Air transport rushed Jeff to Mercy, where he was treated for deep burns over his face, abdomen and both arms. In addition, his right arm was severely fractured. Though Richelle knew what to expect as a nurse, she wasn’t prepared to face the devastating news that Jeff’s arm was injured too badly to save.

Richelle was worried that Jeff wouldn’t forgive her for allowing the amputation. She went to the hospital’s chapel to pray and seek guidance. There, she and her daughters found the peace and reassurance they needed to make the difficult decision to allow doctors to perform the surgery.

While Richelle was praying, she also asked Nicholas to watch over and protect his dad. After she left the chapel, she saw Psalm 23 on a wall near the escalator, which was Nick’s confirmation scripture. At that moment, Richelle knew that Nicholas was there with them.

Through weeks of surgeries, grafts and rehabilitation, the Rennegarbes leaned on their faith and Mercy’s caregivers. “Mercy saved Jeff’s life, gave me my husband back, gave my children their dad back, and my grandkids their grandpa back,” Richelle said. “The physicians, nurses, therapists, nutritionists — everyone cared for us as if we were family. You have to be a special person to do this work.”

Today, Jeff wears his “battle scars” with pride. Soon, he will receive an advanced prosthetic arm that will help him return to the farm and the work he loves, especially running the combine. Though he can no longer throw a baseball, Jeff is eager to coach and cheer on his grandchildren from the sidelines.

“Mercy will always hold a special place in our hearts,” Richelle said. “The team became part of our family, part of our history, and part of our legacy. Because of them, Jeff has the opportunity to keep living and keep making memories.”