Son who came out of the bedroom ‘screaming in agony’ thought he had a virus
A heartwarming act of kindness from a stranger left a family in tears as they faced a challenging ordeal when their son was rushed to the hospital.
Lee Parkinson, a 26-year-old, initially dismissed his stomach pains as a viral infection. However, when he suddenly emerged from his room in excruciating agony, his father, Frank, knew that something was seriously wrong.
Frantically rushing Lee to Arrowe Park Hospital, Frank described the experience as an “emotional rollercoaster” as his son’s health rapidly deteriorated. Frank recounted, “We had to wait for two hours, but Lee’s condition worsened—he became pale and started sweating. His complexion turned gray.”
Believing it might be an appendix issue, doctors swiftly prepared Lee for surgery. However, Frank shared that the situation was more severe than anticipated. He expressed, “Initially, they estimated the surgery to take an hour, but after two and a half hours of waiting anxiously, we were left in the dark about the proceedings.
They eventually informed us that it was a more serious situation and asked us to hold on, assuring us that they would do their best. We were absolutely devastated.” Amidst the turmoil, Frank revealed that a stranger’s gesture managed to bring a glimmer of joy and a smile to their faces, Lancs Live.
Hospital porter Craig Jones, known for playing music in the hospital corridors to uplift spirits, struck up a conversation with Frank and his wife, Denise. Frank shared, “Curious about the music, I asked him why he was playing it. Craig explained that he had been doing it since the COVID-19 pandemic began to bring some cheer to people.
He mentioned that for some, it might even be the last song they hear. He’s truly amazing; not only did he comfort us with a hug, but he also astounded us with his actions.” Craig, who takes note of patients’ birthdates, goes out of his way to find and play music from their youth, brightening their moods.
Frank added, “He made us laugh and smile during such a critical time in our lives. We need more individuals like him. It’s a sentimental gesture, as we all have a love for music, and I wanted to ensure that he receives recognition for making us smile.” As Lee continues his recovery in the hospital, Craig has gone above and beyond by visiting him and his family. Frank expressed his gratitude, saying, “He has been truly amazing.
The hospital staff, including the doctors, have also been exceptional. Lee experienced a ruptured bowel, which I understand is relatively common. It began with lower abdominal pain and constipation, and he started swelling. On Sunday, he felt some sort of tear and his temperature skyrocketed.”
In the midst of their challenging circumstances, the compassion shown by a stranger like Craig has provided solace and uplifted the spirits of this resilient family. Their story serves as a reminder of the profound impact small acts of kindness can have during times of adversity.
