"YOUR DAD IS COMING HOME TO ME."

I feel I have to share this with those of you who so faithfully followed my dad's story. Tonight was the first time I've sat down and started reading this story from beginning to end. This prayer on October 12, 2008 really sticks out to me because it was answered and you will understand once I tell you what happened around 9:30 AM 2/11/09.

This was from my 10/12/2008 post:

I pray the devil and his demons shiver and extinguish at this prayer. In Jesus Christ name I ask that your son's brain be healed 100%, and you claim this victory against all human odds. You created him and you will heal him. This battle is yours and not mine, therefore I surrender and place all of my hope and existence in you. You are majestic and healing. In Jesus name, Amen.

So, when I woke up 2/11/09 I began getting ready and the verse Isaiah 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" came to me. I pondered on it for a bit and then began praying about what God was trying to tell me. Within minutes I heard in my heart "Your dad is coming home to me today. Today is February 11, 2009 and your dad is coming home." I had tears build up in my eyes and took a deep breath, swallowed and asked God to just get me through the day. All of this took place between 9:30 and 9:45 AM. From what I can remember I got to the hospital around 10 AM and found out that for the previous 25 minutes my dad had been receiving CPR. The way I look at is, God called me to tell me what was happening before it happened. He picked up the phone to tell me where my dad would spend eternity. I cannot wrap my mind around the love God showed me that day. He is so loving and caring and I now see He stopped to let me know what He was doing. That moment is a gift from God for all of us to cheerish!

I cannot begin to explain the warmth, comfort, peace, and pure joy I have knowing where my dad is. He is in the most unimaginable place in all existence. When I stop and try to think about what he is doing right now I cannot help but smile and know that he is now truly living. No more tears, fears, pain, brain - heart - lung damage, just no more damage at all. God is amazing! I know some people are very sorry for our loss, but let me tell you no one is lost! I was told exactly where my dad is and where he is at is beyond our wildest dreams. Seriously, he is in H-E-A-V-E-N. Just stop and try to imagine what heaven is like. I mean really try to think about it. Our measly little minds have no idea the state of joy he is in... for eternity! Wow is all I can say or think when I find myself thinking about him. I am speechless and find my thoughts cannot complete themselves when I truly try to picture heaven and what my dad is doing.

So back to the prayer on October 12. You bet your bottom this is God's victory. There is no tragedy here. God stole my dad's heart and took him home where he is 100% healed. My prayer for the past 5 months was for God to heal dad 100% and to reveal Himself to my dad. To shower him with mercy, grace, love, peace, comfort, joy, and His angels. Well God did just that to His fullest extent; by taking him to heaven. He also gave you and I some grace by letting me know before I even had a clue what was happening that He was bringing his son home to Him. I am just blown away that God thought of the rest of us during this time. Because of our faithful prayers, He wanted us to know that He was at work and in control. Some of you think its sad that dad didn't live here on earth healed and that this was the end, but I need you to erase that thought from your head. My dad was an all or nothing kind of guy and our prayers were for him to have the absolute best medical help and 100% healing. Seriously people... he got that and more. There was no in between of his healing; he didn't die, he is now more alive than he ever has been. Robert William Ricks is in heaven and healthier then he would have been if he recovered 100% here on earth. He has hit the christian jackpot; he paid his dues and is now reaping his rewards and hard work in heaven. HEAVEN people. He is not on some vacation at the lake, not some tropical island, not taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon... he is HEAVEN feasting with the Lord Jesus Christ. All of his wounds and transgressions he endured during his time on earth have been erased forever! How blessed he is and how free his is!

Now for the rest of us left here on earth... God has us here because His purpose for us isn't complete. So it's time for you to find your purpose and make your mark. I pray your soul will not rest until you begin living life to the fullest!

PS - You can view his obituary and a video of him at http://www.sunsetodessa.com/. Just type in his name!

February 11, 2009

Dad is 100% healed! He went to his permanent home in heaven today!

He fought from day one and has defied all odds... isn't that what he did best... did he ever settle for less?!

One of his lungs collapsed (I suppose from the pneumonia) and his heart wasn't able to withstand the related issues. He had a wonderful last weekend; he laughed, showed hardly any pain, and didn't even cry (this is the first time we've not seen him cry in a really long time). These last few days his personality has really shown through and he left this temporary place with some dignity.

There will be a viewing on Friday 2/13/09 at Sunset Memorial in Odessa (on Business 80) for family only.

The funeral is Sunday 2/15/09 at 5 pm at Life Unlimited in Odessa. It is located on Loop 338 just North of 191. There will be no grave side to follow.

Many prayers have been answered; dad is healed and don't you forget it. God is good all the time and dad has gone to meet his maker where he is more alive then he has ever been! I'm so excited for him and know he is now complete.

Update 23 - February 10, 2009

Dad had a pretty decent day. He is still in ICU, but will hopefully be out in a day or two. It looks like his pneumonia, fever, heart rate, and blood pressure are all under control. Hopefully he will be moved back to the regular facility within a few days to resume therapy.

He had his fishing buddies and an old friend visit him today and they had him laughing pretty good. It was great to see! His responses and alertness are great; he follows you well, makes good eye contact, and pays attention to what you're saying (when he wants).

It's amazing how far he has come. One of his nurses today stated that she's been in the same Nexus facility for years and has seen it all. She reminded us to persevere and gave a lot of explanation about the amount of time it takes for the brain to heal and it's limitless potential.

Keep persevering!

Update 22 - February 7, 2009

Dad has had a rough day. We found out yesterday he has pneumonia.... again, I believe this is the 5th time. Besides the side effects from that it looks as if he is in more pain, possibly from stomach related issues.

He still looks good though. Man he's got great hair (lucky for me and my brother, we know we will never lose ours)! It's funny because most all of the nursing staff comments on how nice his hair is. Also he's put some weight back on and is getting that famous chubby-Ricks neck back (I can say that because I have it too!).

Other then that, he is still hanging in there. Keep praying for his brain to make the connection with this body... Robert's in there! One of the nurses who's gotten to learn his personality has been able to get him to laughing so hard he's in tears. Man I can't wait to see that!

Stay tuned... God Bless!!!!!!

PRAYER LIST - vs 1

Here is the 30 day prayer list mentioned in the 2/2/2009 Update. It doesn't matter when you start or when you stop, this is just something that I know will help with dad's healing. Print this out and stick it in your pocket (copy and paste into word document, ladies help the men). When you find time throughout the day, chose the days topic and speak blessings and prayer over it. Remember, hope is expectantly waiting on the Lord's promises.

Know that the word is alive!

Day 1 - Dad's love and relationship with the Lord.

Day 2 - Dad's immune system.

Day 3 - Dad's organs and ability to function properly.

Day 4 - Dad's skin, specifically: skin bacteria infections, bed sores, dryness

Day 5 - Dad's senses, specifically: Sight, Hearing, Taste, Touch, Smell

Day 6 - Dad's mouth, tongue, and teeth. This may be weird, but pray for the ability to use is mouth for natural instincts, protection over his teeth and tongue, and the ability to communicate.

Day 7 - Dad's muscles, tendons, and spacisity. May his muscles be strengthen, may his tendons be stretched comfortably, and may he regain control of his muscles.

Day 8 - Dad's doctors and nurses. May they grow to know his personality and pull determination out of him. May they use their God given talent of aiding him to heath.

Day 9 - Dad's determination, strength, motivation, perseverance, and will. May he have an abundance of all through Christ in order to get him healed quicker. May he stay focused.

Day 10 - Dad's medications: may they be the right ones working towards his benefit and may he be on the bare minimum required.

Day 11 - Dad's spirit. May he put all of his trust in the Lord. May he stay positive and determined. May he not get down. May he feel the Lord's presence and comfort.

Day 12- Dad's rest. May it be adequate and peaceful, aiding his body, mind, and soul to health.

Day 13 - Dad's diet and nutrition. May he stay hydrated, he sugar levels remain normal, and may he receive enough nutrition to provide adequate strength for healing.

Day 14 - Dad's Parietal Brain Lobe. This lobe affects / controls academic skills, naming objects, right and left differentiation, tactile senses (touch), ability to focus visual attention, eye hand coordination, awareness of body parts, and spatial orientation. May he regain 100% of his Parietal Lobe function.

Day 15 - Dad's Frontal Brain Lobe. This lobe affects / controls ability to sequence, perseverance, attention deficit, personality, problem-solving, verbal expression, spontaneity, flexible thinking, emotional-social-sexual behavior, and initiation of voluntary or involuntary movements. May he regain 100% of his Frontal Lobe functions.

Day 16 - Dad's Temporal Lobe. This lobe affects /controls understanding of spoken words, selective attention, identifying and categorizing objects, recognizing faces and visually locating objects, short-term memory, change in sexuality, persistent talking, and aggressive behavior. May he regain 100% of his Temporal Lobe functions.

Day 17 - Dad's Brain Stem. This affects / controls regulation of temperature, heart rate, and respiration, as well as swallowing food and fluid, balance and movement, nausea and dizziness (vertigo), and arousal or sleep regulation. May he regain 100% of his Brain Stem functions.

Day 18 - Dad's Cerebellum. This affects / controls motor coordination, ability to walk, postural control, ability to make rapid movements, control of eye movements, tremors and/or dizziness, and slurred speech. May he regain 100% of his Cerebellum functions.

Day 19 - Dad's Occipital Lobe. This affects / controls vision defects (visual field cuts), visually locating objects, identifying colors, hallucinations and visual distortions, word blindness, ability to recognize object movement, reading and writing, and processing of visual information. May he regain 100% of his Occipital Lobe functions!

Day 20 - Dad's therapy. May he receive the best physical therapy, speech therapy, and nuero therapy available! Please pray for the therapist.

Day 21 - Dad's physical comfort and pain. May he have zero physical pain and be as comfortable as you and I, who are not going through vigorous therapy.

Day 22 - Dad's emotional and physical strength. May he have a peace and comfort beyond all understanding.

Day 23 - Dad's tracheotomy. May he have enough strength and coordination to have this removed!

Day 24 - Dad's salvation. May dad know the Lord as his savior and redeemer!

Day 25 - Dad's bondage. May his solitude and time with the Lord relieve him of any past pains and bondage.

Day 26 - Dad's purpose. During his solitude and time with the Lord may he come to know his Godly purpose while here on earth.

Day 27 - Dad's bodily tubes. May he not receive any infections for catheters, IV's, the trach, etc. In fact, through his healing and strength, may they be removed!

Day 28 - Dad's heart. May it not be hardened through this time. May he trust in the Lord and may the Lord bless him with grace, mercy, and peace.

Day 29 - Dad's joy. May he know and have true joy.

Day 30 - Dad's love and relationship with the Lord.

As stated before, there is no sequence nor start/end date for these topics. As I make changes to the list I will revise the title so you will know of the latest version you have.

Thank you and may God bless you for your faith in Him!

Update 21 - February 2, 2009

As all of you wait in suspense just know that the family is too! Now that dad is in Houston getting great care at the Nexus Specialty Hospital it is difficult getting updates from doctors and the medical professionals. We are blessed to have family that lives 15 minutes away who faithfully visits him daily, but considering they work as well they visit in the evenings after the doctors have made their rounds. Based on their visits we have the comfort of knowing how he seems to be based on his comfort level, etc.

So it seems that the past week he has been in a pleasant mood, just looking around and even laughing at times. He is wearing arm and leg braces to manage the muscle spacisity for 8 hours a day and it seems that during this time he is in physical pain. Other than this, there's not much of an update. EXCEPT the continued WEEKLY milestone of him not having any infections, fevers, etc. He is going on three weeks now of no illnesses. I pray that the pneumonia is out of his chest, it was still there two weekends ago. As he stays healthy I pray he makes drastic strength improvements.

Okay, it has been weighed on my heart to start a 30 day prayer for dad. There are 30 items I have written down to pray for each day. I'm not stating that all 30 items need to be prayed for daily, rather one topic per day for the next 30 days. What I will do is post the 30 items today and as I come across versus that speak for that topic I will add the verse. So if you find a verse that you feel should be added to the topic please add it to the comment section and I will update the prayer list with it!

With that said, the purpose of the prayer list and adding verses it so that we can beat the odds through Christ!

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edge sword." Hebrews 4:12

" 'Have faith in God', Jesus answered. 'Truly I tell you, if you say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and do not doubt in your heart but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, will be yours." Mark 11:22-24

"For no word from God will ever fail." Luke 1:37

Jesus healed a boy who had a demonic-mute spirit from birth which caused convulsions, foaming of the mouth, gnashing of the teeth, and often tried to destroy the boy by throwing him in fire or water. The mans father begged of Jesus to heal his son and "Jesus said to him, 'If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.' ...'Lord I believe, help my unbelief.' " Mark 9:23-24 As the father believed, Jesus healed his son! Although Jesus comments on this type of healing and states "This kind can come out only by prayer." Mark 9:29 Now dad is not possessed by demons, but this is a reminder that there are some circumstances that require deep prayer and fasting in order for healing to occur. This is why I will forever remind you to pray. It is the only thing that has helped my dad overcome medical odds and it is the only thing that will continue the deliverance of God's miracles.

I know in my heart, God will deliver my dad from brain damage... for His glory. I know in my heart, anyone that knows Robert Ricks will witness God's miracle of life. Jesus is in the business of healing, lets not take Him nor His divine power of healing for granted. Rather trust in Him, pray through Him, and ask of Him.

A blind man named Bartimaeus begged for Jesus to heal him and began to shout "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Mark 10:47 Jesus called to the blind man and asked him, "What do you want me to do for you? The blind mad said, "Rabbi, I want to see." 'Go,' said Jesus, 'your faith has healed you.' Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road." Mark 10:51-52

Let this be a reminder that we have the privilege to ask Jesus to heal my dad and He will deliver!