SAN ANTONIO — The pandemic made it difficult for Cody Knowlton to spend time with his parents David and Jane Knowlton at Morning Side Ministries, a senior living community in San Antonio.

“Early on, at least with my mother, she could come out on her patio and thankfully she had just moved to the first floor, so we were able to talk to her across the hedge,” Cody Knowlton says.

His father, who has Parkinson’s disease and uses a walker to get around, stays across campus and although he seems like a quiet guy, he wasn’t too shy to express how he felt.

left to right: Cody Knowlton walks with his parents David Knowlton and Jane Knowlton. (Jose Arredondo/Spectrum News 1)
left to right: Cody Knowlton walks with his parents David Knowlton and Jane Knowlton. (Jose Arredondo/Spectrum News 1)

“It’s hard, and I’m blessed to with good children, pledged with a wonderful wife,” David Knowlton says.

David and Jane Knowtlon have seen a lot in their nearly 60 years of marriage, but the pandemic was something they never dealt with before.

“Bad, it was bad, depressing I guess would be a good word,” Jane Knowlton says.

On a recent weekday, the Knowlton’s were able to spend time together physically, now that Morning Side has opened up its in-person visitations. It’s something that the family says they’ll never take for granted. David Knowlton says being isolated from his wife throughout this pandemic almost felt like 30 years, not even the countless John Wayne movies or the activities could fill that void.

“I look back, how in the world did we make it through this era, it seems like it’s going to get worse?” David Knowlton says.

The Knowlton’s faith is evident in their speech, and it’s that faith that has allowed them to weather the snow storm, the pandemic and many illnesses that have come their way.

“I’m looking forward to the future, whether it be around the little corner, another week or I be tickled to death, whatever the lord gives me,” David Knowlton says.

Cody Knowlton says his parents love for each other has even grown. They are kissing and hugging more than they ever have.

“It’s such a testimony to me, seeing my parents at this age, showing love for each other than I’ve ever seen before,” Cody Knowlton says.