An East Longmeadow woman spent nearly a month in the hospital. It was unexpected, but she says, because of her family, she was able to get through it.
"I should've been there maybe overnight and 26 days later," said Erin Chase. "I came out."
Chase went to the hospital for a gallbladder issue. She said surgery complications led to her getting double pneumonia, liver failure, and kidney failure.
"Erin was laying on her bed with a full oxygen mask, CPAP mask, and the doctor told me in that moment she didn't think she was going to make it. She asked permission to put her on a ventilator because she didn't think she was going to make it through the weekend," said Erin’s husband, John Chase.
It was hard for the family to go through. John said the house was empty without Erin.
"Everything revolves around her, her energy, and her love," he said. "It was tough."
It was especially tough for their 9-year-old twins, Gabriel and Michael.
"We became a family through adoption, so a lot of PTSD and anxiety with mom not being here," Erin explained.
Because of coronavirus restrictions, hospital visits to see their mom weren't allowed. However, after the long journey, the staff made an exception for the family.
"You don't realize how much you miss the touch of your family until you don't have it. To hear "mom" behind the curtain," Erin said. "It was pretty amazing."
Gabriel and Michael described seeing their mom again as amazing, too. She greeted her family with a very long hug.
"To be able to hug them, I thought I was squishing them to death but I didn't care," Erin added.
The Chases say that the strength of family and prayer allowed them to be together again. John is a pastor at New Life Church in East Longmeadow. He started a prayer chain around the world, when his wife almost lost her life.
"I just say thank you to everyone who prayed for my wife and my family," he said. "She is here because of that."
Erin, her husband, and both of their children said they are all very thankful she is finally home and hope she is there to stay. The doctors said she has a long road of recovery ahead, but the family remains optimistic.