Several months ago our good friend Jacque Booth called Jim to ask if he would like to be honored in the 'Saints to Sinners' bike ride for ALS.  Jacque is a hospital administrator at IHC and a group of employees there were forming a team to participate in the ride.  At the time we were still unsure of his 'real' diagnosis, so Jim felt that being a honoree would be a little presumptuous.  Six months ago, he would have ridden with them - but we had the ALS 'curve ball' thrown right at us and that quickly changed everything.
Today, thanks to Jim's sister Ann (whose family owns a silk screening business) and of course to Jacque and the team, we handed out 10 caps to the team leader, Jake Buckmiller (sorry Jake if this is the wrong spelling) who, with his team, will ride off into the west on Jim's behalf early Friday morning, July 27th.  There are 50    teams participating this year and each team member has to donate a cash amount in order to ride.  ALL of the proceeds will go to ALS research.  Pictured is the hat Jim's team will wear in his honor.  In case you can't read it, it says......GIVE ALS THE BIRD (the famed flamingo) with Jim's name on the back.  Pretty COOL! 

We want to especially thank all of you who fasted with us in regards to the Mayo Clinic trial and who have had us daily in their prayers.  We still have not heard one way or the other as to whether Jim will be able to participate.  This is hopefully a good sign!!!

Jim's muscle loss is still progressing.  As of today, both his right and left arms and hands are pretty immobile, although he can still eat by himself with his right hand.  His legs and back are also pretty weak but he can still walk with the aid of a walker.  Last week we spent several days at our Bear Lake cabin with many of our children, grandchildren and my extended family who now all have their own cabins next door.  Jim was his amazing, positive self, giving kiddie rides on the walker, teasing the cousins and visiting with relatives on the porch into the sunset and starlit nights.  LUCKY ME to have Jim showing me how to DO this.  LUCKY US that we've spent nearly 36 fabulous years together with hardly a 'scratch'!  LUCKY US that we were blessed with 5 wonderful children (and going on 13 awesome grandchildren) all of whom have rallied 'round in grand support; all of whom would do anything for their Dad.  LUCKY US to have extended family who are caring and supportive in every way.  LUCKY US to have your friendship and faith to buoy us up and the Gospel to give us hope!

Just in closing (and not to be UNDERSTATED), Monday evening our ELEVENTH grandchild arrived in all his glory.  His name will be TYSON JAMES RICH and Marianne and Lance Welch are the proud parents.  This gives us an 'uneven' 7 boys and 4 girls (odds similar to our own brood) and we are mighty proud of each one of them.  BLESSINGS ABUNDANT........ LUCKY US!!!!!

Our love to all of you!