This is from Rich transcribed by me (Rachael) over the phone
Your expressions of love and concern release in me the love of God which by his grace will heal me. Continue to pray for Peggy that she maintains her health and strength…for I greatly rely on her, my wife, my greatest blessing. Know that I read this blog, that Rachael prints for me, and I have found courage and strength renewed to fight this battle and win. My learning from prior battles is the following two things: "Where fear is; God isn’t" and I claim the verse “blessed men go through. “ I count each friendship and love and proof of my blessing. I pray that each of you gain a glimpse of the brilliance of God's blessings as it reflects from me.
Love Rich
SURGERY UPDATE:
Rich's neurosurgeon called this morning and has decided to postpone his cervical spine surgery. The neurosurgeon said that after researching Rich's case and consulting with colleagues, that he decided the surgery was too complex and risky to proceed without direct involvement of a Parkinson's specialist. The neurosurgeon said that this is a major surgery for anyone, but Rich's Parkinson's disease makes it much more complicated. He still wants to perform the cervical spine surgery in the very near future, but needs this critical component to be addressed first.
On February 17th Rich will instead be meeting with a Parkinson's specialist at OHSU in Portland.
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Hey Rich,
ReplyDeleteYes, you have given us a glimpse of God's brilliance. I admire your courage. Being a shy person, myself, I have recited the words, "Fear not, for I am with you" many times. Happy birthday in a couple of days! You are as old as me now! Hard to believe that there were six of us cousins born in a little more than a year, isn't it? We must have caused quite a ruckus. I was remembering today all of the times that you and members of your family accompanied us on vacations, ski trips, etc. It just seemed normal to me to have cousins along. Now I realize just how lucky we were. I was remembering one vacation you took with us to Florida, I think, to go scuba diving. ON the way home you developed a bad ear infection and were feeling awful. My mom and dad were discussing whether we should stop to eat or get you home. I piped up and said I wanted to eat, and we did. I have felt guilty ever since for putting you through that when you felt so badly. Here's my apology! Now you are in pain again, and I can't do anything except pray, which I am doing for you, your whole family, and the doctors. Hang in there, take care of yourself, and stay in the warmth of God's love.
Lots of love,
Vicki
Dear Rich,
ReplyDeletePlease know that Dan and I pray for your strength and healing on a daily basis. We cannot know the obstacles you have been facing on a daily basis, but your words show that faith in God and God's love is keeping you strong during this journey.
Peace and Love,
Jan
Rich and Peg - I can't imagine what you are going through, and I am truly inspired by you, and your strength. We didn't spend much time together here at Munson, but when we did, I could clearly see God's grace and blessing. You are a unique couple, and are unbelievably strong. I pray daily for you, and your surgeons and your caregivers, and also for me, that I could have the courage and grace that you so clearly show in the face of significant adversity. I have been Blessed many times over in my life , by my family and by inspirational patients (and their families) that I have had the HONOR of caring for. I continue to pray for you both. I pray daily for your doctors, that they have the skill, knowledge and wisdom to do what is needed and right, and your caregivers that they continue to show true compassion. You have been an inspiration to me, and I want to thank you for that - keep up the good fight, and know that you are Loved.
ReplyDeleteHey Rich...so wonderful to feel that you are really here with us. I loved Vicki's apology. I think you were lucky with me...your 2 big sisters and my sister used to lock Diane away (and I would save her) but we all idolized you! As "the cute little brother/cousin" we attracted lots of boys, because they always wanted to play football with you.
ReplyDeleteWe all miss you and Peg, and I hope the day will come that your return home will be a party for us all. As I think you can tell, we all really love and miss your family, and we want so much for you to get better...We're holding you and your family up and just know that we are here for all of you.
Love,
kassi
Dear Rich, I thought I had sent a note, but I guess it didn't go because I'm still learning. We wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Also my Bible Study friends are praying for your successful recovery.
ReplyDeleteWe love you and may God Bless You!
Sonya and Harrison
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteWell, I know it's probably still day time out there, but it's the 17th and I hope the doc had something positive...as Joe always says, every day we're here, a new miracle can be discovered...so just hoping and feeling that maybe the doc. had some miracle up his sleeve.
Love Kass & Joe