12/15/2009 Update

Well, one should never be too old to go to school to learn and graduate!!! I did just that yesterday as I graduated from my Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Class!!! I learned alot about Nutrition, Spirometry, Health, Stress, Blood Pressure etc.......along with the workouts on the treadmill and exercise bike coupled with working out with the weight machines. All of the staff at the Rehab Center were so encouraging and supportive to both Debbie and I. In my opinion, the role of the staff performs more of a ministry to patients than they realize. Both Debbie and I have been very blessed by not only the staff at Rehab, but as well by all of the staff at the Mayo Clinic.

At this time, we are on track to leave Jacksonville to return home to South Florida this coming Thursday, December 17th. I will be returning to Jacksonville for the conclusion of tests/consultations on January 4th -8th to wrap up my initial 3 month post transplant tests. As I have stated many times before, we have been so blessed to be able to stay with Mark and Dawn Sonneborn at their home since arriving in Jacksonville on October 2nd [Debbie stayed with them the first week while I was in the hospital]. Speaking for myself, time has gone by so quick and yet at the same time October 2nd seems like a date in history that occurred a long time ago. So much has happened in the past few months. Our daughter Kylie is finishing up her last week of school before the Christmas break begins and she will wrap up her time being taken in by the Kelly Family this week as well. So many details, both big and little have been taken care of by the Kelly's along with help from many friends, coaches, other parents, cousins, uncles, nieces, pastors......it`s been a blessing having so many assist us and meet needs. I won`t even attempt to name names for fear of leaving someone out. Those who have prayed for us and reached out to us in various ways, we are grateful for each one of you as well.

Late yesterday afternoon, Debbie and I were at the Mayo Clinic and we ran into Dr. Agnew [who was the Thoracic surgeon involved in my transplant] and he was pleased to hear how well everything had progressed and agreed that we had been blessed by God through all that has taken place in the past few months. The Miracle continues!!!

In closing, please continue to pray for the Mathews Family [the name Mathew means "Gift of God" and is the temporary name I have given my donor`s family until I hear from them in response to my letter sent to them through the Mayo Clinic about 5 weeks ago] and other families that each of us know that have lost loved ones this past year. Thank you again for all your prayers for us through this season of life. Debbie and are looking forward to starting a new chapter in life as we return home this week. It is going to be interesting to see how God uses all that has taken place in my life in recent times as we seek to Glorify Him as He has so richly blessed us. As Christy our daughter would say..."God Rocks".

Have Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

Love in Christ,
Rick and Debbie

The pictures attached are as follows:

The first one is Debbie and I in Mark and Dawn's beautifully decorated home.

The second one notice the personalized stockings that Dawn made for Debbie, Kylie and me in anticipation of us spending Christmas in their home!!!

The third one is with our gracious host and hostess...Mark and Dawn.