Monday, Sept.5, 2005

Good morning!

Everyone is still sleeping so this is a good time to keep you all up with the latest. We had a wonderful visit with Jerry Pennington who left on Aug. 31. Patti and Joey Cothren arrived August 3 on Saturday and it has been a non-stop talk fest since they arrived. They brought along a CD of a collage of pictures from the times we all had..what a memory lane that CD was. Joey says he counted up the number of different colors my hair use to be. Now my sister tells me to "embrace they gray" so I am going au naturel.

Rick has been doing great. I know all your prayers are working. He had been complaining of poor vision since he took the tumble into the tall metal trash can at the hospital so on Friday we went to the eye doctor to see what the problem was. Apparently the fall did some damage to his distance vision and he needs a new prescription. We got that taken care of and he will get his glasses back with new lenses in another week or two. That was a relief. He was complaining he couldn't read the sign across the room and I mentioned I hadn't been able to see a sign across the room for 40 years. We are just so grateful that nothing serious like a fracture or brain trauma accured in that fall.

He went for his Physical Therapy test on Thursday and the "Big Meany" gave him the initial baseline physical test. He now has a baseline to start from and some areas for improvement. We start treatment with the PT two times a week starting this week. It will be a good thing for him and as they will watch him like a hawk, he won't have his tendency to go all the way to the wall. This is a good thing.

Rick's spirits are up and he is laughing and swapping stories with all the visitors. His eating is way improved and he loves mashed potatoes so we go through quite a few spuds. Good carbs to fatten him up before the next round of chemo that starts this coming week.

Last week he had his blood drawn and his sodium level was 139. That is fabulous since it was at 116 when we took him to the emergency room. He couldn't function and that scared me to death. Along with that the doctors were quoting 3 months to 10 months of longevity whch scared me even more. He has recovered remarkably since then and is a walking miracle as far as I am concerned thanks to all your prayers and his positive attitude. Plus he is really following directions from the doctors now without too much grinching. The doctor raised his liquid intake from 1 liter of water per day to 3 liters per day for which he is a very happy camper due to the increased sodium levels.

He loves the company and the phone calls. He is feeling all that love and "pink light" to quote my sister, coming his way. Plus he's laughing a lot and that "fur shuah" is a grand thing.

We are settling into a routine and that seems to be working out. Rick's assuming more and more of his own health responsibilities each day..like taking his blood pressure and temp and putting away the medicine after he takes it so we know for sure he has taken it. It has been a heck of a last month. We could never have gone through it without all the wonderful help from Arthur and Julie, Patty and Carl and Jerry. I only hope to be able to pass on what you have so wonderfully given to us. Thank you and tons of love being sent your way. However, we're keeping that "pink light" here for Rick.
Love , Sharon

Mon Sep 5, 2005 10:21 am MST by SquiresUpdate | Email Article |

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Rick and Sharon - I am continually surprised at how God works his wonders in our world. I was devastated when Mik called me on my cell-phone a few months ago. Despite the miles that separate Baghdad and Washington state, I still feel a closeness that only comes from above. I am sincerely overjoyed to hear such wonderful news, and I pray that prognosis consistenly and continually improves itself so much that you both will be back on the golf course next summer. One day at a time is our motto, right? Rick, I'm confident that you will defeat this thing. I love ya, both, and I hope to see you again. (I purchased a Harley, and I plan to go on a long ride...perhaps the West coast is where I should start planning). Love ya, Eric M.

Tue Oct 11, 2005 7:41 am MST by Eric Makovsky

Rick, I'm glad to hear that you are fighting the good fight and still laughing. You and Sharon are in my prayers and thoughts every day. You once told me about a truly gentle man that you had known, and how you hoped one day to be as gentle as he was. You made it, and now I hope that someday I can be as gentle a man as you are. (Sharon, stop laughing and finish reading this to Rick) I work for the county Sheriff's office now, but I'm not sure if I want to pursue it as a career yet. I think that I have more fun being a misfit, and at this job I have to behave and pretend to be normal. That's quite a stress for me, as I'm sure you know. Let me know when you come out of retirement, because Gerdy claims that I�m not sane yet and that I still need extensive therapy. Let me know when I can set up an appointment. Thanks for all your help, both past and future, and forget humble and realize just how much you are loved and respected. Now multiply that by ten. Love You, Mike

Fri Sep 9, 2005 2:58 pm MST by Mike Proffitt

Hi, Rick and Sharon! It's great to hear the progress you're making, Rick!! I can't help but notice that phrase "miracles happen" in so many of the notes to you. That's great!! We know they do happen, and this time we all get to read and hear about yours. It's funny how our HP works but a chorus to another one of Rose's songs comes to mind every day when we think of you: "Miracles happen, each and every day. Miracles happen, all along the way. Miracles happen, when we stop to pray. Yes!! Miracles happen--each and every day." That chorus goes through my feeble old mind every time we read of your continuing progress. Just a note to let you know that you're number one in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Dick and Rose

Thu Sep 8, 2005 7:53 am MST by Anonymous

Hey everyone- wanted to let you know I have been in contact with my parents alot lately. They both sound really good. Dad is laughing and seems to really enjoy having friends around and this Blog. He told me he is overwhelmed by your out pouring of love and effection. I told him he should not be that surprised that he is loved everywhere around the world by great people for he has touched so many lives and helped so many people. His response was that they helped him more. Again that you so much for all yor prayers. I can tell a big difference in my parents since all these prayers started going through the airwaves. As Mom said miracles do happen and I am a believer because I hear my Dads voice getting stronger each time I talk to him. God Bless all of you and thanks again for all your loving support. Connie

Wed Sep 7, 2005 7:51 pm MST by Connie

As always, thanks for the updates. Love to all. We'd love to see Tracy's wedding reception but we're moving to her island next year so I guess she'll forgive us.

Wed Sep 7, 2005 4:54 pm MST by Tim Tracy

TELL RICK THAT I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SEE THE SIGNS ACROSS THE ROOM. NOW WITH OLD AGE CREEPING IN, I CAN'S SEE THE SIGN IN FRONT OF MY NOSE. JAMES IS WORSE. BOTH OF US HAVE TO HAVE READING GLASSES NEAR BY. I AM GOING TO BUY TWO NEW PAIR, ONE FOR SCHOOL AND ONE FOR DOING MY CROSSWORDS. OH, WELL SUCH IS LIFE. WE ARE SO GLAD THAT RICK IS DOING WELL, BUT WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY. NADIS

Wed Sep 7, 2005 3:22 am MST by JAMES AND NADIS

Hi Kids, thank you for the update, It sounds as if Rick is ready for some white bean soup!! I remember that he enjoyed those a lot. Mike and I are keeping busy, my niece over in Germany is getting married in September next year, I am trying to get her to hold out until first week in October, that way I could spend a couple of weeks with all of them, other wise it would just be a quick in and out. Tracy has her wedding reception in Vegas next year and I plan to go there as well. It is great to be sober and be invited to all this stuff, used to be that people didn't want me around. Guess I better get back to work. Love you both lots, Gerdy

Tue Sep 6, 2005 1:25 pm MST by Gerdy

Good morning Rick and Sharon! I am so happy to hear you are doing well and that things look very encouraging. I promise you that I have been having some really long heart-to-hearts with God every evening when I go for my walk. We talk a lot about you, Rick; and I feel like He has truly sent an angel or several angels to brighten your days and keep you on a positive track. Sharon, you, of course, are the no. 1 angel; but it's so nice to hear that there have been others to help you help Rick and to make sure you take care of YOU also. I just know you guys will win this war---one battle at a time. Hang in there and smile every chance you get. Smiles warm the soul and make your face happy!!! Our Labor Day weekend was a busy one even though we hadn't planned it that way. We did seem to accomplish quite a lot of general clean-up stuff. Our garage has never looked better. Sunday we cooked dinner for all our grown-up kids as a "Thank You" for the wonderful 40th Anniv. celebration they gave us. They chose the menu (including 3 different desserts--lemon meringue pie, apple crisp & cream cheese sour cream pie). The main course was our famous home-made spaghetti with meat sauce. The meal was a hit. We played some games afterwards, both outdoors and indoors. All the little grandchildren kept us entertained. They just continually amaze us. We are so blessed! We watched a lot of the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon on Monday, of course. We also watched lots of footage about the Gulf States Hurricane Relief Efforts. What incredible stories of courage and faith we heard. They need lots of help, but I do believe America will pull together and get the nation through this horrible disaster. So many private homes are being offered all over the country (including over a thousand here in the K.C. area so far) for housing and supporting the victims. I wish Steve and I were retired and could go to Mississippi or somewhere to help out more directly. I know they need so much help. Sorry to mention unhappy stuff; but we all know about it; and focusing on the trials of others sometimes helps us keep our own lives in better perspective. Most of the time, it is the difficult challenges which bring out the best in all of us. It surely makes me count my blessings. I also have found out that there are plenty of prayers to go around. God is there for all of us. Today in Kansas City is sunny and supposed to reach 89 degrees. Everything is still beautiful and green due to the frequent rains we have enjoyed. It's almost time for us to start getting our Missouri Jonathan apples in the stores here. That is always a highlight of the fall. Steve and I eat them until we nearly burst. The season is so short. Pretty silly, isn't it----to get so excited at the prospect of eating apples? It's just one of those little joys in life that keep us looking ahead with a smile. I also love wearing bibbed overalls, walking on stilts and ice skating with my grandkids, and baking pies. Just your Kansas City Cousin confessing here. I really do wish we could get together for a real visit. I know we would have a great time getting really acquainted. But, until that time comes, I will just continue to bore you with my ramblings and keep reminding you both how much you mean to me. My prayers will continue to connect us also, as will all the smiles and words of encouragement that I can convey to you via e-mail. I love you both and send you hugs from your K.C. cousin, Judi

Tue Sep 6, 2005 7:27 am MST by Judi Berg

Rick, it was great talking to you on the phone the other night for a few minutes!! and Sharon, I know I promised to call back, but the holiday weekend was full of me writing my paper for Comp II and time got away from me. This paper is killing me. 7 pages.....on the benefits of CHOCOLATE!! *grin* next week I have to stretch that 7 pages to 10 pages. At least it is on a subject that is near and dear to my heart. But I am here to tell you both to eat dark chocolate. It really is good for you!! This next week is the last for the two classes I am in, so it's busy with that and finals. Next semester is Legal Research and....ugh.....Algebra!! But I get to take a break inbetween and go to the Mall of America! The Holy Land! Shoe stores here I come!! I will call as soon as I remember at the same time I am near a phone. Love, Jackie G.

Mon Sep 5, 2005 6:30 pm MST by Jackie G

Monday, Sept.5, 2005

Monday, Sept.5, 2005

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