Oh by the way, today August 31, is my 50th consecutive day at the Hospital. The wait has been long and staff here are saying it has been a long time for any heart transplant. Keep praying!
Now in a cage. Last night I was very restless and wondered what to put down here for the week. I felt the theme of a cage would be appropriate as I find myself in a cage sitting in my room at times. There are a variety of cages that we have. A bird cage helps to restrain a bird and keep it where the owner can take care of it and enjoy the bird as it sings and jumps around. The intention of this cage is to keep separate the activity of the bird from the rest of the house. It can also serve as a protection from the cat or dog at times. So along with restraining, the added feature of protection is offered to the bird. I have also seen Shark Cages on TV where a diver can be lowered into an environment filled with danger but will be kept safe. Seems a little foolish, but for some they look forward to the experience. Here the diver is keep safe from the outside, similar to the experience of the bird from the cat.
My time has become very much like being in a cage. I can not leave the hospital area (part of being status of 1-A) to run off to a Mariner Game (earlier post), or to visit family in the area, or a high school reunion. The reason is because of outside infections and any risk of being in an accident, as these would jeopardize my 1-A status. So while I am a getting tired of the same view from my window here (better than most actually), I am resigned to the fact that I am here for my own good and that this heart will show up soon.
I start this week under 170 lbs (lots of bones showing now) and still having trouble keeping food down. This is what we are working on this week. Thanks for following the Blog and the prayers.
PS. Sept 2, This morning I have had a good nights sleep and feel so much better (Drug balance stuff I guess). I just came through a hard 4 - 5 days. God bless my wife who has been an Angel with me this past weekend and early part of the week.
Rick,
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed the other day, statistics are what they are. You can ask, "what are the chances of today being the day?", and the answer is the same odds as yesterday. I feel that the odds go up, however. Each day without a transplantable heart makes it more likly of one becoming availible tomarrow. You have a great additude Rick [as always]. That is working so well for you right now. Stay with that game plan, get lots of rest and especially be assured that a boatload of friends and family are pulling for you.
-ted
It was awesome to see you last week, Rick! It lifted MY spirits to see what a great attitude you have and how amazing you are. I adore you, I really do. :) We pray for you constantly and I know a heart is coming any time!!
ReplyDeleteOur blog is www.twocrazycrandallz.blogspot.com if you ever want to check it out.
LOVE YOU!!
Rick,
ReplyDeleteWe are all thinking of you every day and hoping that today will be the day. Everyday when I go up to CA I look to see if Rose is in her office. On the days when she is not I get a little bit of excitement hoping that it is because the time is here for your heart. There is no doubt that the time is going to come very soon. Keep your chin up!
Susan
rick, i love the pic of the tweety bird! that is YOU, the sunny tweety bird face for the whole floor of folks. say hello to your other mates for me, the ones who are also waiting. big hugs from ali, thinking of you. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reply Rick...I will call Fred and update him......After 40 years alot of my memory"s are fading,,,It"s kind of funny in a way,,,you of course,,I saw or heard of you from time to time,and never really lost contact,,,,Craig Carr and I talk a couple of times a month....I still hear about many others ,,,also,,Jesse Bunich I remember well,his brother,and other members of the football team...After sophomore year we moved and I went to Nathen Hale for the next two years,,I did not like it, 3500 students I think...---All the people you know from our side of the famly are ok,,some up, some down, but ok..Jennifer and I have 7 grand kids,,---Rick we are all hopefull now that you are at the top of the list,, you hang in there,,you have always been a strong man inside. We all love and are praying for you. Your old friend Cliff Gilbert
ReplyDeleteP.S I don,t blog so forgive the Anonymous ,,I could not figure the others out..I will try again ,Your old friend Cliff Gilbert....ps after more trys it's anonymous,,the best I can do your old friend cliff gilbert
ReplyDeleteRick,
ReplyDeleteHang in there. The law of averages is really building in your favor. It will be any time now. We're all pulling for you and waiting for the good news when you get that new ticker.
Mike Semenock
Hi Rick,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how to enter my name in the heading here either, but I am not anonymous, unless I'm in an AA meeting {whoops, just blew that one). Oh well. This is Jim Mears. I must admit that it is frustrating for me to read that you are still waiting in your "cage". What in the world is God up to, anyway? It often seems that the best people are the ones who suffer the most. I just don't get it sometimes. I suppose He has a purpose in all of this. It is obvious to me that you are an extraordinary inspiration to the many people who care about you. I can't tell you how much I have received from your honesty and willingness to share this trial with everyone. Please know that I pray constantly for you, as does my family. God bless you always.
Jim
from Cliff Gilbert
ReplyDeleteHi Rick, Fred has been keeping you in prayer,and had wonderful things to say about you.He's 88 now wow!he broke his foot a month a go,but doing well.He will be comming to our house in spanaway to stay,so he can go to
american lake VA. hospital for rehab. WWII vet you know....
We are all waiting for the good news,and out come for you!! Hang in there Rick,May Jesus comfort you at this time and give you rest and piece of mind.with fond memories your old friend Cliff
Happy Birthday Rick! You and Rose are in our thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteWe hope this is a wonderful day.
Natalie, Kelly and Logan
Happy Birthday Rickster
ReplyDeleteWe missed you at the reunion
Bob Fetterley
Happy Birthday, Papa Rick! We love you so! Always in our thoughts and prayers...
ReplyDeleteAndrea and the kids
Hi Rick, Just a note to say hello and let you know that you are in my thoughts on a regular basis.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday ( I just got that from the other writters)
Craig