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The official blog of Ricky & Gael Sandoval and Team Sandoval

Ricky Update

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This entry was posted on 7/1/2009 11:11 AM and is filed under Updates.

Ricky is beginning to slip away. The signs were apparent this morning. His breathing is much slower, he is sleeping significantly more. When awake, he is at times sharp as a tack and other times a bit disoriented. He is comfortable and is not in pain.

This is a day I prayed would never come. But while my heart breaks, I know that this is a journey that will not end in sadness. He is going home to our Lord and for this I rejoice. I hope you will join me.

…the time has come for my departure.
I have fought the good fight.
I have finished the race.
I have kept the faith.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness.
2 Timothy 4: 6-8

All our love,
Gael and Ricky

 

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    • 7/1/2009 11:24 AM Anthony Lacsamana wrote:
      Romans 6:22
      But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

      I love you my brother, I just wish we could have spent more time together. Gael I pray that God gives you strength in faith in the coming days.

      Sincerely,

      Anthony Lacsamana
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 11:50 AM Karen Cosmos 76 sec 105 wrote:
      Gael,
      May God grant you the strength and peace in the coming days. Our prays are with you and the family.
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 12:06 PM Dag Sohlberg wrote:
      Dear Gael,
      I have known and respected Ricky since he became the Lions' Director of Security. That respect and affection has only grown since his battle started. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
      Sincerely,
      Dag Sohlberg
      Minnesota NFL Security Representative
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 12:17 PM Joan Eisenstodt wrote:
      Oh Gael -- somehow I thought a miracle would happen. May G-d grant you strength now and in the days and months ahead. May G-d grant Ricky strength to make this transition -- I really fear he'll fight it.
      He made it to his birthday and I feared this would happen.
      My heart is with you .. my caring .. my love ...
      Joanie
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 2:33 PM Kellie Nickovich wrote:
      Gael,

      I came across your fundraising page on PANCAN's website for the PurpleStride 2009 event and I wanted to learn more about Ricky and your (both of you) courageous fight. I am startled by the similarities in our stories. One year ago to almost the day, my mom was admitted to Karmanos and specifically Room 9417. She was only 57 years old. She had courageously fought for 2.5 years and the Lord decided to call her up on July 30th. I will tell you this though - even in her final days, she outlived the doctors expectations and gave our family some tremendous memories (many of the nurses can still probably tell you funny stories about Rosemary Scopel). The staff on Floor 9 was tremendous, you are in good hands. I pray for all of you, and even though I do not know you, I feel I know what you are going through. Do not give up your hope, your prayer, and the belief in miracles. The Lord's plan is always an awesome one, even if we don't always understand it.

      I hope to meet you at the PurpleStride Event in September - I am leading team Remembering Rosie. I pray that Ricky might be with you, he sounds like a TREMENDOUS person.

      Blessings,
      Kellie Nickovich

      ps: I hope you are getting more than the Wendy's and Quiznos for food...it can be taxing eating that for every meal as you keep vigil.
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 5:39 PM Cynthia De La Cruz wrote:
      My heart is breaking, but Ricky is in God's hands. There is no safer or better place for him. Our Lord will also keep you close to Him, Gael, and help you through the rest of Ricky's journey. Praying, praying for you both everyday.

      Cousin Cyndy
      Topeka, KS
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 6:31 PM Steve Kowalski wrote:
      Gael,

      I don't know if you know me but I have been talking to Ricky for about a year and he was so kind to give me his cell phone number and e-mail address. My Wife Kimberley Kowalski was diagnosed in February of 08 and she lost her battle in December of 08 and I know I was able to spend more time with her and Kim was able to spend more time with our two beautiful little girls Kaitlyn and KaliAnna because of Ricky. Kim and I didn't read about any hope at all and we were so depressed until we read your story and was able to talk to Ricky himself and my Kimmer had a spark in her eyes. So I thank You two for that and my girls were only one and three when this happened but I will be sure to tell them Rickys story he is an inspiration to anyone regardless of what there fighting. Kim was breast feeding KaliAnna when she was diagnosed and it was the most painful experience that I can imagine so I do know what your going through and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy's no one should have to go through this but I do know that there will be a special place for anyone that experience this horrible disease. I wanted to let you know that I admire Ricky's strength and courage and yours because I know how tough it is and I will do anything in this world if it would help you out. We also had Dr Philip and I don't know if you had the pleasure to meet Linda in pain management but she was our ANGEL. I will be praying for you and Ricky and stay strong.

      Steve Kowalski
      Casco, MI
      Reply to this
    • 7/1/2009 6:44 PM Miguel Correa wrote:
      OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE SANDOVAL FAMILY. RICK YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ALL OF US.

      FROM THE CORREA FAMILY IN INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.
      Reply to this
    • 7/2/2009 6:36 AM Kristen Cullen wrote:
      Dear Gael:
      I just received news of Ricky's passing. I was also given the link to your beautiful blog. Thank you so much for sharing your stories and journey along the way. I have had you on my mind and in my heart. Even though I never met Ricky in person, I feel like I knew him through your stories and from others who knew him.

      Just know, even though the pain is unbearable right now, he is no longer suffering. He showed everyone around him the definition of spirit, courage, determination and humbleness. Please remember, so much of his strength came from you and his love for you.

      The role of a caregiver is a gift in itself. So much is learned not only about the one that you care for, but about yourself. Your committment to Ricky through your undying love, compassion and committment to him will forever change you. You are an azmaging woman.

      If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to let me know. I know you are surrounded by a fabulous support system, especially with the Lions Organization. Ricky will be honored and remembered for the amazing person that his was.

      May your heart be full of love and your mind be at peace knowing he too is at peace.

      Warmest Regards,
      Kristen Cullen xo
      Reply to this
    • 7/2/2009 8:41 AM Jason Winik wrote:
      Deeply sorry to hear that my friend Rick has passed. My heart goes out to the lovely and gracious Gael, who is the true definition of a wife in this world. Rick now joins his beloved cat Harley in heaven.

      I think of a saying Rick would agree with: "Sing no sad songs for me. We had a time, didn't we?"
      Reply to this
    • 7/2/2009 8:51 AM Joan Eisenstodt wrote:
      My fingers can't find the words - can it be true that Ricky is gone from this earth? IS it better that he is not in pain and gone or would it be better to have him 'here' and hope?
      I am bereft and for you, Gael, my heart is broken in a million pieces.
      May G-d grant you some comfort.
      I send you love .. I send you so much strength .. I send you my shoulders and ears and all of me to support you.
      Joanie
      Reply to this
    • 7/2/2009 10:32 AM Roberta wrote:
      Having lost my loving brother to this awful disease just 2 weeks ago, I want to let you know that I am praying for your strength during this trying time. Ricky and my brother touched base, although Kenny was on the west coast in Seattle. I appreciate Ricky reaching out and am convinced that the two of them are talking sports right now, under the loving eye of our Father.
      Reply to this
    • 7/3/2009 10:45 AM Major Ed Johnson wrote:
      The Sandoval Family

      I bring you condolences from Houston Texas. Although I never met you all personally, I feel that I know you because of the spirit Rick had.
      Rich had the charge of establishing CSC's presence in Houston Texas. I worked as one of his first Supervisors.
      He was very kind and a Great Ambassador for CSC. He was the alter Ego to Steve (if you know him).
      I want you all to know that our prayers are with you coming from all the small people in the CSC organization in Houston Texas. We will certainly miss Rick. May God be with you all during your time of bereavement
      Reply to this
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