Just as an update for today, we talked with Rick's surgeon and he is able to move the surgery date up a day, putting us at Monday 5pm. As a reminder, they are going in through a midline incision (5" abdomen cut) and "diverting" his small intestine to the outside of his abdomen. That means he will have a bag on the outside of his belly that catches his waste.
This is probably going to be more invasive than his previous surgeries, which means the first two (or so) days after, he won't be up to visitors, though he can have visitors up until about 4:00pm Monday. Sorry folks, definitely not Tuesday and likely not Wednesday - we're learning to be assertive :) Again, please call Nichole (472-2493) to see if he's up to visitors after Tuesday.
Just as a side note, we're hoping he will be able to come home on Thursday or Friday - they are allowing this to happen because at this point, the goal is not to get him "recovered and healed," it is to get him "recovered and home."
We welcome calls, and we always welcome comments (we read them to Rick) on this blog. See the pencil and orange "0 comments" link?
1) Click on it
2) Leave your comment
3) Choose an "identity" - name/url - list your name
4) Hit Publish Your Comment
We want to thank everyone for their outpouring of love, prayers, and support in our behalf. This is a difficult time for all of us, and it is comforting to know that we are being sustained by our faith in the Lord and the faith and prayers of all our loved ones.
We love you! Please hold your loved ones a little longer each day,
The Losers
Sunday, October 19, 2008
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24 comments:
This is Ned and Barbara Jackson's daughter Nicole. I just wanted to send my love to Rick and the family. I have very fond memories of our time with the Loser family and wanted to let you know how much we love you and that you are in our prayers.
Dear Adam, Nichole, & entire Loser family,
We are neighbors to your parents. I believe you make your Dad proud already, the love and faith and grace you portray here on this website. You are an inspiration of strength and unwavering trust. Thank you.
May the peace of Christ embrace each of you -I will pray for this.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Koski
Today we are thinking of the icy cold water of Jackson Hole:)
xoxoxoxo
Ned and Barbara
Dear Loser Family,
We love you guys! We pray for you and hope that you feel the loving arms of our Heavenly Father enfolding you and giving you the strength, peace and comfort that only He can give. We will see you when you come home later this week.
Sincerely,
Scott and Deb Andreasen
Rick & Michelle,
Our family got home late Saturday night from playing in the deserts of our home town and didn't learn about all your struggles until Sunday morning. We are still very much in shock and can't even read this blog without tears. We wouldn't make very good visitors. We will try to get a grip so as to be better visitors by the time you get home. We love you both so much and are praying for you continually. Your friendship means so much to us. We are praying for your family as well, especially Cam. Thanks to those of you keeping this blog. It is so helpful in feeling connected to all of you. We feel so very useless. Your strong faith is amazing and very strengthening to the rest of us. Thank you for keeping us posted!
Richard,
We were out in the desert and learned of your health on Sunday. You are such a great example of what a priesthood holder should be. We have offered up many prayers for you and your family. I told Danny in my letter to him this week that "I do believe in miracles and that I am hopeful that the Lord wants to show us one NOW". Your children are amazing (you know that). Cathy just tried reading your blog to me over the phone. She was overcome with emotion as she read the faith filled comments of your children. It is clear that they have been given many opportunities by you to feel the spirit and gain testimonies of thier own. You are in our thoughts continually.
Love and prayers,
Todd
Dear Rick and Michelle,
Jackson's just called and informed us of your great challenge. We are moved to tears over the news. We knew that you had difficulty but had no idea of the seriousness, you looked so good when we last saw you. Please know of our love for you all and that our prayers on your behalf will begin in earnest.
Thank heaven for our faith and understanding of the great plan, as difficult as this is, aren't we fortunate to know what we do and for the privilege of being able to turn to our faith in times of extreme trial and anguish.
Please know that is is an honor for us to call you friends and we cherish all the good times we have had with you over these many years.
Rick, I will never forget the sincere hug you gave me in the living room of your apartment on 320 East after our first Elders Presidency meeting and said "we are going to do alot of hugging". It was the mantra of your devotion to all those who you have served so well. Not to mention, It melted my heart and created a deep and abiding love for you that has been with me for almost 30 years.
You are a great example of kindness, devotion and compassion, and an inspiration to us all! Thank you my dear brother for the influence your actions have had in my life.
May God bless,keep and sustain you in all that you face, we look forward to seeing you as soon as you are ready for visitors.
Please know of our love and concern,
Tracy and Jill.
Richard and Michelle,
We wanted to let you know how much we love you and your family. You will be constantly in our prayers. I can't tell you both enough how much I appreciate our association with both of you. I learned many things from both of you over the years and am especially grateful for Richard's influence on my sons and on me!Tyson goes into the the MTC on Wed. to the Chicago South mission, his doctors can find no existence of his UC "for now" but we are grateful for this blessing. We pray the strength of the Lord will be with you.
Steve and Amy Black and family.
Dear Richard,
We got home late last night after an amazing trip to Snow Canyon, Zion and beautiful southern Utah. Spencer and Jeremy were so excited to point out where you had camped, hiked, and swam just a few months ago. We just barely found out about your latest developments when Ethan came over to play. Needless to say, we are shocked at how quickly things have turned. We have been pleading with the Lord for months that you could find relief from your struggles and be free to do those things that you have been called to do.
Your example of faith and service has been an inspiration for me for as long as I have been priviledged to know you. I have no doubt that the Lord will continue to watch over you and your family. Our prayers are with all of you.
Love,
Phil Reschke and family
As evidenced by the outpouring of love and support from family and friends, we add our love with theirs for you all.
Ofa lahi atu.
Our prayers will be with you and your great family. We so enjoyed your family the brief time we were in the ward. Last time we had an update was at the election poll in line...Richard our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Kathy Barney let us know about your blog site...so glad she did.
Love,
Robbie & Bill Lawler
This is Kristine Riding Evans (Bob and Val's daughter) You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We will definitely "hold our loved ones a little longer each day". We love you and again we are praying for you.
Loser Family
Our thoughts and prayers our with you. Richard you are such an amazing man. Kevin and I have always admired you and your family. You have all been such great examples to us. You were truly the most wonderful scout leader. Taylor still comments about you. Please know we are here for you. And we will continue to pray for you and your family.
Love,
Kevin and Angie Copeland
Dear Rick,
Deedee called me last night with the latest turn of events and I wanted to express my love for you -dad sent me your blog address so i can keep up on your status - I've missed having you in my life, and hope to see you soon -good luck with your surgery, I hope you can make it home for Alex's birthday! You're in my prayers!! Jammie
May the Lord's merciful hand bring peace and strength to your entire family, we will continually keep you all in our prayers. Love - Brett & Sandy
Dear Loser Family,
We are so saddened to hear of your news. We loved getting to know you being your neighbors for a few years. Richard and Michelle, you are both such examples to us and please know of our love and concern. We certainly will be praying for you. We know and believe in the power of prayer and we hope that you will find some comfort through this difficult time. May God be with you.
Much love, Tom and Nicole Freeman
Rick and family,
I wanted to let you know that all of my children even down to Cameron(9 yrs.old) talk of you and have fond memories of you and how fun and incredibly loving towards all of them you have been. I have thought of your family often in the past several months and I am so thankful for the incredible example you have been to all of us. Your faith and love of the Lord has always been evident. Thank You for continually teaching us unconditional love. We consider you one of our closest friends.
We Love You! Our prayers are with you!
Love Always,
Valaurie Riding
Dear Rick and Michelle,
We were out of town this weekend and just heard the news of the new challenges you are facing. We are shocked and overcome with emotion! We want to express our love for you both and our desire for the Lords sweetest blessings to be poured out upon you at this challenging time! We want to express how we admire the noble, dignified way you have carried on throughout this illness! You have continued to serve and give so selflessly through your suffering.
Rick, you are such a friend to the youth! You are loved and deeply respected. We have so enjoyed watching the ways you connect with them and make each one feel so special!
Michelle, you are a true lady of beauty and grace! Your goodness and dignity are an inspiration to us all!
Our love and prayers are with you!
Much Love,
Brett & Sandy Folkman
Dear Brother Loser,
You are a great friend. I have had so many fun, memorable experiences with you. I hope to have more. Whenever you smile you brighten my day. You have blessed my life and the lives of many others with your service and other things. You are always so happy and positive. I love your attitude. I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Brooke Folkman (13 yrs)
Dear Brother Loser
You have taught me a lot of things and have very appreciated the lessons and love you have shared to me and the Deacons Qourm. The memories you have created will be remembered for the rest of my life
Thank You
Jeremy Reschke
Rick,
I just recently heard about your struggles. I have to let you know that one of my favorite memories is when you allowed me to come on the youth river run for the Sunnyvale ward. I was a few months shy of being old enough to come, but you kindly encouraged an exception. I had the time of my life, being on the river with my two older sisters, Aunika and Kiersten and the rest of the youth. I will always remember the wonderful things you did for us (and many others) when we were young.
The Lord has and will continue working through you. I appreciate your service... you are one of the great church leaders from my youth. Thank you for the love you gave and the sacrifices you and your family have made for the church and the gospel.
Desiree (Steenblik) Buck
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
Hey Wilbur, lol!
Sincerest Regards
Amie
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