He’s resting comfortably
July 31, 2008
Dad’s condition keeps deteriorating, pretty rapidly. Yesterday we had our whole family here, and although it was wonderful to have everyone here, it was also very difficult, because of the sad circumstances. Daddy slept through the whole thing. We couldn’t really get him to perk up and realize we were all surrounding him. He had been more responsive the night before when my cousins were here, but all day yesterday he slept.
Today has been the same. He rouses a little sometimes, but he doesn’t open his eyes. Or if he does, he doesn’t seem to focus anymore. This whole process has happened so quickly. He has only been in the “end stage” of this disease for less than 4 weeks. That is an extremely rare situation for Alzheimer’s. Most patients are in the end stage for months or years. We all know, though, that this is the way he would’ve wanted it to be. He wouldn’t have wanted to be bedridden for years. Who would, really? So in a way, it’s a blessing. We know where he’s going, and we’re all doing our best to maintain a spiritual focus.
Thanks again for all that you all are doing for our family. We are so grateful. Your encouraging words and comments continue to lift us up and remind us of how many friends he has and how much everyone loves him. As we sit here, holding his hand and whispering prayers for his peace and comfort during these days, it is so comforting to know that so many of you are thinking of him and praying for all of us. We can’t really thank you enough for that.
With Love,
Charity
We are all praying for you. I know how hard this is, but I praise the Lord for your reliance on Him through this difficult time in honoring and glorifying Him
Roger, Lisa, Alyssa, Roger Paul, Katie, and Joey
To the Rice family and friends, you are in our prayers daily. Russell and Beverly Rice are the greatest pastor/ wife combination that we have ever heard of! Thank you for giving to the Lord, we were lives that was changed! Dwayne, Tracie, Sarah,and Terry Hall, Anderson, S.C.
Dear A. Beverly,
I am not your neice however from the moment my husband and I meet you both @ Mark’s church you have always been Unlce Russ & Aunt Beverly!
Please know our prayers are with you and the family.It has been an honor to know you and be part of this big family. Uncle Russ always made Matthew feel very special and it was a blessing even lately he still remembered Matt. Thank you both for your godly direction testimony.
In Christ’s love Matthew & Cindy Midkiff.
Hey Rices,
For the past couple of weeks you have been on my mind and heart every day if not every hour. I have had so many conversations with my children and people in Edenton NC about Russell Rice and the wonderful man he is. He has had a positive impact on every community he has served in and your family is being bathed in prayer from all over as you know.
Roland Harrell who is a member of the church I pastor here in Edenton was talking this week about late night chess games with Doc. Others have talked about his stories and love. It’s always positive and told with looks of wishing they could go back there.
That remarkable man in that bed will never be forgotten wherever he has been and whoever he has touched has been made better for it.
Love you guys.
Ricky Bishop
Mrs. Rice and Family,
I would like to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. Also, I send you my love at this very difficult time. It was my privilege to work with Dr. Rice (a very compassionate and loving man) for 18 years here at Oakwood. He always had time for everyone. I will cherish the fond memories that I have of Dr. Rice. Mrs. Rice know that I am praying and thinking of you and your family in the days that lie ahead. I know that they will be difficult, but one thing is for sure that “GOD’S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT” no matter what we face. Let me know if there is anything that I can do for any of you. Love and Prayers to All, Harriet
Aunt Bev, Charity, Sarah & Charlie,
Thanks so much for keeping us informed of how Uncle Russ is doing. I know this is such a difficult time to go through and all of us here in Michigan are praying for God’s strength for all of you.
Reading through the comments people have posted really shows the magnitude of how many lives Uncle Russ has touched over the years. Such a wonderful man, living each day for Christ.
I am praying that God will grant him peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Laurie
Mrs. Rice and Family,
Please know that you and Dr. Rice are in our prayers. Our hearts are saddened to think of Dr. Rice not being with us, but our spirit rejoices in knowing that he will be delivered from this disease and will be with his Lord and Savior. There are so many memories that come to mind when thinking of Dr. Rice, but three that will always be precious. First, that the Lord used Dr. Rice’s preaching to first convict Mike of his need for salvation. The second was performing our wedding ceremony. Finally, it was all the time and prayer and compassion he showed when Rhonda’s dad became ill and eventually passed away. It was at that time that the entire family experienced Dr. Rice’s gift for pastoring. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
Again, please know that we are praying for all of you during this very difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Mike and Rhonda Davis
Mrs Rice and Family: I just learned of Dr. Rice’s condition. I’m still in NJ and don’t hear from anyone in Anderson. I just want you to know that Dr. Rice , You, and the rest of the family are in my prayers. Dr. Rice was the most important spiritual advisor I’ve had in my life. Mere words are not enough to describe my feelings for him. Though not physically tall, He is a Spritual giant and is loved by thousands of people. May you all lean upon our great God that Dr. Rice loved to preach about. God bless all of you.
Mrs. Rice,I was saddened to see Dr. Rice’s name in the obituaries this week. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this loss. As your grief experience continues, may the God of all Comfort hold you close in His loving arms of peace and calm.
Many blessings,
Becky Lynch