This post is a tough one, but for those who have not yet heard, Rich has declined any further treatments regarding his cancer.
As much as it pains me to write that, to actually put it out there, this was his decision and his alone to make. The chances of the radiation/chemo saving his life are pretty much slim to none and he doesn’t want to go through the pain and agony that the treatments would bring. As Rich put it “he is done”. He is done with the pain, the loss of dignity, everything. And now that he has made that choice, he seems to be very content. He is now in control, not the doctors or anyone else and he is comfortable with that. He has gotten so weak and incredibly thin and he just doesn’t want to go through any more pain.
It has been amazing to look back at the last year and see how God was preparing Rich for this. Long before he fell ill, he struck up a friendship with Pastor Jim. Jim loves Rich unconditionally, just as Christ does and that was exactly what Rich needed. Then we started a Home Bible Fellowship that Pastor Jim leads here at the house, along with his wife Cheryl, and Rich was a part of that. He started reading his Bible and trusting Christ and he and Gary have been studying the Bible here at home. It is of great comfort to Rich, and to us, to know that Jesus is going to take his hand and lead him through this into his forever home with his heavenly Father, with no more sorrow, no more pain.
Rich is at the Good Shepherd, room 152. Please pray for peace and comfort. Thank you all for your support of Rich and his decision.