Adventure Day One

June 9, 2008 – Rickey and I have both served in the military and mail call holds a significant place in our hearts. I can remember putting care-packages together for him while he was underway – I knew a letter from home helped ease the loneliness at sea. The simple act of writing a few words to someone can really brighten their day.  A hundred years ago it took months for a letter to travel from one part of the world to another, even as recent as 20 years ago “snail mail” was the preferred mode of mail travel.  Now electronic email can zip a message around the world in a matter of minutes. 

 

Rickey writes October 23, 2002 8:00 PM

ADVENTURE - Day 10 Incoming Mail

Hello everyone.  Well my fever broke last night and stabilized around 98.7 to 98.9 all day.  They changed my anti-biotic and my rash is fading.  They gave me blood today - what a Halloween treat!  I am at my most susceptible for infection.  But I have not gotten any infections at all yet.  My brother, Bubbie, called today.  It was a meaningful call for me.  Big brothers are good guys. After Bubbie told me his wife, Ollie, sent a letter, I knew my sister Jill and friends, and my sister Judy sent letters, I asked PJ to do detective work.  There were 7 letters for me in the post office.  The ward wasn’t sure how mail is supposed to get here.  Guess most people don’t get mail, but mail call for us is an important part of the day. 

PJ is holding up well.  I got a pair of reading glasses today.  With all the drugs and sugar highs, my trifocals have been useless.  Also, they stopped doing a four-a-day blood sugar counts.  Guess they ran out of fingertips to stick.   Monday or Tuesday is the first big day.  They take a bone marrow to see what affect the chemo has had.

Love to all and thanks for the support,

Love Rick

 

Rickey’s sister Dana-Lee’s reply

Happy Thursday – Hi Rickey,

I was glad to get your e-mail and find out that your fever has broken.  I hope that this good fortune continues.   I feel so relaxed now that they have two men in custody for the sniper shooting.  I was worried about all of you, especially PJ and the kids.  Hopefully your part of the country will have some peace now.  I can’t believe that someone can be so crazy.  Larry (Dana-Lee’s husband) came home last night and he wanted all the update on you.  He is so glad that you are doing as well as you are. He is hoping to stay home next week.  So we will see how that works.  I am glad that PJ’s parents are staying at your home.  It must give the two of you some relief that things are well taken care of.  I am so anxious to see you.  The next week is going to be so long.  But it will come. I’ve got no more news on your hair cut.  Let me know if the Jackson curls and waves are still there and if you still plan to shave them.  I was happy to talk to PJ last night.  I didn’t realize until after I hung up that it must have been close to 10 p.m. your time.  You certainly have long hours.

Sending my love and prayers, 

Dana-Lee

 

Rickey’s reply Re: Happy Thursday

Dana-Lee, Thanks for the E-mail.  My hair is still attached.  PJ got cold feet in cutting it and since it hadn’t fallen out she asked me to wait to cut it.  Not as curly as it used to be, a little more gray and thinner, but still there.  Rash is the ailment des jour.  Most believe it’s a drug reaction from antibiotics, except the drug people…must be something else.  Otherwise uneventful - everyone is happy I’m doing so well in the lack of infection and side-effects. 

Stay in touch, can’t wait to see you.

Love, Rick

 

Incoming from Rickey’s Daughter Ellie October 24, 2002 11:47 PM

Re: ADVENTURE - DAY 10

HEY Dad,

I just wanted to say I just got home from work and am very tired but I was thinking of you today and I just wanted to say I love you and miss you very much.  Hopefully I will be able to write a longer email tomorrow or soon when I have enough brain power.  I am very happy to hear you are doing well.

Lots of Love, Ellie

 

When is the last time you sat down and wrote a letter - the old fashion way?  There is something special that happens when we take pen in hand and pour our emotions out on to a blank sheet.  Think about a loved one who is still looking for their mail the old fashion way – stop and write them a letter.

 

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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