Sunday, December 18, 2011
Ricks Birthbay Blast
I had been racking my brain to figure out what to do for Ricks birthday. I wanted to find a gift that would mean a lot and would show him how amazing I think he is. I came up with the idea of a surprise party. I decided that it would give me not only the opportunity to show my love for Rick but give his friends and family the same oppertunity. I came up with a Harley Davidson theme. Then I decided on the place and the food. Then I started getting the guests together. I then knew I needed a plan to throw Rick off, so I told him I had to cater a party for some extra Christmas cash. Sounded good to me but Brittney informed me I am a terrible lier. I still think he was surprised when we entered the banquet room at the Marriott and there were over two hundred people to greet him and wish him happy birthday! It was a wonderful night full laughter and tears. So much love from so many! Happy birthday my sweetheart and many many more!
Hope form he holidays and other blessings
Rick and I have had so many blessings and miracles along our journey. We have had family give us a place to stay in Utah, we have had meals and visits and kindness from friends as well as complete strangers. Our friends and employees did a baked food sale, white market flee market sponsored a benefit for us. Recently a group of friends put together a fund raiser,"hope for the holidays", it was at the Madison, Rigby basketball game. Many generous donations were given for a raffle and many cash donations were given. The announcer announced we were there and that we wanted to say thank you,the crowd rose and gave Rick a standing ovation. We were both moved to tears. I can't tell you how much the donations have helped lightened our load, but how hard it is to accept such gifts. I have always loved to give but never have enjoyed receiving as much. but the spirit that accompanied these kind acts has been so powerful! I am grateful to have such amazing people in our life. I am grateful to have witnessed the spirit of generosity,love and Christ like service.Thank you to all! We love you!
Getting caught up
So much time has past since my last post. We came back to Idaho in November and have been crazy busy trying to catch up on all that has been neglected. So here goes a few months.....
The second week or so that we were home Rick and I went out to dinner and as we were going inside the Resturant I could tell that there was something very wrong. Rick stared blankly at me and lost all control of his legs. We got him sat down and I ask him if he thought something serious was going on he said it could be so we went to the E.R and they started running tests. After the results came back a doctor took me aside and said that the MRI looked bad and he thought we needed to get to the doctors in salt lake soon. We headed down and after looking things over the doctors agreed that it looked as if the cancer was spreading. The doctors suggested that we get a MRI of his spine as well as the brain. We did and it confirmed our worst fears that the cancer was spreading and that the previous treatments had not worked. We were told that Rick could start a new treatment that the doctors hope would buy him some more time. Rick agreed to the treatment. First treatment went well,but a week after Rick suffered a very severe seizure. We both were scared and I prayed out load as we held each other and I pleaded with the lord to help him through. We made it through and called the doctor they added some more anti seizure medication.Rick is right side impaired and the medication increased his weakness as well as made him sleep a lot. He is a amazing and is my rock he holds my hand each night while we sleep and wakes up each morning with a smile.
The second week or so that we were home Rick and I went out to dinner and as we were going inside the Resturant I could tell that there was something very wrong. Rick stared blankly at me and lost all control of his legs. We got him sat down and I ask him if he thought something serious was going on he said it could be so we went to the E.R and they started running tests. After the results came back a doctor took me aside and said that the MRI looked bad and he thought we needed to get to the doctors in salt lake soon. We headed down and after looking things over the doctors agreed that it looked as if the cancer was spreading. The doctors suggested that we get a MRI of his spine as well as the brain. We did and it confirmed our worst fears that the cancer was spreading and that the previous treatments had not worked. We were told that Rick could start a new treatment that the doctors hope would buy him some more time. Rick agreed to the treatment. First treatment went well,but a week after Rick suffered a very severe seizure. We both were scared and I prayed out load as we held each other and I pleaded with the lord to help him through. We made it through and called the doctor they added some more anti seizure medication.Rick is right side impaired and the medication increased his weakness as well as made him sleep a lot. He is a amazing and is my rock he holds my hand each night while we sleep and wakes up each morning with a smile.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Fight Like A Trojan!!
I am really behind in my posts, so I will try to catch up.
If you aren't a USC fan you should be!! Rick is a HUGE USC fan and a couple of weeks ago he got a visit from John Martinez a player at USC who came home to Utah for the weekend. We got a knock at the door and there in the doorway stood a really BIG guy with REALLY BIG hair. He came in and hugged Rick as if he had known him all his life. They talked for a while and then John took out a jersey that he had brought. There were autographs from coach Kiffin as well as many of the starting line-up. Rick was overcome with emotion to think that these guys would take the time to do this for him. John told us that he was planning on bringing a t-shirt and needed to get permission from the compliance office. When he asked they said they would do one better and so the jersey. When coach heard he was the first to sign it. What a classy group of men. Thank you John for your BIG heart that is BIGGER than your hair. FIGHT ON!!
If you aren't a USC fan you should be!! Rick is a HUGE USC fan and a couple of weeks ago he got a visit from John Martinez a player at USC who came home to Utah for the weekend. We got a knock at the door and there in the doorway stood a really BIG guy with REALLY BIG hair. He came in and hugged Rick as if he had known him all his life. They talked for a while and then John took out a jersey that he had brought. There were autographs from coach Kiffin as well as many of the starting line-up. Rick was overcome with emotion to think that these guys would take the time to do this for him. John told us that he was planning on bringing a t-shirt and needed to get permission from the compliance office. When he asked they said they would do one better and so the jersey. When coach heard he was the first to sign it. What a classy group of men. Thank you John for your BIG heart that is BIGGER than your hair. FIGHT ON!!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
CANCER HAS TAUGHT ME ABOUT MY WORLD
I think today I learned more about life and myself than I have in a while. Rick and I were talking about appreciating the seemly small things and tasks in life and Rick said, "cancer has taught me about my world". I think when you are in the position to need to have assistance for many tasks throughout the day. it must make you think about how hard it is to have Independence lost. But as Rick has lost some Independence I have learned the true meaning of service. I have learned to give of my self and know that the service I receive back will not be in a physical way but yet in an emotional,spiritual way.The service that Rick renders to me at this time is that of love,kindness,appreciation . No he can't vacuum the floor or make me dinner but he can ooh and aah over the dinner I prepare for him, he can put his arm around me and just hold me. I never knew the true meaning of service until now. I was feeling so home sick and missing the stores,wanting to be there and take care of the stores and our friends who work for us. I was feeling so over whelmed and Rick held me and said " you need to put away the happy face and know you will have hard times" I told him that I don't want people to see me as weak." He said that is when you become strong" Thank you Rick for allowing me to love and serve you. Thank you for serving me!
Saturday, October 1, 2011
"I need a little fixin"
Yesterday Rick was struggling to adjust the brace that holds his right arm, and finally after a great try he looked at me and said " I need a little fixin'".We both laughed so hard! Don't we all! I learn so many lessons from Rick and our journey everyday. I learn that I am stronger than I thought, more in love than I knew,and boy do I need some fixin'!
I asked Rick the other day if he ever said "why me" and he said " no, I would never change any of this". I am amazed at him and his attitude everyday. He is truly a man that his children and grandchildren can deem a hero!! I believe that I am living with and being loved by a man that needs very little fixin'. His faith is so strong and his testimony of Christ and the atonement is so moving. He has such a humble sweet spirit about him. I can be stressed out of my mind and he, in his gentle way, will hold my hand or give me a sweet kiss and my world stops spinning and all is well.
I may be considered a caregiver, at this time, to my sweet Rick, but truth be told he takes better care of me than I could ever of him. I am so blessed to be with rick and am grateful he loves me in spite of the fact that I need a little fixin'.
I asked Rick the other day if he ever said "why me" and he said " no, I would never change any of this". I am amazed at him and his attitude everyday. He is truly a man that his children and grandchildren can deem a hero!! I believe that I am living with and being loved by a man that needs very little fixin'. His faith is so strong and his testimony of Christ and the atonement is so moving. He has such a humble sweet spirit about him. I can be stressed out of my mind and he, in his gentle way, will hold my hand or give me a sweet kiss and my world stops spinning and all is well.
I may be considered a caregiver, at this time, to my sweet Rick, but truth be told he takes better care of me than I could ever of him. I am so blessed to be with rick and am grateful he loves me in spite of the fact that I need a little fixin'.
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