Dad's Perspective Strengthened By H1N1 Experience

A pandemic can change your perspective. There are things we can all learn. Hugh Estlinbaum nearly lost this son 11 years ago during the last pandemic, but he said he thinks he knows what will get us through this one.

Monday, April 27th 2020, 5:09 pm

By: News9


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A pandemic can change your perspective. There are things we can all learn. Hugh Estlinbaum nearly lost this son 11 years ago during the last pandemic, but he said he thinks he knows what will get us through this one.

Tony, 9, was diagnosed with H1N1 and lied in a hospital bed, hooked up to machines. Doctors offered little hope.

“We were told there’s nothing more we can do and now it’s time to pray,” he remembers.

Hugh, though, says he was angry at God and everyone around him, but finally he did take that advice.

“On the night, I said, 'God, you know it’s up to you. It’s in your hands whatever you decide; your decision is perfect -- and that’s when he started getting better.”

Tony is now 21 and healthy, but the world is now under attack of another pandemic.

“Nobody’s going to be able to take this on their own. Everybody needs help,” he says.

Hugh says it wasn't only prayer that helped his family survive but friends and neighbors.

“That’s what got us through it, is people loving us from our neighbors to our co-workers.”

And that's the advice Hugh says he has for all us: love our neighbors, check in on the elderly, give more than you receive.

“It’s all about giving and loving your neighbor.”

Hugh says because of the virus he and his wife aren't working, their concerns this time financial along with physical. But surviving the darkness once gives him confidence there is light for us all.

“It’s a scary time but the scary times make the fun times that much better.”

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