"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

Friday, September 25, 2009

On the Loser Newsfront

Friday, September 25, Day 337, week 48, month 11 since diagnosis-

Hello loved ones. News of note to pass on:

  • Benjamin Louis Dickison, Michelle's wonderful father, passed away quietly on Friday. The viewing will be Monday evening and the funeral Tuesday mid-morning. Ben fought a terrible battle with multiple potentially deadly diseases (Congestive Heart Failure, Flesh Eating Bacteria, Skin and Prostate cancer) over the past eleven years, but he has finally conquered all and finished the race. Heavenly Father has welcomed him home. His last words to me were "I'll see you in heaven!" I look forward to a poignant reunion with Father Ben in the future.

  • I have digressed to a liquid diet. Almost every time I attempt to eat solids they come back up in a very fierce way. This indicates that my intestines are basically all tumor-ridden and that the cancer has progressed extensively in my digestive tract. I have tried just chewing, tasting, then spitting out . . . it's not very satisfying! I am sure glad, in retrospect, that Michelle had me make a favorite food list and then made sure I got to have each and every one of the menu items. I miss those days of feasting on delicious recipes and many old familiar favorite flavors.

  • Currently I am dealing with pain, nausea, lack of energy, and an overall blahness. The pictures don't lie- my weight has fallen to 145 pounds. The palliative care doc has created a new medication regimen to address my issues, and though these are hard things to deal with, they sure could be much worse. (As a note, in the last few days, dad has been experiencing a large amount of pain, and is currently on heavy medication and thus somewhat incoherent).

  • We are facing the challenges as best we can. I am sleeping more, but still am trying to get out and see and do. Michelle and I went on a Mountain Trike Ride up the Alpine Loop to view the amazing fall colors. Thanks to Stephen Story (AGAIN!) for the amazing Trike he has parked at our house the past three weeks!

  • I am having fun, still! Life is great! I love, I love hugs, I love kisses, I love all my families, I LOVE! Thank you for your love and support!

- Richard

P.S. Ben Dickison's obituary is located on the right side of the blog...

9 comments:

Ned said...

We worried when we didn't receive a phone call back from you. We are amazed at the events surrounding your sweet family. We love you. We care about you.

xoxoxoxox

Ned and Barbara

The Jensen Family said...

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Zeann said...

A wonderful friend and neighbor has received the green light, after a long and painful time, to go to the loving arms of our Savior and once again be free to do the work our Father has for him to do. Love you, our hearts are with you and we are praying for relief and comfort for you wherever you can grab it. Peace be with you. Love you

Leilini W. Kinikini said...

We Love you Loser family! Our condolences to you at this time of loss...and our prayers are always with you. Thank you bishop for your optimism and cheerful disposition in all things, it has truely strengthened our family, everytime we read your words it makes us learn to recognize the beauty of this world, our families, and this life more and more each time...Thank you.
Love,
The Kinikini's :D

Teresa said...

I am so proud of you for taking your trike ride! The fall colors are my favorite. Lots of pictures!

Michelle, I am so sorry about your dad. You are an amazing woman in my eyes! I miss seeing you, but will make a visit soon. :)

partypatt said...

I am amazed at your consistently positive attitude! I think of you often and hope for the best for you. Take care. Pat Bahr
(PS - no, you don't know me. I'm just a person in Lehi who follows your blog. Thanks for all your beautiful writings).

Zeann said...

Losers, What a beautiful, sweet tribute to such an outstanding Father and Mother. Brother Ben certainly has and will continue to lead his eternal family. May the joy of being an eternal family ease the pain of separation for each of you and the sweetest of memories bring smiles to your faces and warmth to your hearts. Love you all

curtspud said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I don't care how old you are, it is hard to lose a parent. Michelle, it is only appropriate that you came from a "gentle"Ben. You are such an angel yourself.We love you and Rick and pray you can travel through these next months with courage and strength.

Tracy said...

Losers,

Just wanted to let you know that even though I am not rambling on your blog frequently we are always thinking of you.

Hugs and Kisses,

Tracy & Jill