POLOKWANE – A miracle for Christmas: this is how Renette Casima describes the gift she received when her husband, Antonio Camisa, awoke from his coma.
Antonio was in a coma after he was involved in a serious motorcycle accident on 3 December during which he sustained several serious injuries, including bleeding on the brain and a collapsed lung among others.
Video footage from the scene of the accident
His wife received the news that he was in a coma early last week and that doctors would continue monitoring him even though they could not give her any answers yet on how severely the head injury would affect his abilities.
Early on Saturday morning Antonio’s wife visited him as she had done since the accident when she received what she calls a Christmas miracle.
“I am on my knees thanking God. I was so thankful the moment he opened his eyes. God heard my prayers and gave my husband back to me for Christmas. He is my special gift,” she told Review.
She said the most beautiful thing she had ever heard was him talking to her asking about the accident, which he still can’t remember, and asking when he will be able to see his children.
“He talks to me, tells me he misses our children and that he wants to see them. I get tears in my eyes when I tell him that they send hugs and kisses. They will only be able to visit with him around 16 December and we are still waiting for permission to have our children stay with us as he will possibly still be in hospital for Christmas,” she added.
Antonio was not aware of the accident or where he was at the time he regained consciousness. The other party involved in the accident has been paying for his wife’s accommodation but stated clearly that this was not an admission of guilty but rather a sign of good will.
He is still in pain but is responding well to medication and physiotherapy that he will be needing after an operation to his left leg.
Antonio is also fighting an infection but is recovering well and doing better every day.
“I would like to thank God for His mercy which has carried and brought my husband back to me.
“There have been so many people praying for us and assisting us in ways that helped me be strong for my family. I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and assistance. Have a blessed festive season and I pray that God gives you your heart’s desire as he did mine,” Renette said.