LOMA LINDA, California (AP) -- When Maj. Hal Sellers learned his infant son was living on borrowed time awaiting a heart transplant, the Marine and his wife had to choose between duty to family and to nation.
Should he stay and aid his critically ill son, or help lead his battalion as it readied for a looming war in the Middle East? Sellers "did a lot of soul-searching," said his wife, Betsy Sellers.
Since there was nothing he could do to help 4-month-old Dillon, Sellers, 37, chose to help his military unit.
"It was a hard decision to make," Betsy Sellers, also 37, said Monday. "He had to come to the hospital and say goodbye to Dillon, and not know what would happen."
A little more than a week after Sellers left, Dillon has only days to live unless he receives a new heart.
"I am doing what I have to do, and my husband is doing what he has to do," Betsy Sellers said. "We're doing what we need to do for our family and, hopefully, for other families."
Yesterday a heart was found for baby Dillon and the transplant was done. My wife worked with Betsy and she and Hal are wonderful people. If this doesn't choke you up I don't know what will. I am sure that the Sellers' would appreciate your prayers.
