Don Rapp

Hi, this is my husband
Don.   He is 52 years old.  Born in Sacramento, Ca and was
raised in the Placerville area where he grew up and spent a good part of
his early adulthood.  He lived and worked in or around
Placerville/Sacramento until 6 years ago, when he, our two sons and I moved to
Nampa, Idaho.  He will be the first to tell you, the winters are freezing
here.  Well at least to a Northern Californian.   I believe he
spent the first couple of winters in 4 layers and a jacket indoors.  He
has somewhat acclimated to weather but there are still some layers
involved.  Two weeks after starting the relocation process to Idaho, Don
got a call from me announcing quite a fun filled surprise at the age of
46.....we were having another baby (it had only been 11 years since the last
time).  After declaring himself to be Abraham; Sarah was born.  4
years later, surprise #2 (surprises never get old do they!) Emme arrived. 
Don has a full life.  He and I have been doing friendship, parenting,
laughing, and everything else in-between for the past 22 years.  Our
eldest son, Donavon is at U of I, the first baby of the family, Jonathan is a
junior in high school, the first surprise princess is in kindergarten, and the
last surprise firecracker is making her way into toddlerhood.  It is very apparent
how much Don loves being a dad!  His face lights up with his children and
he enjoys each moment with them.  He is well known for his crafts with
each of the kids as they are growing up (we will give credit for the creativity
gene to his Grandma Joyce).  Whether bird houses, science projects or good
old paint and paper; he is right there in the middle of it.  When Don
isn’t home, he is working.  He has been in the HVAC trade for the past 35+
years and he is very good at what he does.  It is said by some, that they
don't make people like Don any more.  Raised by the depression generation,
his loyal, hardworking ethic, quiet kindness, and friendship are like no
other.  No matter if its family, friends, or work; anyone of them would
tell you he would answer and be there to help you day or night no matter if he
knows you well or you're just a friend of a friend.
    In the summer of 2016, Don's prostate-specific
antigen  (PSA) test was too high and he was referred to urologist /Oncologist. 
After many appointments and tests, Don was diagnosed the week before Christmas
with metastatic Prostate cancer .  Due to his young age (for prostate cancer) and type of 
cancer it is; his journey will be step by step.  His first step will come on March 16th with a radical
prostatectomy  per his team’s recommendation. 
    Heaven knows this life is not easy.  In fact, sometimes it is downright messy and hard.  Don and I’s prayer
is that you will find hope, encouragement, love and community here throughout this part of his journey in,  
though, and with our Jesus.  We do not know what you are personally going through or what it may feel
 like but you do have our prayers.  We hope that our family has yours as well.  We encourage you to leave
 words of encouragement, prayers, etc…  All are welcome here and help.  We will do journal entries
 throughout Don’s journey; all from day to day, updates on his condition, and encouragement. 
 Family friends will be organizing meals for after Don’s surgery.  Click on the MealTrain link for the calendar.  
 It is said that Caring Bridge is a community and we want to support our friends in this community like
 Amanda Kofoed, John L Burke, and Kendra Webb (her husband,Bronson Webb does amazing encouragement
 on Facebook in their “Godfidence”).  Please go check out their pages, be inspired as we are through their journeys as
individuals and families, and most importantly, pray for them.  We serve an Amazing, Miracle Working, 
Odd Defying, and Loving G-D.  So let’s do this together!  Let us encourage one another and walk this journey called
life hand in hand because together we will find a greater strength then on our own.  


In HIS Love & Kindness-

Shellee

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“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the
nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” –Psalm 46:10