It is about family. My family. The family Sauga.
Nelson Sauga is 68 years old and the cornerstone of his family. With seven sons and two daughters, he is the glue that holds the Sauga family together.
Nelson began to experience pain in his right knee in 2008. This pain increased to the intensity that it forced him to retire from his military career.
“My family is everything,” Nelson told me after his surgery. “They are the most important thing. I can’t let them down. I have to keep moving, keep being a part of their lives.”
Nelson was a vibrant and constant source of joy while in recovery. He encouraged his fellow patients, engaged with our volunteers, and let us know that he was going to recover and be better than ever.
“This is for your family, Family Sauga!” He had well over 15 family members waiting for him the day after surgery and he proudly walked past them to show that he was ready to regain both his mobility and his life.
Children, grandchildren and a great-grandchild watched as he made his way from his room out to the patio. He gathered them around and we took a celebratory photo to commemorate his recovery.
“I am the father, the grandfather, the great-grandfather,” he stated. I show the way. Nothing is impossible.”
We are all better to have met Nelson. His humor, honesty, and love for his family will stay with us for years to come.