Heartfelt thank you for all your prayers

We would like to take this last opportunity as a family to send out our heartfelt thank you to each and every person who has lifted up Rick, as well as each member of our family during the last 6 weeks of his illness and death. We have felt each prayer and know that God's Grace and His Strength have sustained us because of those prayers.

Rick battled diabetes from the time he was l9 years old, as has his Mother, Marion Russell, our sister, Jeanne Anthony and his niece, Ashley Sanders. Ashley's husband, Sean Sanders has been a dynamic supporter of Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, raising funds through nationwide bike rides for several years now. Sean actually was the Head Coach for all of Georgia this past year and led a large group from Georgia to tremendous victories in the "Ride For A Cure" in cooridnated rides in several states last year. Because diabetes has had such an impact on us as a family, we would like to just give anyone who may be interested the opportunity to send any memorials in honor of Richard Edward Russell to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 400 Perimeter Center Terrace #750, Atlanta, GA 30346.

Once again, we thank you for the prayers, the love and the support we have received from so many of you and for the prayers that carried Rick. We are certain that he felt each one and that he is finally resting with Jesus.

Friday Night - November 30, 2007

We are sad to share tonight that Richard Edward Russell passed away this afternoon.
We rejoice that he is out of pain and no longer suffering. We pray and believe in our hearts that he is singing in heaven with Jesus. We want to take this opportunity to thank you for all your precious prayers for Rick and for this family through the weeks. We ask that you would continue to pray for us as we go through the next few days in making final arrangements for Rick. We are not certain of any final arrangements at this time, but do know that Kilgore Funeral Home at l750 Ashville Road, NE, Leeds, AL is handling all arrangements. The phone number for Kilgore Funeral Home is 205-699-3181.

Many thanks again from all of us for your constant prayers through the last five weeks....please remember especially RIck's wife, Caren, and his three sons, Matthew, Christopher and Bradley at this time.

With love, Don and Marion Russell, Jeanne and Stewart Anthony, Dave, Susan and Taylor Higdon, Ashley Sanders and Family, Meredith Dutlinger and Family and Jason Higdon and Family

Praying Warrior Angels for Rick

Rick, TOnight we are praying warrior angels around you to fight a mighty battle for you body's strength and restoration. Congratulations....we hear you got a new tracheotomy today and we are asking God to cause it to be perfect in every way to
help you regain that strength and all that you body needs!! We love you with all of our hearts,Dave and Suz, Jeanne and Stewart, Mother and Dad

Today is the day to CHOOSE LIFE, RICK!!!!!

Rick, I believe this scripture is especially for you today.....God has brought it to my mind...

"This day I call Heaven and Earth as Witnesses Against You That I have Set before you LIFE and DEATH, BLESSINGS and CURSES. Now, CHOOSE LIFE, so that you and your children may live" Deuteronomy 30:19

We are all praying this scripture around you today Rick, Choose Life!!!!! You can do it!!! We are crying out to God to give you supernatural strength and ability to fight. We love you so!!!

Thanksgiving

Rick, we sure did miss you at our Thanksgiving table yesterday along with Caren, Matt, Chris and Brad. We were all remembering you and praying that it would be
a day of special Thanksgiving progress for you. We can't wait until you will be able to eat all your favorite things for Thanksgiving and we will be preparing a Thanksgiving Feast for you!!!! We are so thankful for the doctors and nurses who are working so hard to get you well. We love you, Mother, Dad, Jeanne and Suz

Tuesday, November 20

We are praying today for continued progress for Rick. Father, we are asking you today to send Your Holy Spirit to hover over Rick in his hospital room, covering him with protection and healing. Father, we ask you to speak your words of truth and encouragement to Richard Russell today, reminding him that you have a Hope and a Future for him.....Jeremiah 29:ll. We praise you and thank you for the comfort and peace you are providing for Rick, as well as all of us who love him. In Jesus Name, Amen

Sunday Night, November l8

We are praising God for every morsel of good information we can get about Rick's condition. We had some comfirmations today from doctors in Alabama, that there is reason to believe this Rick can survive the setback he has had and that they are doing all that they can to look into other ways of treating existing problems. He is still on the ventilator and having dialysis as tolerated three to five times a week. Lungs may be improving somewhat...he has a long, long road ahead of him for many reason, but, we are praising God for every slight improvement, some of his stomach issues are being addressed and that is a giant priase.....bowel sounds were apparently heard today....A GIANT PRAISE!!!...Praise GOD that doctors are continuing to work together to find what Rick needs. I praise GOD that St. Vincents is a "faith based" hospital and there are truly Christian doctors there who care and are praying for Rick's recovery. I know in my heart that God will keep his promise to renew Rick's strength and restore his health. Thank you for every single prayer you have lifted for RIck....it has been his lifeline and ours and we are so very grateful as his faimly....