Gustavo González is seen at work Thursday for the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District. (Staff photo by Francisco E. Jimenez)
By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
“I might get emotional, so bear with me,” said Isabel González Thursday morning as she approached the San Benito CISD Maintenance Department, where her father, Gustavo González, works.
Gustavo, an employee with the school district for a total of 21 years, has made a full recovery after undergoing treatment and surgery for stage 2 colorectal cancer. He returned to work on Thursday, January 3, for the first time in approximately seven months.
“It feels great,” said Gustavo when asked about returning to work. “It felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.”
According to Isabel, Gustavo was diagnosed colorectal cancer and ulcerative colitis after undergoing a colonoscopy, which was part of a complete physical. He had to undergo chemotherapy as well as a laparoscopic surgery on October 9 that left him in the hospital for five days.
Despite it all, Gustavo was ready to return to work soon after the operation.
“It’s back to normal as far as routine,” said Isabel. “The fact that he has to live with an ileostomy pouch changes things. It’s a different style of living, but that’s what gave him his life back.”
Gustavo received support during his treatment from family, friends and several district employees, including Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón and Building and Grounds Director David H. Garcia, Gustavo’s boss.
“He’s a good man, I wish there were more workers like him,” said Garcia, who called Gustavo at least once a week. “He’s very dedicated and always trying to do what’s best for the district.”
Garcia offered words of inspiration for Gustavo during his time of need to help him get through his ordeal.
“I told him that I have a cousin who went through the same thing he did,” Garcia said. “I told him that if my cousin could do it, he could, too. I was really happy to have him back. He was, too. I could see it in his face. He was bored at home just waiting for the doctor to release him.”
No one was more grateful than Gustavo’s family.
“We are extremely thankful for the prayers and support from our family, friends, co-workers and members of the community,” said Francisca, Gustavo’s wife, Isabel’s mother. “Their support was immeasurable.”
An emotional Isabel further remarked, “This Christmas was really nice, we had so much to be thankful for.”
Read this story in the Jan. 13 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
1 comment
This is so wonderful to hear…We had wondered what had happened to this family’s Father. We don’t know them but were sure rooting for his recovery. Thank you for keeping us up to date with this follow up story.