Elsie and Wilson Banks have resumed planting their turnips, collard greens, beets, tomatoes, and cucumbers in their home garden.

Wilson and Elsie Banks have lived in Mansfield, Georgia for most of their 62-year marriage, and never thought their lives would be touched by Grady — a hospital that existed only in ads, and almost an hour away from their home.

“We live in the country, about 20 minutes outside of Covington. We would see advertisements about Grady, but I never thought I would end up there with my husband,” Elsie said.

In March 2016, Elsie’s husband, Wilson, had a heart attack and was taken to a nearby hospital. While receiving care, he had a massive stroke, and his doctor knew the best place for him was Grady’s Advanced Comprehensive Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center.

“My husband was life-flighted to Grady that night, and they removed the blood clot from his brain. He stayed in the hospital for two weeks and I stayed by his side as much as I could. Everyone we saw in the intensive care unit took care of both of us– helping my husband recover, while making sure I was always comfortable,” Elsie said.

Two years later, Wilson is back to planting flowers and vegetables in his home garden, keeping active, basking in the joy of being a great grandfather, and spending time with his wife.

“All I knew was I wanted him to come back home with me, and that’s what I got because Grady saved him. Now we get to grow old together as planned,” Elsie said.