Rick started this journey in January 2024. After a wearing holiday season and a few visits to the doctor, a large mass was found on his lung. A biopsy was done but while waiting for the results, he had a seizure where the doctors found numerous tumors in his brain, pancreas and colon. He made the courageous decision to fight because he wasn’t quite ready to leave us just yet. Rick did radiation from the end of February into March. He handled it like a damn champ, he was feeling okay. The steroid he was given made it very difficult for him to eat his ice cream and drink his mountain dew freely without his blood sugar going out of wack. But again, he held strong and continued to fight, because that is what Rick has done in his 66 years of life.
Just days after radiation was finished, Rick’s energy and mobility quickly decreased. After a visit to his general practitioner, he was told to head to the emergency room immediately because of his blood sugar numbers, so back to Mercy he went. There, he awaited a transport to Bergan in Omaha, where Rick’s children had started plans with hospice at his previous hospital stay. Once he got to Bergan, we saw a light of life in him because of the steroid he was given. Although, he didn’t want meds in the hospital. When the nurses and doctors asked what he needed, he responded every, single time that he wanted to be home with Marian and his sweet pup Bear and a damn Mountain Dew. That day finally came. With a heavy heart, Rick had decided that he wanted to be done: no more medication and no more hospital, he just wanted to be home. His kids, the doctors and hospital staff made that happen.
Yesterday, Rick got to come home. He will continue to live his life with the people he adores and the things he loves (candy, cigarettes and mountain dew). At this very moment, he is comfortable at home with a house full of love and laughter.
We are incredibly thankful for the love and support Rick has received thus far. Even with the family trying to regulate the visits and the energy he gives to his family and friends, your support has not gone unnoticed. We thank you.
**if you have any photos that are meaningful or important moments in your life that you shared with Rick, please send them to Rick Jr's wife, Stephanie at samcmanigal@gmail.com --if you have hard copies of these photos here are some options : -take a picture of the photo and e-mail it to Stephanie -let us know and we can pick up the photo and scan it then return it
If you have questions about anything or would like to visit Rick, please reach out to Rick Jr. at 402-290-9050 or rick_barkerjr@hotmail.com.
**the Tribute Donation goes to CaringBridge~ if you would like to donate directly to the family for current hardships and funeral expenses, please reach out to Rick Jr.
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