Nurse Rachelle Christy Rizon-Clavano shared the inspiring story of her husband and fellow nurse, Denver Clavano, and his journey towards COVID-19 healing.
The COVID-19 survivor story titled “Babe, positive ako” was posted on the couple’s social media on April 18, 2020.
The nurse told the story of Denver contracting COVID-19 despite taking all precautions. The couple said they avoided kisses and hugs, even with their children, followed health worker protocol both at work and at home and confidently thought they can avoid the coronavirus disease.
Rachelle was working as a nurse in the Out-Patient Department and her husband was on duty in the Emergency Room when COVID-19 started to spread in the Philippines. Rachelle revealed that at the start, they were not allowed to work wearing full protective gear. In fact, no mask was allowed because they said it may cause fear and anxiety in patients.
Until one day, her husband’s colleague and his whole family were infected with the disease. Denver and his family were then tested as part of protocol.
A week after the swabbing, Denver tested positive and was immediately admitted and isolated in the hospital.
Rachelle recalls it was the early dawn when her husband told her about being tested positive.
“Babe, tinawagan nila ako. Punta tayo lahat mamaya sa hospital kelangan nyo iswab ng mga bata at si ate Alen, positive ako,” said Denver.
(Babe, they called me. We all need to go to the hospital later, You and the kids, Ate Alen, need to be swabbed. I tested positive.)
Rachelle bravely faced the crisis and started discussing plans with Denver. And instead of questioning God why it happened to them, she instead asked, “Lord, talk to me right now, I’m listening”. She opened her bible and read the bible verse Proverbs 18:14 “The human spirit can endure in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?” Both nurses brought a Bible with them as they traveled to the hospital that day.
In his Facebook post, Denver shared that it came to the point where he was asking God these questions:
“Lord paano ang pamilya ko? Paano ko iprovide ang kanilang mga needs, bilang ama nang tahanan? Sinabi ko sa kanya, samahan mo kami panginoon ko. Natatakot po ako. Di ko alam kung ano ang mangyayari at kung ano ang gagawin.”
(Lord, what’s going to happen to my family? How can I provide for their needs as the father? I said, please be with us Lord. I am scared. I don’t know what will happen and what I’m supposed to do.)
When he opened his bible, a bible verse caught Denver’s eye.
“Isaiah 43:1-3
Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
“The Lord changed it from fear to HOPE. He is telling me that He is our God, who created heaven and earth, a good good father and a great provider, na hinde lang niya ako tutulongan bagkos sasamahan niya ako at ang aking pamilya sa laban na ito,” Denver said.
Rachelle, their two kids, and her ate Alen were sent home after their swab tests were done. In her quiet time, she played the guitar, lit scented candles, and sang worship songs. She also asked their Pastor and their leader for their prayers. Rachelle recounted how the Lord provided for the needs of her family when she was also given grocery items (milk, vitamins, meat, fruits, etc) by their church.
“When God leads you to a person kung kanino ka hihingi ng tulong He has actually answered your prayers already. Pastora Reah suddenly became like a mom to me, prayers ang hiningi ko but she has suddenly asked me “kmzta kayo ng mga bata Jan? may pagkain paba mayo (do you still have food)?”.
“Dun palang ako napaluha tlg😭😭😭Yung maramdaman mong may taong concern sa pangangailangan mo at hindi nakafocus sa kung paano ka iwasan dahil baka infected ka. To be honest, it was during that time ko din nakilala kung sino sino tlg ang tunay na kaibigan at may concern samen. There were people who messaged and showed their concerns lalo na sa mga bata but honestly there were also those who spread gossips around and yung tipong diring diri sayo (nakarating saken reactions nyo). Mga distractions, ganon. Praise God for the wisdom that says not to focus on those things/people,” she said.
“I never cried when I knew my husband got COVID19 because I know “GOD IS IN CONTROL” but these goodness from God really brought me into tears. Tears of joy. Sobra. God bless them!
“You know when they say “your prayer reaches heaven even before you say it”? Naniniwala ako dun! Many times it has reached the heavens hindi paman ako nakaluhod. Glory to God!😭😭😭”, she added.
Since Denver is asymptomatic, he has been discharged after a week and to continue home quarantine for 14 days.
The couple left this message for all frontliners:
“Sa lahat nang frontliners, laban lang po tayo. He will fight this battle for us. We should be grateful because He gave us this profession to be the extension of His healing power of HIS hands. Hinde maigsi ang kamay ng ating Diyos. 🙌🙌🙌,” Denver said.
“We just had the toughest week of our lives and my only realization is that if you know that Higher being up there, what He’s capable of, His promises and if you know how much He loves you and how special you are to Him, there will be no single fear in your mind about COVID19. Hindi ang virus na yan ang makakasira ng magandang plans ni Lord sa buhay ng mga anak nya!
Jeremiah 29:11 itaga nyo sa mga puso nyo! Tama na ang takot! Jesus died for us! This battle is already won! Therefore, believe that in whatever circumstances you are into right now, God knows and HE IS IN CONTROL! God bless us all!😇🙏🏻,” Rachel said.
Netizens thanked the couple for sharing their COVID 19 healing story.
“Another testimony of God’s amazing grace, power, faithfulness and love. Thank you Jesus. and Thank you to our front liner hero’s for sharing your stories. God bless you and always keep you safe,” Sarah Cabacang said.
“Amen God is moving in the midst of crisis… 🙏Praise To you Lord,” Chonalyn Caronan said in Denver’s post.
Cavite doctor Dr. Cherry Abu, “Lead Me Lord” composer Arnel de Pano, actress Iza Calzado, and Howie Severino have shared their own stories of recovery and battle with COVID-19.
SHARE THIS STORY to inspire people and SEND CHEERS in the comments below to Nurse Rachelle and Nurse Denver for sharing their story of COVID healing.
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