I didn't send up the smoke signal when I posted this last night -- I was in one of my down-swings when I wrote it.
This has been an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm sure the ride isn't over yet.
Thank you and God bless you to all who have responded. I'm sure your prayers coupled with mine and others have helped raise our moods, our spirits and our hearts. The spirit of the Lord is certainly in this place.
Rick (Richard Curtis King, for those who needed to know) was scheduled for an MRI this morning to provide a deeper scan of his brain and cranium.
My dad told me that last night, Rick's wife took off his necklace and put it on his chest. He reached up and took it in his left hand, looked at it, put it back on his chest and patted it.
My dad, playfully, reached over, snatched it and backed away, holding it up and grinning.
Dad said that Rick rared up in the bed and opened his mouth as if he was going to say something, and then huffed.
Dad held the necklace out to him. Rick took it back, and put it back on his chest, patting it assertively.
'Mine,' his motions seemed to say.
But that told volumes. He's in there. He's aware. He's fighting. He's willing to do what needs to be done.
And that's the brother I know. That's the man that grew from the boy I grew up sharing the same bedroom with. And if my sister and I have to fly to Chicago to kick his ass and make him walk when he gets out of there, we'll do it. 'Cause that's what families do.
I finally ate something last night, but my appetite isn't back to normal yet -- I suspect it won't be anytime soon. And I did get a decent night's sleep last night, not like the fitful night prior.
And thankfully, the phone did not ring.
I'll keep everyone apprised as I learn more. But I can't thank everyone enough.
God Bless Rick, you, and your family to get through this rough spot. Rick and you are on my prayer list now. I will be praying at night and as possible throughout the day.
I missed this. you and yours are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.