A Mother’s Unending Love

HE RODE HOME in a white stretch limo, led by an escort of flashing lights and sirens. They entered a street filled with cheering fans, balloons and music. He gave a grateful wave as the entourage pulled up at his house.

No, this wasn’t a pro athlete, politician or movie star. This was Pequannock’s own Colby Jay Douglas, arriving home and smiling after being hospitalized for 136 days. “It’s a miracle,” stated NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie on live TV as she covered the amazing story of a mother’s love and Colby’s journey to recovery.

Colby’s story began on September 24, 1998. At a regular obstetrician appointment for his mother, Gayle Douglas, five weeks before her due date, there was an indication of fetal stress. Gayle and her husband, George, agreed to an emergency caesarean section, revealing that the preemie had swallowed amniotic fluid.

Colby was immediately rushed into the neonatal intensive care unit. It was there that the diagnosis of Down syndrome was made, and the Douglas family entered a new chapter.

A HAPPY PRESENCE

At home, the other Douglas children couldn’t wait to meet their baby brother. Brett, then 18; Courtney, 16; Derrick, 10; and Tyler, 6, all greeted Colby with the love they would share for the next several decades.

Colby’s early years were much like those of his older siblings as Gayle continued with her many activities, bringing him everywhere with her. Colby accompanied his mom to her jobs at Boys and Girls Club, Spa 23 and Pequannock Parks and Recreation.

A super friendly toddler, Colby made instant friends wherever he went. Gayle says with a chuckle, “If you’re depressed or down about something, stop by at our house and talk to Colby. You’ll leave happier!”

Education proved challenging at times, but Gayle and George weathered those days. Colby began in the Pequannock Township High School preschool program, transitioned to the Hillview handicapped class, attended a few other places and finally found a home at the Phoenix Center in Nutley, finishing there in 2020.

But despite being healthy for most of his life, in early March 2020, Colby told his parents he wasn’t feeling well. A visit to Morristown Hospital revealed that he not only had COVID-19, but also fungal pneumonia, which worsened by the day.

He was intubated and placed on a ventilator, and what amounted to Gayle’s new career began.

LOCKED DOWN

She knew Colby’s best chance for survival and recovery would come with his mom by his side. She negotiated her own stay, with the caveat that once in Colby’s room, she couldn’t leave due to the pandemic.

For five months, Gayle mothered her son in a tiny hospital room. She counted the number of steps she could take (only 13 between the walls) as she paced and prayed. “I lost over 20 pounds, but not the way you’d want to,” she says.

She began structuring each day with a classroom-like schedule, drawing from her many experiences as a substitute teacher in Pequannock schools. “Mornings were music, afternoons were chapter books and evenings were recorded segments from familiar TV shows or movies,” she says.

Gayle was always sure that Colby was listening, and indeed, after nearly 20 weeks, he woke up. Soon he was transferred to Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick, where he continued his recovery, followed by more therapy in Newton.

Colby finally came home on August 13, 2020, in a swirl of happiness. Besides the neighborhood celebration and the appearance on the Today Show, there were parades, outdoor parties and a postponed graduation ceremony at PTHS the following year.

BACK TO A FULL LIFE

Five years later, Colby is back to being Colby, and Gayle is back to her varied activities. A cheerful, funny, loving young man, Colby attends a weekly friends group (of course, initiated and run by Gayle!). They enjoy myriad activities, including yoga, crafts, games and field trips.

Colby relishes being Uncle Colby to his five nieces and nephews. He recommends watching “Take the Lead,” a dance movie that is one of his favorite films, soon to be presented live at the Papermill Playhouse. Gayle bought front-row tickets for the show!

Colby is also a sports lover, especially of basketball, bowling and swimming. He swam in the Special Olympics for 13 years and proudly displays a box of medals he’s won in those events.He rides his three-wheeler and has recently taken up cardio boxing with his friend Brendan Monaghan. Colby and Monaghan have built a wonderful friendship, resulting in Colby being invited to be a groomsman in Monaghan’s upcoming wedding.

Colby’s outgoing personality also helps with his job at Sunset Pub & Grill, where he’s been celebrated as Employee of the Year several times and is delighted with his work.

He loves life, his pets, friends and family, especially his mom.

When Gayle is asked what advice she might have for other families facing similar challenges, she says without hesitation, “Just love them like any other kid. You don’t know how lucky you are. And they’re smarter than you think.”

A proverb attributed to author Rudyard Kipling says, “God could not be everywhere; therefore he invented mothers.” Gayle Douglas is a mother who has been everywhere for her son. Happy Mothers’ Day, Gayle.

BY MARY SHUMEYKO