it's been a long time coming for icu nurse merlin pongwon of long beach, california. workplace. merlin, at times near death, placed on a ventilator. now recovering and grateful for the greatest gift of all. >> i'm thankful that this is my second life. i've been here for nine months. the experience that i'm the one taking care of difficult patients, stuff like that, and now they're taking care of me. >> good-bye! >> bye! >> see ya! >> welcome home, merlin. that's "nightline" for tonight. watch our full episodes on hulu. see you back here same time tomorrow. thanks for staying up with us. good night, america.