Tribute

Waylon was a remarkable 43-year-old man living with congestive heart failure. Each day, he woke with a profound appreciation for the world around him—the beauty of the night sky, the feel of the earth beneath his feet, and the joy of connecting with all forms of life, from the smallest worms to the majestic eagles. His insatiable curiosity filled his mind with knowledge; he was truly a gifted individual who loved reading and engaging in meaningful conversations. To those who knew him, he was not just a friend but a source of warmth and laughter, a man who embraced everyone he met. As a grandfather and husband, Waylon’s kindness shone through in the little things he did; for ten years, he opened my car door each day, pumped gas, and greeted me with a flower at my door after every drive home. He was a selfless individual, always prioritizing the needs of others, and took great care of our family, going above and beyond in everything he did. His fascination for gadgets and the outdoors demonstrated his zest for life, in stark contrast to the confines of indoor spaces. It was at the age of 37 when he first began feeling weary while walking. A visit to the doctor led to the devastating diagnosis of congestive heart failure. The prognosis was grim, with the doctor estimating he had five years to live. As his condition deteriorated, an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator was placed to combat potential heart attacks. Although that scenario never transpired, his health continued to decline, and within the last year of his life, he faced severe complications, necessitating frequent hospital visits. I cherished him deeply. His love was a constant; he provided meals, completed household chores, and maintained my vehicle—his devotion never wavered, even during times of sickness. His ability to perform those tasks without ever expressing dissatisfaction was one of the most remarkable aspects of his character. Over the course of weeks, I sat by his side in the hospital day and night, witnessing his struggle for breath as fluid accumulation took its toll on his body. Eventually, we were admitted to Baylor Scott & White Heart Hospital in Plano, Texas, where doctors informed us that his condition was beyond repair. On January 28, 2025, at 11:28 a.m., he took his final breath in my arms, leaving a void that may never be filled. In the aftermath, I am grateful to Science Care for their assistance. Waylon had always likened himself to a scientist, incessantly conducting experiments and creating new things. He expressed hope that his body would contribute to scientific advancements, believing that the challenges he endured could lead to important discoveries. This enduring belief in the potential of science encapsulates the essence of who he was: a special person dedicated to the betterment of others. His favorite slogan was " Jesus is real! " Thank you for taking the time to read my tribute to my beloved husband, Waylon.

Friends & Family