THE LAST WEEK

The last week or so Rick was alive was so tough. He had came real close to leaving this location and moving to his next in that last week. He hadn’t spoken in weeks. He was mostly in a semi sleep state and his breathing had gotten labored.

We had several groups from various churches come at different times and hold prayer vigils but that wasn’t the plan for Rick. This night my Pastor at the time, Phil Bray was with us and lots of family was gathered. As Rick’s breathing got labored it seemed this was the night.

Rick took a breathe and then nothing for the longest time. I just knew he was gone. Charlie was Rick’s beloved brother-n-law from his first wife and also his best friend. He collapsed across Rick’s chest crying and begging Rick not to go. They were closer than brothers. All of a sudden Rick took another breathe.

This time the labored breathing was way worse and louder than before. Oh my I can feel the immense pressure now that I did back then 25 years ago. This wasn’t something I had ever known of. I had kept it together up to this night. Now, I let it go, I no longer could be strong for everyone else.

I honestly can’t remember how many days Rick went on like this with the extreme labored breathing. I was beside myself. I now had to have others be in charge at the house. I know many were there but my sister-n-law Joyce was a tremendous help. She picked up where I had been handling things.

Days went by and still Rick fought for every breathe. I honestly didn’t know what to do. Rick heard us I know he did. He was doing everything he could to hold on. Finally, I thought he is waiting on someone. His Aunt Minnalee, his mother’s sister was trying to make the trip from New York. Rick had always had a special bond with her. So I called her on the phone and talked with her. We made the decision she would talk to Rick. I held the phone to his ear and she spoke with him.

After I hung up the phone, I just crawled up in the hospital bed with Rick there at the house. I put my arms around him and told him it was ok. He could rest now. I kissed his cheek and Rick took his last breathe in this life.