Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

CORAL HARBOUR
Wesley Nakoolak's road to recovery is a tale of strength, perseverance and Christian faith in the ability of his Saviour to help him heal.

The strength, faith and dedication of recovering burn victim Wesley Nakoolak, 13, of Coral Harbour was recognized at a bantam hockey tournament earlier this month when Nanulik MLA Johnny Ningeongan, left, presented him with a special Perseverance Award. - photo courtesy of Noel Kaludjak

Nakoolak, 13, the youngest sibling in a family of three boys and a girl to Solomon Nakoolak and his wife, Meeka, was asleep in a fishing cabin at 16 Mile Brook about a year ago when a fire broke out at about 2 a.m.

Solomon said Wesley felt as if someone was touching the side of his head or body to rouse him from his sleep as the fire was raging, and he looked up to see a portion of the doorway open as others were running out of the cabin.

He said Wesley felt he had been touched by God or Jesus and was meant to make it out of the cabin.

"The others got to Wesley after he made it out and drove him the 16 miles to the Coral health centre," said Solomon.

" I can't give the details of what happened at the health centre because I seem to have blacked out.

"I was so shocked to see my son like that.

"He was conscious at the health centre until they put him in a coma, and he stayed in the coma for a good couple of weeks or so."

Wesley was medevaced to the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Man.

Now a Grade 7 student at Sakku School, he had suffered burns to about 45 to 50 per cent of his upper body and a portion of his face.

Wesley remained in hospital receiving treatment for about four months before going home to Coral.

Solomon said when he and Wesley returned home together, they were met by a large group of family members with a welcome home sign.

He said the welcome was an awesome and emotional experience for everyone there.

"Up to today, it's been more than a year now, but I'm still speechless when it comes to how Wesley handled everything.

"His body was so badly burned, but he always stayed so positive, put his faith in Jesus and always believed he would get better.

"We're just so happy he believes in Jesus so much, and that faith still has him here with us."

Wesley loves to play hockey and, when it was announced Coral would host a bantam tournament from March 28 to April 1, he was determined to play.

Wesley's a defencemen who doesn't shy away from blocking shots and, after his first action, his ankle acted up badly and he spent a night on crutches.

His family iced the ankle overnight and gave him medication to help ease the pain and inflammation.

The following day, despite the fact he was advised to stay away from hockey for two weeks, there was no holding Wesley back.

There was no swelling in his ankle, and he told his family there was no pain and he wanted to play.

Solomon said he can't find the proper words to express how Wesley believed he could do it.

He said seeing him feel better the following day and going back to play in the tournament made him feel like he was a miracle boy.

"I get a lot of good input from the public stating Wesley's a really good player for a young boy who went through a lot.

"He scored in the bronze-medal game, which Coral won, and had a couple of assists, I believe, so it was very emotional.

"I was emotional watching every game he played.

"It's hard to express what you feel inside after coming so close to losing a son."

Wesley was happy and proud of his bronze medal after the tournament, and excited about meeting many new friends during the event.

Solomon said Wesley gets along well with almost everyone he meets.

He said he's also been keeping up with his school work since returning to Coral.

"Wesley is a regular schoolboy and takes just about every chance he gets to go out hunting with his older brothers.

"He just caught another caribou the other day.

"He seems to understand how lucky he is to have survived what happened and to have come so far since then."

Solomon said it seems like there's always someone or something looking out for Wesley.

He said it really is a miracle how his son hardly felt any pain after the accident, and how he's fought through everything.

"I wish I could see it because when we were in the hospital with Wesley, he said he was being watched over by an angel.

"It was a miracle how well the medication worked and how much he believed in God to get him through this.

"I appreciate having all my kids and my wife around me, but Wesley's a handful and it's fun having him around.

"I'm proud to be the father of a boy who believes so strongly in God and Jesus.

"That belief is why Wesley is here with us today.

"That's all I can say."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.