The 38-year-old mother and wife stayed home from her job as a fourth-grade teacher at Foothill Elementary School in Saratoga on Jan. 14 because she was experiencing cold-like symptoms. She had survived meningitis, so she recognized the signs.

Her husband, John, took her to the emergency room at Good Samaritan Hospital, where Maria was told she just had the flu and was sent home. While her husband was out filling her prescriptions at the drugstore, Maria received a phone call she barely remembers.

"I couldn't comprehend who was on the phone," she said. When John returned home, she could only tell him that someone had called.

He checked the telephone's caller ID and discovered that it had been Good Samaritan calling.

The hospital staff had found a deadly bacteria in her blood that caused her blood pressure to drop severely and her body to go into septic shock—her organs were starting to shut down.

Wearing her husband's green sweats, Maria was rushed by John back to the hospital and placed on a drug called dopamine, which took oxygen from her body's extremities to help raise her blood pressure. One side effect of the drug was the risk of losing her fingers and toes.

"My hands and my feet turned black," she said. "It was kind of creepy."

Maria was placed in a morphine-induced coma and given antibiotics to allow her body to fight the bacteria. After 17 days in the intensive-care unit, Maria was finally brought out of the coma. Those 17 days are a blank slate in Maria's mind.

"I don't remember anything until I was taken out of the ICU," she said. "The day I really came to, there was a calendar on the wall that showed Feb. 5. I was arguing with the nurses, 'Today is only the 15th of January.' "

The antibiotics killed off the bacteria, and in the process Maria learned from tests that she has a nonfunctioning spleen. The spleen is responsible for fighting off bacteria in the body, such as those causing meningitis. Maria received immunizations and will be taking medications like penicillin for the rest of her life. She'll also be undergoing physical therapy for her damaged fingers. But the important part is she's alive.

There were a few times while she was in the coma that her family members were notified Maria only had a short time to live.

"I tried to stay strong for her. Deep down inside I was scared, but I tried my best not to show it," John said. "You can't think the worst in a situation like that."

During her hospitalization, Maria experienced everything from extreme weight gain to the temporary loss of her voice.

"I'm real happy she's back," John said. "We've been together for seven years and married for four, and she's my best friend."

John said one adjustment for him is taking over the household responsibilities since Maria isn't back to normal yet. But it's a trade he is more than happy to make for for his wife's return.

Their 3-year-old daughter, Julia, stayed with John's stepmother while Maria was in the hospital. John said they wanted to isolate their daughter as much as possible from the reality of the situation. Now that her mom is home, Julia can't get enough of her. John added that the support system his family has received from parents and teachers in Saratoga has been unbelievable.

"They've given us dinner three times a week, and constant cards and gifts," John said. "It's really helped Maria's spirit."

Foothill Principal Helen Sullivan, teachers and parents at the school have organized meals for the Miller family as well as housecleaning services.

"My whole class made candles for her," said Alex Scott, one of Maria's students. "Mrs. Miller loves candles. We made 'we miss you' cards and happy birthday cards."

Even though she likes her long-term substitute teacher, Tracy Kinsch, Alex said Mrs. Miller was a special teacher who didn't give her students too much homework and explained school subjects well. Alex's mom, Deme, described Maria as enthusiastic and approachable, with an extreme love for children.

Kinsch said Maria left her classroom especially organized, which made for a smoother transition.

"I think what the kids missed the most was having a set routine," Kinsch said. "It's hard when you get interrupted. They've been very good at rolling with the punches."

Maria's co-workers and parents at Foothill said they miss her incredible laugh, sense of humor, dedication and cheerful, vibrant personality.

"We get caught up in our day-to-day lives and we don't think about the roles people play until something like this happens," said Foothill teacher Cheri Barco.

The experience has changed Maria's life as well as her lifestyle. She'll be exercising frequently, resting more and cutting junk food out of her diet. Maria underwent hand surgery on March 26 and is on the road to recovery. She's hoping to get back to her classroom in the fall.