The coronavirus pandemic continues to keep people from visiting their loved ones in nursing homes. But it hasn’t kept one Greece man from connecting with his wife in a special way.

They say love makes the world go round, and that’s certainly the case for Pat Cappiello, who has been circling the parking lot at the Edna Tina Wilson Living Center in Greece since mid-March.

“I do it before every shift, so in the morning, usually in the morning at sunrise, and then around now, and then later in the afternoon, more around dinner time,” said Pat Cappiello.

Pat says prayer is his way of expressing his love for his wife of 56 years and his gratitude to staff members who have been caring for her for the past three years.

Connie Cappiello, 76, has Parkinson’s disease and Pat said he tried to take care of her until she needed more skilled care.

“At times though she’s very alert, and we’re able to talk about things, and I recall for her what’s going on with the children, the grandchildren, and let her know that they love her and that they miss her,” said Pat.

Pat’s form of communication with his wife has been through phone calls via FaceTime, where the person helping to make the connection possible is their granddaughter, who is an employee at the living center.

“They are the best role model of love that you will ever find," said Pat and Connie's granddaughter, Faith Cappiello. "He’s here every day. He’s always taking care of her so it’s been hard for him, but he’s you know, keeping in contact and all of us are keeping her and him in our prayers."

The state says nursing homes remain high-risk and it’s up to the New York state health department to determine when visitors can return.

Until then, the parking lot at Edna Tina Wilson Living Center is where you’ll find Pat Cappiello going in circles.

“It’s getting me through, mentally, it’s getting me through, physically, emotionally, spiritually it’s getting me through, yes it’s as much a blessing to me hopefully it is to her and the other residents and staff," said Pat.