(June 8, 2012 - translation by Ralph Kurtenbach) Outside Hospital Vozandes-Quito's intensive care unit (ICU) where her husband, Jorge, lay connected to tubes, Olga spent time turning over in her mind the theme of a Bible verse posted on the waiting room wall. It read, "Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible'" (Matthew 19:26, NIV).

"I clung to that promise, and I often convinced myself that He would save Jorge," said Olga, who recounted the story beginning with her husband's heart attack and a trip to the hospital in Quito, Ecuador. "During that interminably long trip to the hospital," she related. "I applied every bit of faith I possessed to call on the Lord asking that my husband arrive in time to save his life."

During that ride, Jorge's face showed so much strain and agitation that Olga feared he wouldn't even last to the HCJB Global Hands hospital. Tests revealed not only Jorge's heart attack but also his need for a delicate, risky surgery followed by recovery in the ICU.

Waiting room at Hospital Vozandes-Quito.

Surviving the surgery, his care in the ICU lasted a long time as stresses mounted on Olga and the couple's son. "I can only say that it was my faith in God that sustained me," Olga said. She credits her brother's help, by both his presence and his financial assistance, as filling a critical need as well. Together they endured the medical updates, reports, revived hopes and setbacks that people experience when the lives of loved ones are in the balance.

"I appreciate that kind team of nurses and intensive care physicians who always exerted sensitivity and humanity in telling me the dire state of my husband," said Olga. "In spite of the circumstances, they exuded warmth and solidarity."

When Jorge died, Olga said she contemplated the promise offered by the religious plaque on the wall outside the ICU. "I became convinced that God did not fail me," she said. "Yes, my husband died, but before he died he was saved."

"Jorge had for many years turned away from God," Olga continued. "Perhaps it was because my second son (little Andrés) had died 15 years earlier, and perhaps it's because we didn't understand why an innocent child would be born with cancer. I'll never know."

Fervently Olga had prayed for her husband to draw closer to God, but he still resisted. "However, the day came when somehow I touched his heart-success!" she exclaimed. "He accepted the Lord."

HCJB Globals' Hospital Vozandes-Quito, across the street from Radio Station HCJB's studios.

Even as Jorge died in her arms, she didn't fear, confident that he is now in heaven with their son who had died. "In my new way of life, alone, I wonder why it is I feel no bitterness, with no bad memories of time spent with him at Hospital Vozandes," she said.

Reflecting on this, she compares the ICU staff to angels with names like Dr. Suarez and Dr. Falconí "and that dear Dr. Fabiola Enriquez, without knowing me, sought me out to offer her help, her support, her friendship in those painful days."

Olga came to understand that when darkness is deepest, it's because dawn is near. Life brings much suffering, but some are fortunate enough to experience them in a special atmosphere-not the cold, sterile environment that too often typifies a hospital, but staffed by people who show feelings of humanity and generosity.

"Walking to the emergency room that chilly August day," shared Olga. "We held hands and that was the last time we talked together. It is still so surreal to not have him here."

"We went through a lot during our 42 years, some filled with flowers along with many thorns, but always together," she said, adding that losing her husband was terrible, but it helped her remember to value friendship and solidarity.

"While I am sad, I have peace," she concluded. "I am alone, but I have God."

Source: HCJB Global