Familiy and Friends Network

Through all my whining and belly aching I've had people standing by ready to help, encourage, and up lift.

This post is dedicated to you.

I have one more hospitalization to write about but it's embarrassing so I'm putting it off until I thank all those who mean so much to me.

First and foremost there's my wife Cathy or, "CJ", which a lot of people know her by. She has been as forthright about my condition as anyone can be. She has eased my mind, encouraged me to get help mentally, listen to my complaints, bore my depression and tantrums. And did every thing except cook chicken soup. I have belittled her. And hurt her emotionally she has shed many tears on my account. It's true that you hurt the ones closest to you. She helped me see beyond my selfishness, consoled me when I cried, and made me see life goes on.

To my family thank you for your prayers mom and your delicious vanilla custard. Dad, for your prayers,fixing my lawnmower, mowing my grass when it was up to your knees. Randall for your prayers, and also mowing the front yard and part of the back which was also up to your knees and using a push mower witch made it harder to mow. It meant a lot to Cathy when you and your Kathy sat with my Cathy during surgery. Ron, you also gave of your time to do the same, plus weed eating around the house and kept me laughing with your whit. All of you came to see me in the hospital to lift me up even when I was rude and didn't want to see any one, you knew I needed a lift and wouldn't take no for an answer. You've made me laugh, something I didn't think I would do again.

To my across the street neighbors: Mark, Sylvia, Mathew, and Michael. As soon as you found out about my condition you supplied food, mowed and edged and leaf blown my driveway. I know you kept me in your prayers. And you did all of this despite your own limitations and health issues.

To my good friends and neighbors to my right, Allen and Elaine. You've shown concern, and was there for me. Allen thanks for checking up on me. Almost daily you came by to visit and see if I needed any thing. You also helped keep my yard in shape. You've prayed for me each night. Offered to take me any where I needed to go. You two have been a blessing, despite Allen's lecture on over doing it. And also their daughter Lisa for mowing my yard.

To my boss and fellow workers who gave up their paid time off (PTO) to help make up for the time I was out of work without pay. For your watchful eye checking up on me. My two Robert friends. ER Robert who is always eger to listen to my progress. And to Robert surgical materials for getting me out of the house and coming by my cubby hole to cheer me up.

To Emie and Tia checking up to see if I was eating the things I should and shouldn't eat. And to those who gave monetary gifts.

>

Nurse Nancy who has always been a good friend and gave me moral support. Even though you talk a lot Nancy, you've also been a good listener.

To Dr. Pascual: You were not only my cardiologist but you became my friend. Not a lot of physicians give out their personal cell number and then tell you to call any time if needing something. You and your prayer warrior wife prayed for me. I don't know if you do this for all your patients, but if you do you're on your knees a lot. You've been patient with me and scolded me without putting me down. I've had some Dr's. talk down to me. But you've always been upfront and honest. And kept your ego in check. You were not above consulting other doctors for their opinion and even consulting CJ. I can never thank you enough. You've saved my life. I am eternally grateful.

To my church family at MCC Tampa. Rev. Phyllis, and Villia for your visits and prayers and your words of encouragement. Rev. Kathy for sitting with Cathy while I was having open heart surgery, and for her visits and cards of encouragement and also for her editing help. Thank you also Kathy for telling me you needed your Rick hugging fix. To Kathy's help mate and partner's hugs and friendly words and her great smile when she sees me. And Ross for serving Holy Communion when the other pastors were away. For the congregational team who prayed, called, and sent cards. And I must mention the choir for their prayers and hugs. Shirley for her cards and visit to the hospital. This church is the most huggingist church I've ever been a part of.

My special friend David who cheered me up. Put me in my place when I needed it. Texted me daily to check up on me. For his many visits to sit and listen, watch a movie, or make muffins.

To Mac for his hospital visits and friendship. His great smile when he sees me. His bear hugs. His patience through my fickleness.

For my friends at Wellswood Baptist Church for your prayers, and emails. Jo and her family for allowing me to be apart of Dustin and Tiffany's wedding , giving me the okay to video their wedding. This helped me recoup and took my mind off my problems.

To Sheri my stepdaughter, granddaughter Madelyn, grandson Derek, and to Ricardo who all showed concern while dealing with their own issues, It's been a year of hell for them too.

To those I have forgotten like June, a volunteer at UCH, who gave me weekly updates on work and checked on me by phone. She has been a good friend through all of this.(I love the way she calls me "darling"

I've been hugged, kissed, given money, had yard sales on my behalf, gotten loans and then had them forgiven. I been prayed for by people I don't know, been scolded, encouraged, loved, and had those who endured boring recounts of my cardiac procedures. (sorry about that)


Lest I forget. My constant compaion Abby. Who listens, gives me kisses, and guards my heart. And always ready for a belly rub.

Thank you and blessings be to all.

Rick

PS. Be prepared for a camera intrusion. I want pictures to display on this post. Don't be shy.