Transforming Today's World Magazine Volume 3 Issue 5 | Page 27

don’t WANT to die. But if this is what God has for me, then I accept it. I am not afraid of death. I have always believed in Jesus and God. I never went to church much, but I was raised with it, and I believe.” During our interview, it became obvious to me that Joe was extremely concerned for his wifes’ welfare. I asked him what he wanted to tell America. He simply replied: “Live every day like it was your last. Nobody ever thinks this is going to happen to them. So go do what you want to do! If you want to skydive - go do it. If you want to hunt, or golf, or travel - go do it! You only have one day to live, at one time. Be grateful for every minute - every breath. I only have one regret: that I have to leave my wife. I want to know she will be alright. We are like one person - this will be hard for her: very hard. Don’t get me wrong, I Woman TEXAS FREDERICKSBURG I asked Joe if he believed in Heaven. He got real animated and said: “Oh, yes! I believe in Heaven AND Hell.” I told him, that in The Bible, in John, Jesus said: “He was going to His Father, and He was going to prepare a place for us - in His house, are many mansions.” Joe quickly replied: “Oh, Yes! I believe that! I have already put in my request. I want an old farmhouse, all fixed up, with a lot of land. And it has to have a front porch - I always wanted a front porch. But it can only be half built.” I asked him why? With his eyes sparking, he quickly stated: “Well: So I can wait for my wife to come up and join me - to tell me how to finish it! “The three of us laughed and laughed. How amazing, Joe had even found some humor in what seemed to be a humorless situation. I guess that’s what courage does: it lifts the spirits of those who love you. It bonds people together with strength that can only come from the heart - a caring, deeply courageous heart. I honor you Joe. I honor your wife, and the deep love she has for you. I honor your faith in God, and your belief that Jesus has a place for you. At a very scary time, you are standing tall. Your faith is your rock, and that Rock will remain as the true foundation of your life- no matter what happens. Jesus will not let you down. He will carry Pat and your family. He will carry you, and open His loving arms, to welcome you home. But until that day, I will pray for a miracle. I will pray that your story will encourage those who are suffering in silence.Your example, will be your legacy. Your courage will never be forgotten, and your love for your wife and God, will be a living monument to what we should all aspire to be. Love cannot die. It is Gods’ most precious creation. Jesus will never fail us. After all: He is the King of all love. No one could have said it better: “Love, is the greatest commandment of all.” 27 www.fbgwoman.com