NORFOLK - It was the worst case scenario for the Maybon family...

Scott Maybon tells us, "We knew that if our parents got it, because of all their underlying conditions, we knew that the odds were against them going into the hospital."

Don and Sandra Maybon were both 80 years old and both had underlying health conditions. The grandparents had been cautious throughout the pandemic, wearing masks and staying home as much as possible... but shortly after Sandra had to leave the house for chemo in Omaha, things took a turn for the worst.

Beth Laible remembers, "Dad had COPD so he was having a hard time breathing anyway. His oxygen levels were down and he was getting really confused, so I was helping him. Then I would go into Mom's room, and she was dehydrated and hadn't eaten for three or four days."

Sure enough, the two tested positive for COVID-19, along with their son Scott, who drove Sandra to Chemo on that July day. Scott has recovered, but now he lives with guilt, wondering if that’s how his mother caught the virus.

Scott says, "The whole two weeks has been about that. Just thinking about whether or not I gave it to my mom and dad."

There is no way of knowing if Scott infected his mom that day, but it is well known that his parents would never want him to feel responsible for their deaths.

"I talked to them on the phone and they said, 'Scott, we know you didn't do that'... they would never allow me to think that, but it's tough not to think that."

The Maybons were isolated to their individual hospital rooms, next door to each other. The next two weeks were filled with phone calls, letters, and window visits from family... as well as loneliness and pain on both sides of the glass.

Beth explains, "You just feel so isolated. It is the most vicious, heartless disease I have ever encountered. You can't go in there, you can't hold their hand."

Scott tells us, "They wheeled her into his room for him to say goodbye, but that was the only time they saw each other in two weeks."

After saying goodbye to his wife of 59 years and 11 months, Don’s mindset seemed to change.

"He called me, and he wanted to go home," says Scott. 

Just two days after Sandra passed away, COVID-19 took the love of her life as well.

Sandra explains, "I have always said, if one of them died I hope the other goes with them because they would die of a broken heart. So, if it had to happen, the only comfort we have is that they are together, up in Heaven."

There will be a funeral for Don and Sandra in Norfolk this Saturday, with a special twist to allow them to serve their community and country one last time. Sandra was a school teacher for 37 years, while Don served in the Military. 

"We are asking that people give school supplies and backpacks in memorial of my mom, and flags for my dad so we can donate those to the Legion Hall."

If you are interested in donating any of those items, you can drop them off at United Methodist Church in Madison at 506 S Main St. You can also contact NCN and we will help make deliveries to the family.