Date Published: August 11, 2026
Publisher: Clay Bridges Press Publishing
EXCERPT
As we continued going to hospitals to pray, we came to know many of the workers. We
were amazed at the number of staff who knew we were there praying for them but who
we never talked with. Early in our time at one of the hospitals, the head of the gift shop
came out with a balloon thanking us. We were so stunned by this act of kindness, of
selflessness, that we still have the balloon. These fine people who we only wanted to
bring hope and the love of Christ to were concerned about our needs. Every night that
the head of security was working, he would stop by to make sure we were fine. There
were nights when it was very cold, and many made sure we had enough blankets to
stay warm. One night a male nurse that we had never talked with asked us if we liked
pizza. When we said yes, he asked if it would be okay if he bought us a pizza that night
because he felt we had done so much for them. Pam and I were taken aback by his
offer, but we politely declined, thanking him and letting him know we had dinner waiting
at home. We were deeply touched by his kindness.
One evening a patient ran out of the Emergency Room squirting blood from his arm. He
stopped and spoke to us, and we encouraged him to go back inside. He told us he had
to go; he had been stabbed twice and needed to leave. Shortly after that, the police
showed up asking us questions. They were very kind; however, as three male nurses
walked by, they commented that if the police gave us a hard time, we should let them
know because they had us covered. The male nurses didn’t speak to us often, but how
kind and reassuring to know they had our backs. They were ready to take on the
protective role if necessary.
We recall a handicapped nurse with a walker who brought us a mango and, on a very
cold night around Christmas, brought us candy canes and packets of hot chocolate.
These acts truly touched our hearts. We have fond memories of “Candy Man Bob” who
brought us peppermints every night we were at one of the hospitals, and an
ICU/COVID-19 nurse who shared with us the devotions she used when praying with her
team. We saved them all. We’ll never forget the evening that a nursing student came up
to us, laying hands on our shoulders, saying, “It’s time we pray over you as you have
prayed for us.” She prayed for us, and we felt the love from the prayer as she intended.
One evening we broke some of the rules and helped an elderly woman get to the ER.
She was having trouble walking as she gasped for air and was very unsteady on her
feet. When we saw her struggling, Pam and I knew we couldn’t let her struggle alone as
we witnessed her clinging to a garbage can to steady herself. So, Pam went to get a
wheelchair, and I went to assist the woman. There was no using prayer cords for
distance; she needed an arm to hold onto. She told me she had COVID-19, and I simply
said, “It’s okay” and helped her into the wheelchair Pam brought, and we prayed with
her before delivering her to the ER. I told Pam that the woman reminded me of my
mother who had passed a few years before, so I just couldn’t let her struggle alone. A
few minutes after she entered the hospital a male nurse came out with hand sanitizer
telling us to wash carefully because she had tested positive. We did as we were told.
The final, and for me, the greatest act of kindness came one night as we were taking
our lawn chairs and sign back to the car. I was in the lead with Pam following close
behind. I heard Pam yell, and I turned around, afraid, only to see her lying on the
ground. I checked her quickly; she was not bleeding, but I told her not to move, to stay
where she was while I went to get help. Pam started to argue, but I asked her to please
just do this. Not that I am prone to overreact, but we are seniors, so various scenarios
were going through my head from brain bleed to a broken hip. I ran as best as I could to
the ER. Talking as fast as I could to the security guard, I told him what happened and
asked for help. I began running back to be with my loving wife, but as I went three
nurses ran right by me! The nurses checked Pam and sat her up making sure she was
okay. I was amazed at the prompt care they gave; they were taking care of one of their
own. I had tears in my eyes as I thanked them when they gave Pam a clean bill of
health. Yes, Pam was fine, she didn’t hit her head; if anything was hurt, it was her pride.
As we drove home, we both talked about how touched we were at how fast they came
to help and how gentle, kind, and thorough they were.
Yes, we were the recipients of many acts of kindness, which we never expected but
always appreciated. These acts let us know that some of what we were hoping to bring
to these fine people was being achieved. We felt the love of Christ everyday being there
but especially on those occasions. We were surprised and humbled by these and other
acts of kindness. We truly knew that we were being prayed for, and we felt the love and
strength those prayers intended. The gifts we received were unexpected, greatly
appreciated, and confirmation of the mission our Lord had put on our hearts. God is so
very good, and His blessings come when you are not looking for them, always given
when most needed. We will never cease to be humbled and amazed. We were given a
confirmation of what we were trying to do, to be there as Christ commanded to love everyone.
Our hope is that these stories encourage you to persistently seek God through prayer. His grace is unending.
Blessed with creative talents, Tom turned a simple woodburning hobby into a small business and embraced the role of “Mr. Mom” to his three sons, finding purpose and joy in the rhythms of family life.
Though he often sensed a calling to do God’s work, Tom pushed it aside for many years. That changed in 2020. As the pandemic altered daily life and stirred deep questions of faith, he found himself in honest, raw conversations with Christ—dialogues that became a spiritual lifeline. Those reflections and personal experiences evolved into writing, eventually forming the foundation of his first book.
Today, Tom continues to use his creativity and vulnerability to encourage others, sharing stories that point to God’s presence in every season, especially the difficult ones.
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