Patsy was grounded in the bed

with Parkinson’s—she could

no longer talk, only grunt softly.

I, the volunteer, made eye contact

and abided her slight head motions

for yes or no answers. Yet in that

frail frame I sensed a strong Faith

as I offered her songs, prayers, and

words. I detected a will as tough

as green briar roots. Her eyes

had a steely focus. Though she

could move her head only slightly,

she did with the determination of a

skipper threading through a storm.

You knew—you knew that her ‘Yes’

was clearly ‘Yes’ and her ‘No’ was

undeniably ‘No.’ It went on like

this for weeks—with songs, scripture

reads, prayers, and pauses.

And then one day I told her that

I thought she could be a missionary.

She didn’t have to go to some far off

place. She could be a prayer warrior,

praying for me and all the persons

in the nursing home. And for more

months I’d thank her for her prayers

and assure her of mine. I met her son

the day she died. I told him what a

great model of faith his mother was.

He seemed surprised and smiled.

I believe she has gone to the Most

High One where she can put in a good

word for me. She had so little. Yet giving

all she had, she scaled the mountain.

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Original Bio:

Richard Hurzeler is grateful for the gift of Life; for a most wonderful wife for 58 years, for blessings of four children and eight grand children. All this by the Grace of God!