He’s having a good week!
July 23, 2008
It looks like we’ve finally found a good medication combination. This week Dad has continued to do well, and has been so much more alert and peaceful. We’ve seen much more of his playful personality, and sweet disposition, which has been really wonderful!
Unfortunately, though, the whole nursing home/hospital ordeal has caused the disease to progress. We’ve learned that stressful events have that effect. When we went to the neurologist on June 17 he was still walking, talking, feeding himself…basically still in the middle stage (or stage 6). I’m not a neurologist, but he’s clearly not at that place anymore. He has lost many abilities this past month. My guess would be that he’s in the”end-stage” (or stage 7) now.
He still has a sense of recognition when he sees us, and he tries to speak to us, but words are very difficult-which is really frustrating for him considering how much he loves to talk! He’s not a quiet Alzheimer’s patient, as you can probably imagine! He’s constantly talking!
On a different note…I need to let you all know that this blog has a new feature. Phyllis has added a link on the blog roll for photos. She has made it public, so anyone can add pictures. We would love for you all to do that!
Please continue to pray for Dad, and also for all of us as we rely on God’s strength moment by moment. We also would love for you to pray that we would have opportunities to share God’s love with all the people that we come in contact with through this experience. We want to see God glorified through this…and we know that’s what Daddy would want too!
I can’t tell you how much all of your sweet comments have meant to us! What an evidence of the grace of God!! I know my Daddy would love to extend his appreciation and love if he could, so I’ll do it for him!! You all are wonderful…thank you for allowing God to use you to encourage us! We are humbled and grateful.
Charity
Charity,
I am so glad to hear that he is having a good week. I remember how precious the time I had with my dad was. Jon and I were so glad to have been able to spend some time with him at the hospital here in Anderson. We are praying for you all and glad to have this blog to be able to keep up to date on his condition. We love you guys!
Liz
Hi Charity, Beverly & Family: I couldn’t help but get teary-eyed as I viewed this photo. What a love story is evidenced to see two wonderful people who have loved each other for all these years and have always put our Lord and Savior first place in their lives. As you may recall, our family had firsthand experience with this disease as Buck’s dad was diagnosed in 1984 but died in 1987. We can truly symphathize with your family as we know it affects every member. Please be assured of our love and prayers. We plan to visit him soon. Thank you for making this update available for all the people who love not only Dr. Rice but your entire family. Hugs, Jimmie
Hi glad to hear Mr.Rice is doing better. The family and he is in my thoughts and prayers.
Paul Short said he is praying for Russell
and family.Thanks for the blog so we know how he is doing.We love you all very much.
Sandra Wardlaw
Hello,
I found out about this site tonight from Tom Kweder in Anderson. I have asked often about Dr. Rice and pray for him and each of you often.
I shared a good chunk of years and have some wonderful memories of Dr. Rice and was privileged to spend time with him in a myriad of different experiences. I took his classes at Tabernacle in 1979-80. My pastor, R. A. White, took me with him to Good News Baptist in–I guess it was 1980 or 81 for a homecoming revival when Dr. Rice was moving to Oakwood. During the singing part of the service he came back to sit with me and asked me about coming to work for him at Oakwood. That began a treasured relationship that has lasted more than a quarter of a century.
The one thing he always talked about was how wonderful memories were. Dr. Rice and I participated together in a lot of funerals, weddings, etc.and he always talked about the blessing of memories. I will always cherish mine with him.
Please know that few days go by that I do not remember to pray for him and each of you. The night will never be too dark or the hour too late that I would not be there for any one of you if you need me. God bless you!
Sis. Beverly and family
Thank you for making this avenue for us to hear how Bro. Russell and you all are doing. Bro. Russ was a blessing to our church family for many, many years as he held Revival meetings for us. It is hard to understand some of the things God allows in our lives but we know it is all in His hands.
We are praying for you all and know that his is a trying time as we have had first hand experience too with this disease as my precious Godly grandmother made that journey. It is extremely difficult for everyone but as you all know, God’s grace is sufficient to see us through whatever journey he takes us on. Just want you to know we loveyou all!
Rice family,
We cannot express in words how dear we hold Dr. Rice and all of you. I always loved it when Doc would introduce me as his adopted son. I feel very much a part of your family but you all always had a way of making everyone feel that way. I pray daily for you as the Bible speaks of tears being stored in a bottle I have shed more than a few bottles full for you all. I can’t really explain the tears except that I so dearly love Russell Rice.
I am the man I am today in a large part because of him. I know we are simply instruments that God uses and God used him more than any other person except my own father to bring me to Christ and teach me by instruction and example what a servant of Christ is suppose to be. I love you dearly and hope to see you soon.
Rick
Dear Family:
I am sorry to hear of the turn for the worse if that is what it is called. I believe it could be for the best. Our God is still in the miracle business, however HE may be calling Russ home. Since he has not been in the pulpit for a while, knowing Russ, he always wanted to he used of GOD in whatever circumstances he was in. I realize it is hard to give him up but if his presence with the preacher will bring glory to GOD, I’m sure it it what Russ would want. My prayers are for each of you that GOD will grant grace to each in this trying time. Beverly, we love each of you and are still praying for GOD’s will.
Love,
John and Patty
Mrs. Rice and Family,
We want you to know how much we love Dr. and Mrs. Rice and all of the family. The dozen years or so that Dr. Rice was our pastor were wonderful years and we will always cherish the memories we have of his messages, his love, his compassion, and the incredible way he could tell a story. The time is soon to come that we will all be together with our Lord and there will be no more sickness and no more sadness. We know God’s grace is sufficient for this time and our prayers are with you daily.
If you click the second one down at sourcearticle.info there’s some more information