May 27, 2021 dawned with blue skies and fair weather as Lois Roy, Sexton at Church of the Holy Family, in Hebron, arrived to begin her day. She met and spoke with the pastor, Father Michael Phillippino in the driveway as he arrived for his duties.
A short time later, Father was jolted from his work by a vigorous knock on the back door – one no one ever used. He was met by an anxious woman speaking little English. Her gestures conveyed her alarm.
Lois had been run over by an unknown vehicle and apparently dragged many feet. She was not aware of her surroundings and at the mercy of the pavement. The ambulance arrived quickly and EMTs carefully put their professional skills to work. Her crushed and broken body was lifted into the ambulance, and this skilled team delivered her to Hartford Hospital where she spent several months in intensive care.
Word of her injury spread quickly. Requests for prayers were answered with taped words of encouragement and songs of faith and love were sent to her phone where they were played for her to hear. Family members took turns sitting and praying for her.
Days later, when she was discharged to Gaylord Hospital, she was awake and aware of her surroundings but unable to speak or walk. Before long she began taking control of her care and performing activities no one expected of her, especially in such a short time. She returned home quickly, eagerly jumping into therapy there.
Months later, when she was able to attend Mass, she shared a vision she had during her convalescence, in which she received an invitation to walk hand in hand with Jesus along a clear stream. There wasn’t a dry eye in Church that morning.
One year after the event that nearly took her life, Lois returned to work; and when it was time for the Manchester Road Race, she was eager to participate. She had run previously but understood that might be a different story this time. She chose to walk it instead and did so in 1 hour, 34 minutes and 45 seconds.
Recently, she registered to participate in a gauntlet this June sponsored by Gaylord Hospital. It is designed for those who have been injured or are otherwise handicapped.
Lois is present at work five days a week. She never says, “I can’t do it,” she just moves forward. She’s an inspiration and example to all of us at Good Shepherd Parish, and she is the first to share how much she depends on God and how much He has done for her.
By Mary Ellen Gonci