As I sat with Tony day and night, I was in constant prayer. My prayers were for healing, for my husband to wake up and shock everyone around him. I also prayed for us. It was important for both of us that no matter the circumstance, we needed to be the light of Jesus, that his room would shine bright with love. I asked the Lord that every person entering Tony’s room would be touched in some way.

The first day after Tony was intubated, I was pushed back in a corner of the room while the doctors and nurses constantly worked on him. He was on his stomach to help the lungs open up to receive air. A team of nurses and respiratory staff would come and turn his head every 2 hours. It was nearly unbearable watching this strong man of mine laying lifeless in the midst of all the ciaos. I kept my focus on Jesus, on prayer, on hope. I stepped out of the room for a moment to catch my breath and a housekeeper, India came and asked if I was ok. When I said no, she put her arms around me, and we cried. India became a constant presence and support for me in this difficult time. The doctors tried to get me to go home, but I promised Tony, I would not leave him. I pulled 2 chairs together and made my bed as close to him as I could get. On day 7 the doctor begged me to go home. He was worried about my health; I could not go. He knew of the promise I made Tony, to stay by his side and pray, no matter what. I told him I was ok, that I had to be there. I knew the Lord would sustain me and I continued to stay on my knees most of the 26 days I was there, as his care team came in and out of the room desperately trying to save him.

Early that first week, our daughter sent a poster board up with pictures of Tony and our family. Each nurse and doctor that came in the room stood in front of it and studied the man they were caring for. I told them stories of Tony’s life, and our family. They spoke to Tony as if he were awake. They talked about the people and things he loved. They asked him about his children and grandchildren, about hunting and his love of the outdoors. Most of the care team comments to me were how they could tell by my love for him, he must be a wonderful man. Many of them could not explain the sadness and love they felt in their hearts for this man they had never even spoken to. The pulmonologist that cared for Tony the last 2 weeks came in the room and said he felt so much love in the room it was unexplainable and overwhelming. He said he wished he could talk to and know Tony. The day Tony passed he came to the room and cried as he told our children he could not save their dad. When he left the room, he sobbed in the arms of our friend Melissa.

Since Tony’s big promotion to Heaven, I have received calls from each of the pulmonologist that cared for him his 36 days in the hospital. Each of them saying the same thing. Tony had a great impact on their life, and they can’t explain why.

The word of God says that we should be a light unto the world.

Matthew 5:14-16 – You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.

Babe, we did what the Lord asked of us. We prayed that he would let His light shine through you, through us and He did. You have made such a huge impact on so many lives without ever saying a word. Rob (Tony’s good friend), said yesterday in a text that you planted the seeds while you were here and now the Lord has handed you the watering can so you can water and watch them grow from Heaven. I will continue the work of planting the seeds and you keep watering. I miss you every minute. CL