Rick Carr

Recent:

For Rick, 2021 was a battle with Covid-19 and it's after effects. When taken to the hospital in January, he was intubated and put on a ventilator. His wife was told to not expect him to live. After 8 days he was removed from the ventilator and moved to intensive care. In early February, he was released from the hospital and moved to rehab. He had lost 40 pounds and had a feeding tube for nourishment because he was unable to swallow without aspirating. He was very weak, and could not speak above a raspy whisper. The first month in rehab was discouraging as progress seemed slow, even though the therapists said he was doing well.

"During this time," Rick says, "I reread Extreme Gratitude three times, and once more in the month that followed. I knew what I had written was true, but in this crisis, I desperately needed to be reminded of the principles I had proclaimed." He adds, "When we go through dark times, it is hard to be joyful or thankful, much less both. And that's okay. We're human. We have emotions. And we have to work through those. Grief, discouragement and such are part of life. We just don't need to stay there."

As he began to remember and claim the promises and faithfulness of the Lord, he began to be more thankful. And, he began to turn the corner in therapy. Progress began to be more obvious, which brought hope of going home, and motivated him to work harder. He began to walk more, using a walker for added stability. His ability to swallow returned and he was able to eat "real food." His voice got stronger and clearer. Soon, there was talk of actually going home, and before long the release date was set.

Now, influenced by that journey, is a new book which was begun last fall, entitled "Praying with a Thankful Heart."

Bio:

Rick has worked a variety of jobs from drug rehab counselor to 5 years Christian retail, from church janitor to 11 years in sales for a major Christian record company to owning his own business to working for a big box retailer. His role in church life through the years has been varied as well, serving as interim pastor, as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, and a home church leader.

He is a certified professional photographer, having owned his own studio for 17 years and served as president of 2 professional photography organizations. He is currently on the board of directors for 21st Century Santa, a Christian-owned non-profit charity that provides disaster relief and serves the needs of special needs children and their families.

Rick and his wife, Trish, have four children, eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.