August 14 

August 14

Hey, Guys,

Here's the Rickster's activities du jour:

Carl went in early, 6 am and discovered that Rick had been very busy in our absence.

Last night, while in the hospital, Rick got up to use the toilet without buzzing for assistance (oh that alcoholic brain!), fainted while in the bathroom, smacked into the trash can on his way down and popped his nose a good one, and bashed his head. YIKES. This was 3 am and he ended up on a guerney strapped into one of those contraptions like they use on Baywatch for a neck injury and had to wait 3 hours for a CT scan to verify there was no damage. There was NO damage except his gorgeous schnozz being bunged up but his neck, sinus, and facial structure are fine.

During the 3 hour wait, Carl and Rick traded war stories and Rick's spirits were really good despite all the extra trauma. He joked with the personnel, and told the "Alcoholic Brain for Sale" story which they all loved.

In addition to the fall, his blood pressure was off the richter scale again and his electr-whatevers were hosed again and naturally his hospital stay is extended. The docs determined that the blood pressure medicine was the culprit for the fainting and as soon as the medicine was changed his blood pressure stabalized.

Since a fall in the hospital generally gets 48 hours of observation, and since Rick is due for chemo part 2 on Wednesday, the theory right now is that he will stay in the hospital at least until Wednesday, at which time he will be evaluated based on his reaction to the chemotherapy treatment.

He is very tired (who wouldn't be) but has made it quite clear that he understands his limitations for now and will stop trying to be a solo agent. After teaching all of us about following directions, we know he too can. Follow, that is.

He is taking the night off for much needed rest so Carl and Sharon are going to a meeting (Sharon's second today) I am going to follow Rick's example and lay low.

Talk to you tomorrow -

Patty

Carl here:

To answer some of the comments:

Rick was diagnosed with inoperable cancer a little over two weeks ago. The prognosis at the time was that Rick had three weeks remaining.

Rick has a small-cell cancer known as oat cell; it has matasticed to the liver. The doctors are confident Rick survive for 10 months with chemo treatment. The docs determined that Rick cannot tolerate radiation therapy.

Rick is in excellent spirits. He prayed for God's will, but also let known Rick's preferences. Rick has not experienced any pain. However, Rick must use a wheelchair to move more than a few steps.

I hope that catches everyone up.

Carl

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Comments

Comment Rick, as your golf partner, I want you to know that you will fill in this big divot........... Yes, you are a fighter and a dear friend even if your mathematics on the golf course are suspect. Unfortunately, your loving traits cannot correct your slice when you whack a golfball. Richard, I have this moral dilemma. How much gas should I send your way? Better you than Dr. Laura, our dear companions on return trips from Baumholder. Since you are a paragon of virtue, I will bug you to walk daily so we can get back on the golf course. Remember, I told you story about how I got out of my golf game with Don Hobbs. I am not letting you off the hook. And Sharon, keep giving him the boney finger when he gets stubborn. Did I say stubborn. Not our man, Richard. I will be there to support you and Sharon in person after the retirement on October 3rd. Thank you, Carl, for this blog. I knew Rick had support. What a priviledge to be part of the this extended family. Rick, have you learned how to practice your putting on the livingroom rug? I know you will use an extra large coffee mug with a supersized mouth to help you sink'em. I love you, David

Sun Aug 21, 2005 6:35 am MST by David M.

Comment What can I say that hasn't been said...that hasn't been thought or prayed? I just read Connie's (Rick & Sharon's daughter)note and am glad to see she has Faith in her God and can see the miracles this program brings. She also knows her father pretty well...the ol' boy is a fighter, and if this can be beat, he's gonna do it! God Bless you too, Connie. Rick & Sharon...All I can say is you saved my life...both of you. I'm one of the miracles you're responsible for. I'm living that Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams Rick promised me, if I would just do what that Big Blue Book said. And Sharon, my dear Sponsor...had the patience with me of a God(dess). I quit banging my head so hard against all those walls in time, finally turning away mostly...slamming into them only rarely, but very aware of when, why and how. God's got to be one busy Son of a Gun these days...I'm not sure what he's up to with this one...but he's dealing with Rick S. here and he's gotta know that the thousands of us that love him, whose lives he's touched, will not take this lightly. No way!! It's on God...do your stuff...'cause we ain't backing down!! Thank you Patty & Karl for making this blog available to us...please give Rick & Sharon hugs for me, and I will be checking back every chance I get. Rick & Sharon, God said: "When you Only Saw One Set of Footprints, It Was Then That I Carried You". Love and Prayers from my Heart. Debbie

Mon Aug 15, 2005 11:54 pm MST by Debbie P.

Comment My prayers and heart go out to both Sharon and Rick. My husband accepted his fate with courage and no fear that God was taking good care of him through my efforts and my AA family. Without them I couldn't have endured the pain. I learned that God doesn't give us anything more than we can handle. I also learned about unconditional love when caring for my wheelchair bound, 24 hour oxygen dependant husband. The miracle part of his chemo and radiation therapy was that he didn't experience pain just being tired. During that time I got so close with my husband we learned how to read the bible together and pray together. I would have missed this awesome experience if I had decided to drink away my problems. Thank God for my sobriety and the gifts I have received through this program.

Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:28 pm MST by Lorraine Savastano

Comment Hey Rick and Sharon...Carl, Patty, Arthur, Julie et al, Just wanted to say that you are all in my prayers. I even have father Marc put the big zap on Rick, just incase Rick needs more direction. I just came back from Denmark, where they had a Joe and Charlie Big Book study with Charley P and Joe Mc Curry. Joe Mc Quay is 86 now and doesn't travel with Charley because he can't keep up with the spry 76 year old. I was really impressed with the intensity of the Dane's interest in the Bi9g Book, they even had a simultaneous translator for those Danes that couldn't speak English. It was a great time and reminded me of when Rick and I were in Geneva for the BB study down there. The Danes were great, my pigeon got a lot out of the study and I even had some time to explore the town of Kolding, Denmark. Rick, Lou is almost down in K-town. He signed for an apartment down here about a week ago, but hasn't found a job. I told him to apply to be a Ponds gate guard, since he would probably feel young compared to some of the guys that work the gate. I will forward the blog sight to Lou and call him so he stays up to date. I have become his contact in K-town and we often go out to dinner when he is down here. I will send you best wishes to everyone here as they ask all the time how you are. Debbie Phair, Frank, Maxon, Michelle Link and the staff at Ramstein, Phil and Dale, Tom Allen, Erica, Liz, Carl, Victoria and the list goes on. You all are in our prayers for all the love and help you are giving Rick and a Big prayer goes to Rick. PS has he set up a putting green in his hospital room yet?? In Serenity Chris

Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:22 am MST by chris Kuhn

Comment Carl, My name is Patricia Hooks. Sharon was my daughters second grade teacher. We are so sorry about all of this. Rick taught my daughter how to golf. After , they golfed they ate at every great food joint in the K-town area. Icall to speak with Sharon daily. Rick and Sharon are very dear to us, andwe pray for them daily. Have Rick tell you the Booze and Bible story. LOVE, Patricia and Victoria

Mon Aug 15, 2005 10:15 am MST by Patricia Hooks

Comment It was wonderful talking to you the other day Sharon. We are so happy that you have a support network and that they put together this web site. Good job... So many people are asking about you both and are concerned. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you both. Thank you Carl and Patty and Julie and my first sponsor Arthur B. We are with you in spirit. Play a round of golf for me Rick you were always happy out their and take as many gimmy's as you can get away with I promise not to tell. Oh wait a minute can everyone read this LOL Love you and glad you are a part of my story you helped take the fear out me. Michael and Janet Nimtz Vogleweh Group Bldg 1034/1035 and now Pulaski Bks....

Mon Aug 15, 2005 8:40 am MST by Michael & Janet Nimtz Germany

Comment Okay, gonna be carrying my rosary ring around until he gets out of these woods. Sounds like a job for Mom and Dad both.

Mon Aug 15, 2005 4:27 am MST by Tim Tracy

Comment Carl, My name is Jackie and Sharon was my sponsor in Germany at Bldg 1035. (200-2004) I have been so worried and have hesitated to contact Sharon/Rick as I know how much she is going through. Please tell her that there are lots of prayers, ((((hugs)))) and good wishes coming to them from Minot ND. I often hope that I can go through life with as much style, grace and dignity as they do. And if Carol is still there or you hear from her, tell her HI!!! and (((((((hugs))))))) Jackie G.

Sun Aug 14, 2005 9:30 pm MST by Jackie G

Comment Hello everyone- I am Rick and Sharons oldest daughter Connie McGlothlin and I live in Kansas. I know my parents can handle a lot however, I was very worried about them (understandably I am still worried about them) Until I found out how many people love them as much as I do. Many of you know me but some of you I do not know. However, to everyone I want to express to all of you my deepest love and appreciation for what you are doing for my parents. They mean everything to me and I was unsure of what to do for them. So what I did was turn my will over to the God of my understanding and asked for His will to be done. The answer to my prayer has come through you. Being there for my parents and helping them at this time. My mother has told me when it is time for me to come home she will let me know. Until then I trust the Lord to provide for them. In my parents time of need all of you have come together to be there for them in every and any way that you can. You have been their strength and continue to be there for them and my family. I must confess I am amazed at the speed in which you all came together. Although in reality, it should not have amazed me. The Lord provides adn takes care of all of us giving us what we need when we needed it and my parents needed you all and you are there. I am positive that through the Lords love and guidance that his will will be done concerning my fathers condition and I know that the doctors are doing everything they can for him . He is a fighter and will not loose hope. Nor will he give up the fight becaues that is not how my father is built. He has always been a fighter and has always given everything he does 110% and this is no exception. The Lord will take care of my father as he has always done. Thank you so very much for your unconditional love and caring for my parents. Words can not express adequately my appreciation and gratitude. God Bless All of You and Your Families- Connie

Sun Aug 14, 2005 7:12 pm MST by Connie McGlothlin

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