather special in itself, this birthday was even more special considering the fact that Bob just spent the previous month fighting COVID-19.

Bob, along with his "significant other," Virginia Watts, was exposed on Nov. 19 after being exposed in the doctor's office. He said the two were doing an in-person visit at the request of their insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield, to complete a health and wellness check.

"That's a good question," he replied about the need for an in-person visit. "It was a second time they suggested we take this program," which he said involved a series of questions and a memory check.

"There should have been an alternative," said Bob, noting that the couple has been "very careful," following CDC guidelines of masking and limiting contact since the onset of the pandemic.

Bob said he and Virginia were notified on Nov. 24 that they had been exposed to the virus by another patient in the office that day.

"We got our positive results the same day," he said.

"I got terribly sick," he said.

Bob knew that due to his age and a couple of underlying health condition - he is a diabetic and has high blood pressure - that the odds were very slim he would survive.

In fact, according to the CDC, the greatest risk for severe illness from COVID-19 is among those aged 85 or older. Eight of 10 COVID deaths reported in the U.S. have been adults 65 and over.

Bob said the virus caused fever, cough, dizziness, nausea, and the loss of his sense of smell. He also lost weight.

"I went to the hospital twice by ambulance," he said.

However, both times he was treated in the emergency room and sent home.

He said he was told the virus would just follow its course.

"I really thought I would not make it," said Bob.

However, those around him had other ideas.

"This wonderful person here, Virginia, has been absolutely an angel," he said.

Bob and Virginia came together nearly two decades ago, after Bob lost his wife of 56 years to cancer.

"You don't usually hit the jackpot twice," said Bob. "I wish everyone had someone like her to back them up during crucial times."

Originally from Massachusetts, Bob comes from a family of 15 siblings.

"There are eight of us left," he said.

Those eight as well as other extended family set about making sure that Bob did not give up hope.

They called. They sent gifts. They gave me hope," he said.

Virginia, who recovered more quickly than Bob, decorated the couple's home for Christmas, including displaying the gifts Bob received, including a Santa Claus that climbs a ladder, turns around, and climbs down.

"I was going to enjoy what I could in life," said Bob, who was convinced he would not survive the virus.

However, he and Virginia were removed from quarantine earlier this month and Bob celebrated his 90th birthday on Dec. 20.

Bob said they are enjoying the Christmas decorations and looking forward to the upcoming holiday.

"I enjoy life too much to let something like this get the best of me," he said.