"Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh and anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." Ether 12:4

Monday, October 27, 2008

"Doomsday"

Hello all!
Sorry about the late post - we had a "doomsday" yesterday. Don't worry, it wasn't as bad as it sounds.

Saturday night, dad was started on some anti-nausea medication that is highly sedating. He wasn't able to put more than 5 words together, and got to the point where he fell asleep with the cup halfway to his open mouth.

Dad also looks pretty gaunt right now - he hasn't even had a kiddie-sized meal in the last 3 weeks (from the blockages and surgeries. Oh, and cancer). As a result, he's lost even more weight, and we tease him that he looks like (according to the family member): Skeletor from He-Man, Mum-Ra from Thundercats, or King Haggard from the Last Unicorn. If you don't understand any of these references, you're woefully under-media-cized.

Yesterday was a little scary, because dad looked scary (just in time for halloween) and was acting heavily sedated. We sat down, had a family pow-wow, and decided not to go with the sedating medication anymore. 24 hours after taking the last dose, Dad is alert and makes sense when he talks. Basically, he wasn't awake the last 32 hours, so don't be offended if you visited and he doesn't remember. ;)

If you'de like to visit, you are welcome to call and see if he's awake (still sleeping off the rest of the sedation medication). Again, we ask that you limit your visits to 20 minutes.

Thank you for your love. This morning we were again reminded of the tender mercies of the Lord, and every member of our family can say without hesitation that we know His hands are lifting us up and providing us with the strength and faith to continue.
We love you all,
The Losers

11 comments:

Siope L Kinikini said...

Sorry to hear about yesterday. I'm trying not to be selfish but I do want to come visit. I'll call before I come just to see if it's alright and no worries, I'll keep it brief so he can rest. Either way, if I can visit or not, just know that we are thinking of you and you're in our thoughts and prayers.

Thanks for keeping everyone updated.

All my best.

Lis said...

Dear Richard and Michelle,
Bob and I really appreciate this blog. Being fairly new to the ward it's a little awkward for us to call or come by since we arn't as close to you as others in the ward and don't want to be in the way...I know they are paying a lot of attention to your family right now! However we do want you to know that we love you and have been remembering you in our prayers and fasts. In the short time we've been here you have both bee an inspiration to us. Michelle you helped me get started in Webelos and Richard, you gave me some inspiration in scouting at a time I really needed it. Thank you for your examplar lives. Michelle I have enjoyed visiting with you so much as your visiting teacher. PLEASE let me know what I can do to make your life easier right now....if that's even possible...like running errands or whatever! I guess your kids are keeping the blog going...I apprecieate their upbeat and even humorous account of this experience. It sounds like Richard has a hand in it. From what I've seen of him he's always had a great sense of humor and upbeat and happy countenance. That seems to have rubbed off on the kids. Thank you so much for sharing with us and for all the service you have both given to the ward over the years. We feel blessed to have been on the receiving end of some of that service and influence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Lis Capel

Barbara Jackson said...

Just know that we are thinking about you today. We are so impressed that you unite as a family and make decisions together.

Rick, you probably don't remember anything about yesterday:) but thanks anyway!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Ned and Barbara

J+C Wood said...

I remember Skeletor, Mum-Ra, and King Haggard! Poor Rick! Catherine was "less than flattering" when she described how sickly he is looking today. We are both praying that he can get some food in him and have several good weeks.

We had a great family home evening tonight. We talked about the Plan of Salvation and focused a lot on the Spirit World and how Uncle Rick will be doing missionary work there.

We love you all.
-Jared

Tracy said...

Hi Rick,
It was great to see you yesterday, even if you don't remember,I will. Your courage inspires me...(yours too Michelle). Thanks for the walk across the park, the tour of your amazing yard, and the visit about poppies. Jill really missed seeing you, she was not doing well yesterday, maybe another day. We love you and pray for you and your family.
All our best,
Tracy & Jill

J+C Wood said...

Rick stopped by work about an hour ago. He was on his way home from having his staples removed and spent about 15 minutes talking to coworkers.

Rick has lost most of his body fat so his gaunt appearance is a little shocking and leaves a strong impression of the reality that his body is fighting for his life right now. It was the first time most of his coworkers have seen him since the discovery of the cancer and the realization that he really won't be with us much longer left many wet cheeks around the room.

It was great to see him sitting in a chair surrounded by friends from work. He told some stories, shared some insights, and answered questions.

He even got in a little teasing. When asked if he remembered much of the last three days because of all the medication, he leaned over to Rebecka Hutchison and said, "Now who are you?"

When Eric Mattle came in an gave him a hug he told a story about how uncomfortable Eric is with that kind of stuff, and got a little emotional telling Eric how much he appreciated the gesture.

We're glad he stopped in. We all love him.

-Jared

ke da wei said...

We were sorry to hear about all the health problems you've been facing and want you to know that we send you our love and prayers. Hope you are able to feel more comfortable and eat more.

With Love,
David and Carla Kirk

Harmony said...

Hello Loser Family. I hope you don’t mind a blast from the past. Think back, way, way back, think mid to late 80’s. The kids were probably too young, but remember an obnoxious, sarcastic teenage girl who adored and idolized her young women’s leaders and their amazing families? Well, even if you don’t, know that you were a huge part of my life and I will always be grateful for all you did for me.

When I first started really thinking about those days I remembered constantly joking around and teasing and making an all around pest of myself, especially with the husbands of my leaders who always took it so well, especially Rick. What a pain I was! However, the more I thought about it the clearer the picture became. If I’m not mistaken, Rick was pretty darn good at teasing right back. In fact I think he was better, because he liked to put up a very serious front so you never saw it coming, but he was just as bad if not worse than any of us girls.

I think of those days often and fondly. Although I am sure I am only one of many young women you harassed, teased and inspired, as leaders, as a couple and as a family, you will always have a special place in my heart.

Well, I just wanted to say hello and extend my prayers and well wishes. As I think back to my days in Young Womens and read the beautiful things written here, I am reminded of what an amazing family you all are and always have been. Thank you for your wonderful example to me as a young woman and know that you have once again touched a life hundreds of miles away.

You are in my thoughts and prayers and I will love you always.
Harmony Kunz (formerly Bennett)

Barbara Jackson said...

Rick,

I am off to Minnesota to see grandkids:)!!!! Hope you have a wonderful week with your family and continue to share tender moments and memories. Be a good paitient, I am hoping to see you when I get back. If not, God be with you till we meet again, my friend. I love you.

xoxoxoxo

Barbara

Siope L Kinikini said...

Ok, so here is a Top 10 list of why I love Bishop (Rick).

10. He always knows how to play a practical joke on me and get away with it.
9. He and Michelle kept me sane during my young adult years.
8. He is a handyman and helped me fix up my parents house on more than one occasion.
7. He would challenge me on my knowledge of the gospel.
6. He can rock out to Styx like no one I know.
5. He and Michelle helped me propose to my wife.
4. He can't dance but he can cook a mean burrito.
3. He was kind to me in my time of need.
2. He taught by example.
1. He has always been a perfect friend.

Anonymous said...

To Uncle "L" to the oser, It was so wonderful to see you and your beautiful wife, Michelle and My favorite Loser girl Nicole. Thanks so much in behalf of all of us at Rescue Alert for taking time for "us"! Personally you are my hero. You by example have inspired me to become a bette mom, friend and child of God. Love Ya Loser, Miss ya to pieces!! I promise I will not ever corrupt Michelle.....*winks*
Rebecca Hutchison--one of your many teasers.