Adventure Day One

May 8, 2008 –Rickey writes:

 

I know over the weekend of October 11, 2002, I called our two older children, then in their late 20s and told them.  Never did anything so hard, I sobbed.  Not because of me, but for the pain I must be putting them through.  Our oldest daughter Laura tried to be brave on the phone.  I knew her personality.  When she was about 14 we had a dog that died in the dead of winter at night.  She helped me bury that dog without a tear or whimper.  When all was said and done we went inside and cried.  I knew that’s what she would do.  Our son, Keith a brave soul, sobbed with me.  He displays a hard outer shell, but inside has a big heart.  I was so drained after that I couldn’t call my six brothers and sisters to tell them.  So, as so many of us do, we picked the strong sibling with sensitive feelings and political savvy to tell everyone else. Bless her; Dana-Lee agreed to do it.

 

The weekend before going into the hospital was filled with tears and hugs.  By the end of the weekend I had taken account of my life.  I had done and seen more than I ever dreamed and so many good things had come my way.  I didn’t want it to end so soon, but came to grips with my situation.  If there was any way to survive I wanted it, but I was not going to be angry or bitter.  Our true character shines in the most adverse of times, not when things are going our way. I wanted to be remembered for my goodness.  By Monday morning we entered the hospital with an attitude to make the best of this adventure.

 

Our oldest daughter, Laura and her husband, Chris, write: 

 

(From Laura):  The day Dad called us we were at home, living in Hayes, Virginia.  Our daughter, Amanda was six years old, she is turning 12 today! Chris, my husband, and I answered the phone call - Dad said he had leukemia.  They were able to diagnose it early because of his diabetes tests. My thoughts at the time were, why, and this couldn’t really be happening.

 

He is my Father and things like this don’t happen to fathers - they are supposed to be invincible, he is my Superman. Would he be able to see Amanda grow up? What would I do without my Father, my Dad?  I knew it had to be hard for him to tell us and I am extremely happy he did. He kept us in touch with everything that was happening to him. And as time went on we started to tell Amanda and she also started to understand the situation. The other person I had to tell was my Mother - that was another person I had a hard time telling. I am happy that Dad has stayed in remission. It means that each time he gets the ok we get more time with him.

 

Amanda and I walk in the Relay for Life each year in honor of my Father. That is our way to show we love him and think of him always.  I still have a hard time telling the story from my side - I hope I didn’t leave anything out.

Love you,

Your daughter, Laura

 

(From Chris - October 2002):  Just thought I would drop a note to say that I am thinking about you. I hope, no I know, you are going to get threw this in good shape. I also was thinking how hard it was for you to make that call on Sunday. Thank you for being strong and know that we will be there for you. I don’t really know a lot about the type of leukemia you have. If you need anything just call anytime.

Love ya, Chris

 

(From Chris – May 2008):  As a father myself, listening to Rickey tell us the results of his blood test we were in shock, of course, but I had to wonder to myself if I could be as much of a man as him. Then he broke down, then I did, not only from the news but I knew that this was the hardest phone call he had ever made.   He was calling his children to tell them that if they can’t stop the disease he could die. I have always had a great deal of respect for Rickey, but since Oct. 11, 2002 watching him go through the ordeal and fighting as hard as he did to beat it only reinforces the reasons I respect him so much.

Your Son-in-Law, Chris

 

Until our next blog – remember life is an adventure, embrace the journey.  You can make a difference one day at a time. 

 

Share your adventure with us!

 

 

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