May 20, 2016

On May 10^th Rick had the last of the chemo for his first round.  On the way up to Huntsman, we stopped by Rick’s office for a quick visit.  It was so great to see so many of his friends at Carollo.  I know he really misses work, I mean maybe not the work, but he really misses his many friends there.  Rick used to travel to other offices, most recently he had spent a lot of time in the Costa Mesa office.  He misses them as well as so many in other offices at Carollo and I know that those relationships really mean a lot to him.  Over the years Rick and I have been able to travel a lot and spend a lot of time with many clients.  Those relationships also mean so much to both of us.  Anyway, we were able to snap a few photos at the Salt Lake office before we went to Huntsman.  It’s hard to go up there when Rick is finally feeling better only to have chemo and get sick again.  Many times he says how it will all be worth when we kick this cancer!

Our children had these awesome t-shirts made for all of our family.  They ordered a limited amount of extra t-shirts so if you would like one, they are $8.00 and you can talk to one of the kids about them.  It has been so fun for Rick to see so many of our family and friends wearing their Strong Like Rick shirts.  It really buoys him up to see so much support.  We proudly wore them to Huntsman last week and they were really a hit.  Rick’s sister Kate was able to join us.  She was so impressed with all the nurses and Dr.’s and all the other team that works with Rick.  One person on the team said, “Rick, every week you bring these beautiful women up here with you.”  She said, “You have such a beautiful family, they all look like movie stars.”  Kate got a kick out of that.  We loved having her with us.

The days following the chemo were quite hard for Rick, but as usual he never complained.  Rick has so much faith!  He always reminds me that God is in charge and we need to have faith in him and in the plan, regardless of whatever that plan is.  He is such an inspiration to all of us. We celebrated our youngest granddaughter’s first birthday.  It is always wonderful to have our family around us!   It really brightens our days.  Rick’s sister Keri and brother in law Dave came up from Gilbert to visit us.  It was so fun to see them! 

Last Tuesday was the normal chemo day but Rick got to have a week off.  That was something we have been looking forward to.  He has three weeks on and then a week off.  We still go to Huntsman to have a few tests run.  They also gave Rick two bags of fluid to see if that would help him feel better. 

Tuesday night was the Carollo Engineer’s company party.  We went up to TopGolf.  Rick’s office ordered some amazing t-shirts that said, “Sock it to Cancer” on the front and then on back they said, #stronglikerick and the Carollo logo.  It was so amazing to see so many people wearing their shirts and their crazy socks and showing their support for Rick and our family.  There were people here from other offices as well.  At one point, Clint Rogers (the office manager) asked everyone to give Rick an applause.  Everyone stood up and clapped for such a long time.  It was very touching for our family to feel so much love and support!  Rick was so happy and overwhelmed with the support of everyone.  How blessed we have been through the years to work for such a wonderful company.  Our next door neighbor, Kerri Young and her partner came and talked about their foundation called, “Sock it to Cancer.”  The foundation gives crazy, fun socks to the patients at Huntsman as the receive chemo.  Kerri lost a sister and father to Cancer and since then, she has been volunteering at Huntsman as a way to give back.  Many from our office made donations to her foundation.  We had a huge group picture and then Rick spent the evening talking to everyone.  What a wonderful night that was for our family!  Thank you Clint, Alanah and Barbara for all your work and thank you to all the employees for all your love and support!

Kerri & Ricki
Sock It To Cancer

 Kelsey & Evan's family

 Rick & Ash

 Jess & Rick

Marcia, Emmerich, Kelsey, Edith, Maddie, and Agnes

Maddie & Rick

Barbara, Rick, and Edd 

 Narayanan & Rick

 Rick, Jake and Janet

 Lindy, Matt, and Rick

 Kathy, Jerry, and Rick

Clint, Rick, and Alanah 

 Rick & Todd

 Emma, Clint, Rick, and Jana

Steve & Rick

As the week progressed, Rick has felt better each day. Yesterday we were able to go to the beautiful Payson Temple.  We were so thankful for a wonderful night together!  We even stopped for Chinese food after and check out our fortune… "A goal is a dream with a deadline."

Through all of this, we have received so many wonderful little miracles and blessings.  We look for things each day that we are thankful for.  All of you are some of our greatest blessings. 

We love you!

Love, Rick & Jana

#stronglikerick

#wheadonstrong

"God is working on your behalf today.  Heaven is holding conversations about you. Angels have been assigned to you.  Just breathe, and be at peace."