My father had to undergo an operation to replace his aortic valve. The surgery was delicate and the recovery process, lengthy. Two and a half months after the procedure, his memory showed signs of persistent deterioration, so we arranged a neurological consultation.

The neurologist who attended to him had seen him a few years earlier for some mild memory lapses. Comparing his current state with the previous one, she made it clear that there were signs of an underlying cognitive impairment. She explained that these conditions do not go away and that their progression is usually gradual. Nevertheless, she indicated that there are treatments to slow this process down, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological.

I was moved, and I decided to turn to Dr. Ernesto Cofiño's intercession

The news came as a shock to us as a family. My mother, in particular, was deeply saddened, as it was something she had feared from the start. We met on a video call to discuss how to face this new stage. I was moved, and I decided to turn to Dr. Ernesto Cofiño's intercession, asking for my father’s recovery. I thought that, being a doctor himself, he would understand this case well. Since then, I have prayed frequently for this favour.

Five months have passed since the operation and almost three since that appointment with the neurologist. Little by little, my father has been regaining his mental agility. After the surgery he had stopped using his mobile phone because he could no longer remember how it worked. Now he handles it with ease, sends messages and, just recently, sent me one in impeccable English. (Though not his mother tongue, he is fluent, because he taught the subject for many years.)

He has resumed going out shopping and remembers dates, names and conversations clearly. A friend who had seen him shortly after the surgery came to visit him again recently. He was astonished to see that not only did my father recognise him immediately, but that he chatted with the same mental sharpness he remembered from twenty years ago. Even my mother, who is a cautious and realistic person, says she sees that he is doing better than before the operation.

I thank God for this improvement and Ernesto Cofiño for his intercession.

J. B. – Hong Kong