If you drove by the Medilodge Nursing Home in Brighton recently, you may have noticed an odd tentlike structure sticking out of the side of the building. Don’t be alarmed. It’s just Eugene loving Anchanette.
You see, this past August, at age 48, Anchanette suffered a massive heart attack, causing her to be placed on life support. Through those first rough weeks at the hospital, her spouse, Eugene was at her side continuously, cheering her up and cheering her on. When the doctors recommended ending life support, Eugene refused.
Love prevailed, and ultimately Anchanette progressed enough to be released to a nursing home for rehabilitation. Eugene, of course, went too.
So it should not have surprised anyone that when COVID precautions precluded Eugene from being at Anchanette’s bedside, he came up with a plan, the next best thing, a tent connected to the window looking in on her bed.
And that’s where he’s been since.
“I think it’s fair to say that Eugene’s love saved Anchanette” said CT Social Worker Megan Kiser, who, along with Attorney Amy Tripp, has been working with Anchanette and Eugene throughout the course of this event.
“I would agree,” said Amy Tripp. “In my years of practice I have seen the power of love heal people. I believe in that. But I can’t say that I have ever seen anyone more committed than Eugene. It’s heartwarming. Maybe a lesson there for all of us.”