KALAMAZOO COUNTY, Mich-- Certain things in life are better shared.
For Michael Rice, that's his holiday light display, consisting of more than 3,000 lights at his home in the 700 block of Parchmount Road in Parchment.
On Monday, FOX 17 spoke with Michael who said he and his wife, Laura, would buy something new for their display yearly.
"We do it every year, but this year has a special meaning," Rice said.
Michael said Laura is hospitalized, on a ventilator and suffering from Pneumonia complications.
The couple has been married for 17 years. It hasn't always been the healthiest of times since her diagnosis of kidney disease and renal failure. The latest battle came the week of Christmas when Laura came down with Pneumonia.
"We've never been apart like this...this is the sickest I've ever seen her," Rice said. "She has not been able to celebrate Christmas herself," he said.
Michael Rice decided the twinkling joy of Christmas lights and holiday cheer would stay up for his wife.
"It’s really just a gesture to her, to honor her, this is her favorite time of year," he said. "Christmas is staying up at the house until she comes home."
"Even if that means having Christmas in July," he added.
He told FOX 17 his wife is doing better, but still faces weeks of recovery and rehab.
"I would do anything for my wife, I don’t know what else to say...we just want her home."
Family friends set up a fundraising page, if you would like to help with medical costs click here.
