TURNING 90 years old is already a major milestone but reaching such a ripe age and beating COVID-19 while still suffering from underlying conditions, is a double blessing and a perfect cause for a celebration.
That is exactly what the family of Johanna Isabella Rossouw (90) did when they recently found out – one day before her birthday on August 8 – that she had fully recovered after being infected with the virus.
Rossouw’s three sons and their families surprised the birthday girl with a party outside her window at the Executive Frail Care Centre in Kabega Park, where she has been living since she broke her hip last year and couldn’t live on her own anymore.
“We bought a beautiful cake, some finger foods, non-alcoholic champagne and cupcakes for her and the rest of the residents and staff at the centre. We also brought along some of her close friends from Despatch to share this special day with her. It meant so much to her because she didn’t suspect a thing,” said Rossouw’s youngest son, Leon.
He believes that his mother received the best birthday gift with the wonderful news of her recovery just the day before her birthday. “She is so blessed!” he said happily.
Rossouw, who suffers from cholesterol and high blood pressure, said that she was very shocked and at a loss for words when she heard that she had the coronavirus.
“I had absolutely no idea, but all I can say is that it feels wonderful to be this age and to have recovered. It is only because of mercy from above.”
When asked about her secret to living such a long and fairly healthy life thus far, she answered: “Only hard work and the mercy from the wonderful Father above.”
She added that she also doesn’t just sit around all day and do nothing.
“I love walking around in shopping malls. I also read a lot, especially the Huisgenoot and Kuier magazines. Sometimes I buy those books with the numbers and word games because I enjoy completing those,” she said excitedly.
According to Leon, she also still walks around the block and likes sewing. “She does this without glasses and really reads a lot of books and magazines. She is especially fond of romance novels.”
He explained that when his mother started showing symptoms, they were all very worried and immediately took her to see a doctor.
“She had a sore throat, headaches, earaches and a bad cough. Her lungs were also affected. We are so lucky that she didn’t have to be admitted to hospital. She was quarantined at the centre where management and staff took extremely good care of her,” he said.
“We were really stressed but two days into her COVID-19 treatment, it already became evident that she was fighting this virus with everything she had and that is how we know her: as someone who doesn’t give up without putting up a huge fight,” he recalled.
“My mother has always been a fighter and is truly a legendary woman, a woman of steel for us. She managed on her own after my dad passed away at the age of 50. That means that she has basically been a widow for 46 years. I remained in the house for 13 years after my dad’s passing, so she lived alone for 32 years,” he explained.
“Up until August last year, she still drove her own car and was very independent. She is a formidable woman and truly an example to others, someone to look to for guidance and advice in any situation.
“She’s always willing to listen and has hands that are ready to help and give even though she didn’t always have it easy.”
Apart from Leon (54), Rossouw also has two other children, André, who is almost 72 years old and Louis (64). Her second-born son, Johan, died when he was only 34 years old. She also has nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
“She is so lucky to be alive and we are and extremely grateful that she is healthy again,” Leon added.
