METHUEN, Mass. — A Methuen man and stroke victim whose family thought he would never be able to come back home is celebrating Christmas with his loved ones after eight years.
Ana Gonzalez says her husband, Jesus "Manny" Gonzalez went in for surgery to have a hip replacement when something went wrong.
"It was supposed to be 1 1/2 hour surgery and it took like 7 hours," said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez says Manny had a stroke while on the operating table and would need a feeding tube for following year.
Manny was transferred to Nevins Nursing and Rehab Center in Methuen.
"He was this man who was just so high on life and then he just needed to depend on everybody for his care," said Kathleen Rodden a Unit Manager at Nevins. "The major problem is that he cannot speak and he cannot walk."
As a veteran and longtime business owner, Manny was fiercely independent until he wasn't.
His family yearned to have him back home for eight years, but couldn't find a suitable place or the money to buy a house.
After years of saving up and lots of help, Gonzalez was finally able to close on a home last month.
"I keep pushing and pushing and thank God and all the friends supporting me," said Gonzalez. "It was very hard but we did it.”
Their new home now has the space and wheelchair accommodations Manny needs. He'll still need care around the clock, but there's no more need for him to be in a nursing home.
"He can be at home, [with the] grandchildren, with me," said Gonzalez.
A huge Christmas party has already been planned for Manny, who returns home Tuesday morning.