A retired firefighter living in South Brunswick is back home after 105 days in the hospital battling COVID-19.

John Brkal even spent 40 days on a ventilator. It's a journey his daughters are calling "one heck of a ride."      

VACCINE INFORMATION: Check to see if you are eligible

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION: Where and how to get vaccinated

But the ride ended in celebration, with a parade, signs, and cheers to welcome their dad home.

"Honestly, it's a miracle that he survived this," says daughter, Tammy Rowe. "All the doctors said so themselves. We are so grateful, and for all our loved ones. The prayers, and everyone texting and calling and emailing. It just meant the world to us."