John is now comfortably situated in his new room. He continues to amaze us with his spirit and sense of humor. Although his medicines have not yet made him sick, this past weekend's Cal game may be another story. In truth, John is still a loyal Cal fan and has total faith that his Bears will pull through this weekend.
Having our own room has allowed us to spend a lot of wonderful family time together, which has been a blessing. During this time, John has been showing off his new ability to swallow pills to big brother Jimmy, who has not yet mastered this skill. He has big sister Caroline busy giving him foot rubs.
Jimmy and Caroline have made us so proud. They have stepped up to this new challenge with courage and conviction and have taught us so much in the process. Jimmy has a way of making John laugh that absolutely brightens his day. Caroline has stepped right in as "jr. nurse" and is practically running the show over at Children's. We're worried for some of the nurses' jobs.
We are getting every one of your phone messages, emails, and notes and are truly feeling all of your support and prayers. We talk to John a lot about the team of people helping to get him better. He knows this team consists of our family, extended family, church, school, sports, friends, doctors, nurses, etc. When we told him today that he had 35,000 of daddy's colleagues cheering for him, he was a little concerned that his team was getting too big. We told him it can never get too big.
John is lucky to have such a fantastic big brother and sister. Keep up the good work, Jimmy and Caroline. I'm so proud of you two!
ReplyDeleteMollie and Mike,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for taking the time to keep us updated. We are constantly thinking of you guys and are ready to help out in any way. We are sending lots of love and prayers your way...Love, Beth and Jamie
Mollie and Mike, Jimmy, Caroline and John,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all of your wonderful updates. You've all been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard the news from Melissa last week. Stay strong! John - you are such a lucky kid to have such a HUGE team on your side! You are so much stronger than the Cal Bears, especially this season (Don't hate me, but I am a Cardinal fan). You should learn to embrace your red pee. Mollie - I know you are super popular, but I'm not that far away and would love to help out in anyway!
Lots of love,
Beth, Stephen, Annie & Charlie Sutro
Hi John! I'm one of your daddy's 35,000 colleagues who is on Team John! Sending tons of warm fuzzies your way.
ReplyDeleteGo Bears!
Natalie Yuen
Hey, John: I'm one of your mommy's 36,000 fans, and now I'm one of the 100,000 John Ricksen fans that are spread out all over this country and all over this planet. Any time you feel alone or get scared, just close your eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine the thousands of us all around you who know you are the very strongest boy ever and are rooting for you to get well so, so quickly so you can start practicing to be a Cal Bears player someday. I'm a Cardinal gal (because of your Auntie Melissa), but I'll give up my Cardinal status and go Bears if you promise to be a Cal coach or player (or student) someday.
ReplyDeleteI live in Santa Fe, New Mexico with my 6 year old boy, Xander, my 2 year old boy, Cyrus, and their daddy, Tom. Each night when we eat dinner we hold hands and say what we are thankful for. The last few nights we have all been thankful for you, John, because you are so brave and so strong and your body knows how to heal itself so quickly. Xander goes to first grade, and now all of Xander's first grade class also knows about you and about how strong you are, and now they are all rooting for you too! See how many of us there are? And we have two dogs, two kitties, four fish, and two chickens (and we'll be getting four more chickens at the end of the week), and we tell all of them about how strong you are, so now the animals are rooting for you too! Same with the stars -- to whom we whisper the story of your strength and bravery, same with the moon that glows down on you at night, same with everyone we meet who hears us whisper: "John is healthy and strong. Keep saying your prayers for John so he feels it and knows he is surrounded by thousands of us who are sending him love every minute of every day."
We can't wait to meet you someday John. Maybe you'll take us to a Cal game?
Love, Adelma (Auntie Melissa's college roomate)
P.S. I am not a very good athlete, but I once caught the ball in the end-zone audience at a Cal/Stanford game. Wish I would have kept the ball (some Stanford guy made me give it back!) so that I could give it to you right now.
P.P.S. You have the coolest mommy and daddy ever. But I bet you already knew that. Please give your mommy a huge, huge bear-hug from me! She is amazing. My new hero.
John,
ReplyDeleteI have never had the pleasure of meeting you, but I wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I was your mom's neighbor growing up in Newport. Your Uncle Geoff and I were classmates. I love and admire your courage and determination. I will be thrilled to hear when you get to return home.
I just sent you some balloons from my entire extended family. I tried extra hard to have blue and yellow balloons delivered, but unfortunately I was not able to. Do you like Sponge Bob like my kids? Hopefully you do! Enjoy the balloons. May your heart be filled with all the love from your incredible family and friends. You are truly blessed to be a Harrington/Ricksen.
God bless, Kim McGuinness Gordon and the rest of my clan
Dear Ricksen Family,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear about John's diagnosis, but I know that he is surrounded by tremendous love and support from a first rate family of cheerleaders and supporters. I know this and have experienced it firsthand. With the Harringtons (and I am sure, the Ricksens) pulling for him, there is nothing he can't do (Big Jude wouldn't have it any other way).
Mollie - I know it seems silly to say, but if there is ANYTHING I can do (even from 2,000 miles away), just holler.
We are praying for John and I am checking up on his progress every day. Please keep up your posts. Hugs and kisses,
Lisa Berger
John,
ReplyDeleteI love the new room. So spirited and full of great energy. You have an amazing family and I love that you can swallow pills like a big guy. Tell your mom and dad to keep updating us during your journey to health.
We all love you John and are thinking positive thoughts for you here in Danville :)
Carrie and Mike Shapiro and all the boys
Ricksen Family,
ReplyDeleteWe are so grateful for the updates on John's progress. He truly has an amazing spirit and it is no surprise to us that Caroline has all the Nurses and Doctors jumping! We know John is surrounded with alot of love, faith and well wishes...he is in good hands. We think of you all daily and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good work John....I think we'll actaully cheer for Cal this weekend! Much love,
The Marvin Family
Ricksen Family,
ReplyDeleteIf bashing the Stanford Cardinal is what you need to do to help you get through this tough time, then so be it. I'll start hoping for blue pee - although yellow pee would technically work for Cal too, right? Blue just sounds cooler. Please know that we are sending you lots of positive thoughts and energy and love from LA - especially big hugs to Momma Mollie (hang in there lady!).
Luv,
Marta & Casey & Iris Harmon (Go Card!)
Hi Michael and Mollie,
ReplyDeleteDaughter Colleen H just sent me this blog after telling me about John's illness and your strength. I had to put a burden on John, but need to sign on to his team. YOu're right, though, it can never be too big.
Please know I am thinking about all of you and see such beauty in your written words as well as your actions.
With much love,
Kathleen Jackson
Dear Ricksens,
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that things are going well and that John is in such good spirits! Big hugs to all of you.
Fondly,
Jane Martz
Dear Johnny:
ReplyDeleteHope you are feeling better. I've been practicing a lot of baseball so you and I can team-up one day to be the best infielders in OBA. I've also been practicing basketball so I can dribble as well as you. I also don't think I can pass as good as you, but my dad said that I can get better if I keep working on it. When I dribble, I pretend Lebron James is guarding me, so I get really pumped up when I score on him. My dad says I'm wierd to pretend, but it makes practicing more fun. Oh well, I have to do some homework now and read about bats. Not the kind you swing.
Your friend, Nicholas Wong
Whasz up, Johnny? Get better soon dude! Sucks your not playing fantasy basketball for Jimmy, cuz he'd be winning. If you check out Casey's league you'll see I renamed my team after you cuz you r the man! 1st place baby!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteDear Ricksens,
ReplyDeleteSoooo glad to hear that John's treatment is getting off to a great start! As tough as we all know this is on John, we understand how hard this must be on siblings, parents and grandparents. What's so encouraging to hear is how John's family (and friends) have all rallied around him. All the love out there for you guys is the best possible medicine any doctor can prescribe. Don't forget that. We're always thinking about you guys and sending our deepest prayers.
Dear John,
ReplyDeleteI am so so so so so so sorry about your sickness. You were the last person I would think this would happen to because you are so athletic and healthy. I hope you have the best doctor in the world. You deserve it!!!! I want you to remember that everybody is praying for you. I'm hoping and praying harder than everyone. I hope you feel better and good luck!!
Love, Clayton
P.S. I'm so sorry about the Bears. I thought they were going to crush them. They're definatley going to win the Rose Bowl!!!!!!!
Dear Ricksen Clan,
ReplyDeleteAll our thoughts and prayers are with you guys! Would love to bring a dinner by when that is helpful. In the meantime, take care of yourselves, rest, cheer for the Bears, and say "YES!" to all offers of help...we all want to be there to cheer you on and through this time!
xo Suzann, Pete, Sienna, Carson & CiCi Cowing
OK...is there any cuter kid than JOHN RICKSEN! This kid is such a superstar. Johnny boy, can't wait to come and see all your cool new things in your room. Your fighting spirit is truly remarkable and such an inspiration to us all. As I read these wonderful comments, I am so grateful for all of the love and support from all over for our CHAMP, John. I love you big guy and can't wait to hang out in your rockin' room.
ReplyDeleteLove You,
Auntie Jillian
John,
ReplyDeleteI am an "old" friend of your Grandma Judy and Grandpa Jim. I know what a great team you have behind you. I just hope that our Cal Bears have as good a team. Cheers,
Suzy and Tony Narducci
John,
ReplyDeleteInclude the Samaniego family as part of the extended team behind you. We will say prayers for you and your family everyday. Keep up the fighting spirit! GO BEARS! Ramon, Corrie, Sarah, and Ramon Samaniego.
Mike, Mollie, Jimmy, Caroline, and John,
ReplyDeleteThe entire Schnugg family is also part of your team... yes, next door as well as the Allen household, and a few sororities at Cal!! We are sending prayers and well wishes to all of you. Sounds like you are in the right place and we will hope to see you all back in action soon!
Go Bears,
love from the Schnugg/Allen family