When you love someone, let them know — a lot

When Bonny's care team at Norton Audubon Hospital found out about the vow renewal plan, they made it their mission to make the event — happening that day — as beautiful as possible.

Author: Kate Eller

Published: February 4, 2025

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Bonny and Robert Parker, who are in their early 60s, met years ago at the former Heads Up Pub in Louisville.  As sometimes happens in life, when they first met, in their early 20s, it was not meant to be. They both ended up marrying other people but eventually found their way back to each other 27 years ago. They married 20 years ago in July. 

Unfortunately, a medical crisis and devastating diagnosis in 2025 makes it likely they will not see their 21st wedding anniversary. Bonny came to Norton Audubon Hospital on Monday, Jan. 27, with severe abdominal pain. After undergoing emergency surgery, she learned that she has a life-changing terminal diagnosis. She recently transferred to hospice care.  

Bonny learned that her cousin, who was visiting her in the hospital on Jan. 31, had just taken a course to be ordained to perform weddings. She looked over and asked Robert if he would like to renew their vows. 

Robert replied, “Of course I will, honey.” 

When Bonny’s care team at Norton Audubon Hospital found out about the vow renewal plan, they made it their mission to make the event — happening that day — as beautiful as possible. Reaching out to colleagues to assist, one ordered a dozen white roses on Door Dash while another supplied the couple with a plant for the bedside ceremony.

Two decades ago, what made them decide to marry after seven years of dating?

“He’s just a very good man,” Bonny said.

Robert made them both giggle with his reply: “Because she is hot and still is hot!” 

He called Bonny the “biggest-hearted person” he’s ever met. 

Bonny’s care team agrees and calls her an amazing woman who remains upbeat despite her diagnosis.  

“In the short time Bonny has been at Norton Audubon Hospital, she has won over the staff,” said Lindsay Lewis, BSN, R.N., director, invasive cardiology, patient care services “I’m pretty sure they are fighting over who gets to take care of her. 

“I let her know that even though there are times when we are with our patients only for a short time, they leave an impact on us that will stay with us forever.”

Bonny has been one of those patients for the staff on the Progressive Care Unit.  

What would Bonny share with others?

“When you love someone, let them know it — let them know it a lot,” she said. “You can’t lose your mind at the same time, but when you know, you just know.”

She takes it a step further. Each year on her husband’s birthday, she sends Robert’s mother a thank-you card.  

Bonny also wanted to share that the caregivers she has met at Norton Audubon Hospital are amazing, and the list of those who she raved about could go on and on. 

At a time when she was not able to drink or eat anything, yet was craving coffee, she said one of her favorite nurses smelled of coffee, and that just made her morning.

“He smelled so good!” she said.

It’s an important reminder to appreciate the small blessings in life — to be thankful during the good times and make the best of out of the bad. 

When we are given the opportunity to provide blessings during another’s bad time, it can make all the difference in the world.