COLOMBIA, SC (WIS) – It’s a friendship that dates back to 1940, when Mary Louise Lucas and Alma Gates met in their turbulent class in their first year of high school.
“We were very close and we went to Columbia High School and graduated in 1946, and here we are,” said Lucas, 92.
Since then, the two have done many things together, including supporting each other while battling COVID-19.
“I was suffering so much,” said Gates, 91.
Diagnosed with coronavirus in July, she was already at high risk for her age, but she also suffers from congestive heart failure and diabetes.
“The Lord has not promised us a life without pain,” she said. “I didn’t think about dying; I just wanted to relieve the pain. “
After five days at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital, “I was very concerned about her,” said Lucas.
And after a six-week recovery at home, they resumed their regular visits.
“I used to sit in the car and she in the garage and we weren’t close to each other,” said Gates.
But last month, Lucas was admitted to the hospital.
She received convalescent plasma and steroid treatments.
“I’m grateful,” she said. “Perhaps it had an effect. As I said, I’m here, thank God ”.
She’s back home, but she still needs oxygen.
“I was not allowed to speak – and I am a talker,” she said.
The two friends are planning the day when they can get back to life as it was before COVID.
“I can’t wait to get in the car and go,” said Lucas.
“She thinks she can still drive,” Gates interrupted in a good mood.
Although the pandemic has changed life so much, that link remains the same.
Copyright 2021 WRDW / WAGT. All rights reserved.