A Love that is so Wonderful

Today I visited with Helen and Hervey again. The purpose was to encourage them and say that we are continuing to pray for and with them. Instead they have encouraged me - maybe all of us.

Hervey was sleeping soundly and is doing so for longer periods of time. Helen stays most of the day with him.

Today as Helen shared with me all of the events of the last few days, she pointed to a small piece of white paper taped to the hospital wall at the foot of Hervey's bed. Hervey printed some words on the paper with the black marker that he had available. There with his shaky printing he had said it all,
"I LOVE YOU HELEN."

Through all of the pain and the difficulties that they are going through together, the love of this couple keeps them. Through all the years of ministry together with its ups and downs.... their love has grown. It has kept them faithful to and supportive to each other for 47 years, and 74 days as of today. They were married December 20, 1958. This is true love and is perhaps at its greatest point now. This is God's love lived out by two lives that love Him.

What a blessing to all of us.

Thank you for praying for the Shanks today.

PML