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.”
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