Biography - Richard Eastman Gadbury:

We would like to give you the opportunity today, to meet Rick Gadbury. We're aware that his name can be spoken without creating any excitement. No vivid mental pictures will come to mind. No list of his accomplishments will pop into your head because until now, for a variety of reasons, the fine things he has contributed to his world and society, are known only by God, some of his family members, and a close circle of friends and acquaintances. Our hope and prayer is that you will use some of your extremely valuable time, to give yourself the opportunity to learn about the life of this extraordinary man, who has dealt with situations we believe most people would find overwhelming...and while doing so, has retained his faith, sense of humor, and desire to be a very productive member of society. God, family, and friends are Rick's greatest priorities!

Rick Gadbury has overcome insurmountable obstacles, suffering, and near-death experiences since a swimming accident first rendered him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the neck down, in 1981. At the age of 28, during an impromptu family reunion, his life was changed, drastically and forever. Yet even in the beginning Rick said, ‘’I have one of two choices to make. To get better, or to get bitter.’’ He chose the former. '' Since that time his objective has been to turn his ‘’Disabilities into Abilities.’’ Even though he has had very limited use of his arms, and no use of his legs for over 29 years, and suffers from severe chronic pain, his love and zest for living life to the fullest is utterly amazing, and extremely motivating.

Rick made his home in Michigan where he was born, enjoying it's lovely springs and summers, and the stimulating chill of it's falls and winters. Before his accident he was an avid sportsman excelling in track through four years of high school, and setting school and conference records along with many of his good friends and teammates. He was elected co-captain of his two-time high school state championship track team, graduated tenth in his class, was a member of the German Club and homecoming court, secretary of his class, and went to college and/or trade schools on academic and athletic scholarship offers, his experiences during and after college are varied. He was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa for academic achievement, as well as the Economics Club. He became certified as a teacher, City of Detroit boiler operator, journeyman maintenance mechanic, physical plant superintendent, worked as a Power Plant Engineer for the State of Michigan, and continued his education by enrolling and studying business administration. He was attending separate colleges/universities simultaneously, receiving degrees from both institutions. He also coached a girls varsity track team that had previously won two state championships. He was presented with an ''Honorary Michigan Nominee Coach of the Year Award'' by his extremely humble and very good friend and head coach, who had previously won several state championships. Rick truly believed his friend deserved this award rather than himself.

Besides working many eighty hour weeks as a power plant engineer for the State of Michigan Department of Corrections, Rick also taught school (K-12), ran an upholstery business on weekends, and helped put his wife through college (as she had helped him) all the while actively participating in the raising of their children. In addition, he studied wood working and learned to play the piano and guitar. He accepted positions, on the ''long range planning committee at his church, as well as being a youth counselor, basketball coach, basketball player, greeter, usher, caretaker, and guitar player. Diverse interest, areas of study, and careers allowed him the luxury of working with people, machines, and things. He cherished this variety, besides increasing his market ability as an employee.

It should be noted that in 1972 Rick and his identical twin brother both received ''Greetings'' from Uncle Sam. While his twin brother joined the marines, following in dad's footsteps, Rick wanted to join the air force. He went through and met all the weeks of intellectual testing and physical specifications the air force required, or so he thought. At the swearing in process with the commanding officer, and ready to ship out to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, the officer in charge asked him if he had been tested for seizures, and if he had a long term history of suffering from severe, chronic migraine headaches as his medical records indicated? He reluctantly replied, ''Yes Sir'' not knowing why he was being asked these questions.'' The officer stated, ''We can't accept you and you're now being reclassified as 4-F, unfit for service due to a medical condition. He'd never heard of a 4-F classification! Disappointed he would not be able to serve his country, Rick's life changed swiftly and dramatically! ''Ironically however what life proposes, fate disposes. Rick's medical condition kept him from being able to join the military ''probably as a private'' in 1972 due to his severe migraine headaches. Yet over the next twenty or so plus years his extreme medical condition as a quadriplegic would lead him in a direction he couldn't have imagined in respect to military hierarchy! Besides personally meeting United States President's and Commander in Chief's Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, receiving letters of support and encouragement from President Ronald Reagan and others, to his work with The White House, Rick's journey through life once again went full cycle as many of the paths he traveled frequently did.

During the long dreadful bus ride home after just being denied military service by the Air Force due to his long term medical history, Rick tried putting everything in his life into perspective. In order to join the air force, he had quit his job with the school system, and dropped out of Michigan State University where he was pursuing a degree in higher education and rooming with one of his best friends from high school. He and his beautiful high school sweetheart (then fiancee) had also moved their wedding date up by two months so they could be married before he left for boot camp. However, now having a young wife to support, their medical benefits gone with the loss of his job, his bachelor's degree only half completed, his life seemed to have suddenly turned upside down! Feeling overwhelmed by the drastic changes in his plans at that time, he had no way of knowing this was nothing compared to the horrific transformation his life would go thru only a few years later, when he'd find himself attached to a respirator struggling for every breath, unable to move from the neck down, life as he'd always known it, gone forever!

In his own words Rick emotionally recalls his last able bodied activity:
''God allowed my swimming accident on that sweltering balmy afternoon in July, 1981 for reasons I may never know in this lifetime. It started out as a festive, impromptu family reunion, but recreational fun soon turned to tragedy. I remember swiftly running down the sandy slope, arms positioned slightly above my head, hands cupped firmly together in a V pattern, eyes closed tightly, head tucked strategically as I prepared for entry into the cool refreshing water. A routine procedure I'd performed hundreds of times. But this time it was no routine procedure. All of a sudden without warning, and completely unaware of any danger, my skull unexpectedly smashed into an invisible object beneath the river's surface with a bone crushing jolt. Horrified and instantly rendered helpless under the muddied water, my arms floated independently before my eyes. ''Had they broken off of my shoulders detaching themselves from the rest of my body!'' I shouted to myself in shocking disbelief trying to make some sense of everything.

Upon impact my head and neck violently turned and twisted in a way not designed by God as I slammed into an unsuspecting sandbar in the unfamiliar bend of the river. Face down, numb, limp, drifting out of control I floated downstream in the cloudy river, the slow current nudging me along it's sandy bed against my will. Confused, terrified, unable to comprehend, my brain screamed at my physically fit, now injured body struggling with extreme difficulty to respond to it's command. But to no avail. Hope quickly waning, an unsuspecting loved one unaware of my peril abruptly grabbed hold of my hair wrenching my neck backwards, forcing my head upwards and out of the water. Sputtering and gasping for life saving oxygen I took a deep breath, as other family members still laughing and splashing in recreational enjoyment unexpectedly elevated my limp body to a nearly vertical position, everyone oblivious to my catastrophic condition.

I tried to yell, ''HELP ME, HELP ME!'' But each word lodged in my diaphragm, my lips shaping silent syllables through non responsive vocal cords. All of a sudden I sensed my feeble broken body falling helplessly backwards toward the water's surface, gravity now in control. When I thought it couldn't get any worse the unimaginable happened nearly exhausting any hope of survival in my desperate fight for life. I was being tossed back into the Mighty Muskegeon, the winding river determined to become my watery grave on it's long meandering journey to the sea! Sinking slowly again to the bottom of the river, physically, mentally, and emotionally depleted, I lay motionless on my back, blurry eyes opened attempting to focus. Momentarily the disrupted waters stilled and I could see the azure blue heaven high above the translucent surface. In my last desperate struggle to live I prayed, ''Oh God please don't let it end like this!''

Rick lost much more than his physical abilities and independence that day...he lost his privacy. Unable to perform the daily functions he'd never had to give much thought to, he was now totally dependent on others. Unable to use his arms or legs, drive a car, participate in sports, play the piano or guitar, hold his children, or share more than a kiss with his wife, this once fiercely independent, vigorous man now had to be fed, bathed and assisted with bathroom functions, by others. He couldn't scratch an itch, pick up anything with his fingers, or change positions...he was immobile. Everything done in private, was now witnessed by at least one other person. ''In many ways my life is a spectator sport, full of never's,'' Rick initially thought.

In a relatively short period of time after his severe accident and disability Rick's life was again tragically turned upside down by the demise of his marriage, and the loss of his young, loving children. In anguish but not being one to feel sorry for himself, he was broken hearted for his grief stricken children. Having witnessed their father's swimming accident at ages ranging between one and six, they'd already lost their daddy once, as they'd always known him. Now full of confusion, sorrow and sadness, they had to face losing him again. Only this time in a very different capacity, called ''divorce!''
Rick recalls the horrible day his wife gathered their children and left him and the home they'd always dreamed of sharing together! All alone in his wheelchair in the eerily quiet, lonely, empty house, tears rolled uncontrollably down his cheeks to the very heart and soul of his being! He was experiencing another major melt down, his world crumbling all around him! Overwhelmed with agony, heartbreak, grief, fear of the unknown, and loneliness, he watched painfully, blurry eyed, totally helpless, physically unable to wipe away his tears. His wife of twelve years, their children, his whole life, disappearing down their narrow driveway as he looked on in shock. The terrible realization they'd never return as a conventional family in a loving home together was beyond comprehension! In disbelief he sat all alone by the window for hours. Daylight giving way to twilight. Twilight succumbing to total darkness.

Adding to Rick's pain was the extreme hurt, fear, pain, suffering, uncertainty, and tears in his children's eyes, as they looked out the back window of daddy's handicapped van sad and confused. Their very loving, secure, happy, safe, and predictable world would never be the same with each passing second. The confusion and uncertainty on their little faces was extremely haunting, and almost unbearable! As painful as it was seeing his wife of twelve years and children leave, Rick knew his wife was a wonderful mother and their children would be very loved and taken care of by her. Aware it wasn't only his world that was going through extremely difficult changes it was crucial to Rick he be the best dad in the world for his children no matter what obstacles he'd have to overcome! Also it was extremely important and critical to Rick to assure his children that nothing that was happening was any of their fault or doing! He'd made a promise to them. His door would always be open if they ever needed a soft, safe, secure, loving place to fall! A promise he's kept. One day he silently prayed, ''God if I could either be healed from this severe affliction of being a complete paralytic, or have my loving wife and children back in my life as it was before, please give me back my family! But your will be done Father, not mine!'' Rick's wife never did return. As time passed however, Rick tried to put things in perspective from his wife's point of view. A young mother with several children, a quadriplegic husband, no assistance or healthcare, and married shortly after her eighteenth birthday must have been extremely overwhelming as wife and mother.

The astronomical love between Rick and his children has never waned. Overcoming the extreme obstacles of health, finances, time and travel, dad was present at their ball games, beauty pageants, high school and college graduations, concerts, weddings, proms, birthdays, circuses, skating rinks, church activities, vacations, skits, driving lessons, holidays, movies, malls, grandparents funeral, and granddaughter's birth! With incredible love, respect, admiration, and gratitude his children presented him with a handwritten poem on a plaque on all their behalf titled, ''Dad You Were Always There!'' That meant more to Rick then anyone could have ever imagined and there's not enough words in the English language to express how much love that meant to him from his children!

Since his accident and from his motorized wheelchair Rick’s life is even more remarkable to those that know him! He’s received plaques, or personal memorabilia from, and or met and been photographed with Presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, First Lady Nancy Reagan, Jane Seymour, President George W. Bush, and President and ''Nobel Peace Prize winner'' Jimmy Carter, Jennifer O'Neil, Davy Jones, Joni Earickson Tada, Kathy Mattea, Argentinean President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Israeli Prime Minster Binyamin Netanyahu, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Philippine President Gloria Arryo, Martina McBride, as well as other celebrities. He continued coaching girls varsity track in the frigid northern Michigan weather, co-invented a mouth stick which is recognized by the American Dental Association to assist the disabled with hands free activities, became an influential member of The Educational Foundation Committee for a public school system, licensed an adult foster care home, and worked with a school superintendent at her request to insure the facility met A. D.A. guidelines.

Working with the President's office on domestic health policies in Washington D. C. requested in person by the President of the United States, congress's office in respect to The Patient Bill of Rights, ''The Event'' at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, MI., organizations in Tennessee, Representatives from the State of Tennessee, The Attorney Generals Office in Illinois, Family Support, The Team Center, and the local media in Michigan and Tennessee periodically when asked, are just a few examples of how Rick has contributed to his world. His life has crisscrossed with United States Presidents, senators, representatives, mayors, state commissioners, and others. He has some exclusive experiences, perhaps unique insight with some world leaders others may never have the opportunity to share. ''Being able to see the individual, not the politician!'' Ronald Reagan's White House letter written to him in 1984 is an example. His primary interest in politics is merely exercising his right to vote, unless asked to do something else that he feels and believes may benefit others.

While laying in his hospital bed with a tracheotomy, a prolific Rick also learned to play the harmonica (with neck holder) to get off his respirator/ventilator so he could breath on his own. Probably a life saving decision! Though he feels extremely unqualified and nervous performing, he's used this ability to play with a women's dulcimer group at various rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and centers for independent living to provide therapy and entertainment for the residents. He's also played with the school system's staff band to a full house where he graduated and later taught school, at churches, with missionaries in and out of the United States, at youth camps, and get together's with friends, family, and perfect strangers. His definition of a stranger: ''Just a friend I haven't met yet.''

Rick was also a member of the ‘’Think First’’ program sponsored by the University of Michigan where he, a rehabilitation nurse, a paramedic, and helicopter flight nurse traveled to various school systems to teach youth the concept, (''Accidents Can Happen To Anyone, at Anytime!’’) Their goal being to help educate and prevent even one more individual from sustaining head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or even worse. He's taught the learning disabled, tutored the academically challenged, educated youth on parole, and has worked with both adults and youth in various capacities. Resident instructor at Sisken Hospital, the Creative Discovery Museum, Lifeline, the Lions Club, Paws With a Cause Service Dogs, The T.V.A., The Civitans, United Way, Davenport College, rehabilitation hospitals and wheelchair consultants, are more examples of how Rick has contributed to his world on a volunteer basis.

Overcoming the extreme obstacles of domestic and international travel as a quadriplegic in his motorized wheelchair Rick has traveled to many wonderful places (too many to mention) in this great country of ours, and ''internationally being a servant of God. Being carried up foreign mountainsides, lifted into and transported by speed boats to sandy islands, carried across grassy terrain to thatched hut churches, pushed through historic fields to ancient ruins, stuffed into vehicles fearing terrorist, and nearly falling into the sea unable to swim, events that'd take there toll on most able bodied individuals. Exposure to -40 degree wind-chill temperatures in the north and those exceeding 100 degrees in tropical climates often without electricity, accompanied by the risk of hepatitis and malaria, being dropped in snow banks or on the floor in customs offices by officials, his motorized wheelchair and independent mobility destroyed, confronting spiders, snakes, tarantulas, termites, and overcoming severe infections, and critical illness are a few of his extremely difficult travel challenges. Multiple hours of rigorous travel was nearly unbearable at times, but soon forgotten by the incredible benefits received at journeys end. His genuine smile, positive demeanor, and sincerity reveal little clue of the severe chronic pain, physical challenges, and astronomical travel obstacles portrayed through the camera's lens. ''As in life'' Rick says, ''The journey may be full of extremely difficult trials and tribulations, but the reward at the end is incredible! My time here is short, but eternity in Heaven is forever!'' If asked if there are travels in his future, he'd probably respond without hesitation, ''God willing, absolutely!''

Rick's travels include living and working with missionaries in a remote part of Honduras. Traveling to South Korea, Belize, and Puerto Rico. Being the only known quadriplegic to be carried to the top of Corcovado Mountain to the (Statue of Christ) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil according to a knowledgeable Brazilian guide. An unforgettable experience Rick recalls, reminding him of the scriptures where the paralytic was lowered through the roof by his friends to meet Christ. Other travels as a paralytic include north to the Soo Locks, the Toronto Zoo, and Niagara Falls in Canada. South to Iguazu Falls where Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil come together. Caye Caulker Island, the Belize Zoo, and Mayan ruins in Belize, Cebu, Philippines, and Sydney, Australia. His prayer, hopefully blessing others lives and serving God, ''For by their fruits you shall be known. Hopefully blessing others as much or even more than he's blessed. When traveling to Hong Kong, China Rick met his very lovely and beautiful wife Meriam. ''I realize traveling has been just one of the many, mighty, blessing I've received from God!'' he shares. His travels have primarily been funded by a wonderful friend with a vast amount of frequent flyer miles, who also tended to his needs as a quadriplegic.

In this country and international, Rick seems to touch peoples lives by his incredible courage, spirit, positive attitude, smile and sense of humor. The majority of time he's not even aware some perceive him as a missionary or ambassador on wheels. How can somebody be so cheerful, and happy in spite of the insurmountable obstacles, suffering, severe chronic pain, near-death experiences, and astronomical challenges he experiences daily? His testimony is not by what he says, but primarily by what he does. If you were to ask Rick he'd probably say something like: ''God allowed my accident for reasons I may never know in this lifetime. Though I pray for healing, God has so richly blessed me that I seek His will in my life, not mine!''

What's extremely astounding and very note worthy to mention, is: When Rick had the use of his hands he couldn't draw a stick figure. However today, blessed with a gift from God, he meticulously creates lovely scenes, architectural drawings, figure drawings, and portraits using a pencil or brush held in his mouth. Also, having been blessed with the gift of music since his accident, Rick expresses himself in another area of the arts with songs copyrighted in the Library of Congress, and recorded in Nashville, Tennessee. Along with a documentary called, ''Rick Gadbury The Man
and His Art.'' He's displayed art in the Lansing Art Gallery and to students at Davenport College, The Holland Center for Independent Living, Holland Arts Council, and Holland City Council and Mayor in Michigan. Gallery 111 in Georgia, Go-Fest and The Creative Discovery Museum in Tennessee, and to individuals in a Chicago, Illinois suburb. A friend of Rick's who played guitar for Elvis Presley and owns a recording studio in Nashville, TN recorded Rick's music, along with (other notable musicians) and female demo vocalists.

Rick says, ''I realize these truly are gifts from God, and not of myself!'' Having met and been photographed with several United States Presidents and other celebrities, Rick has completed autographed portrait drawings of country singer of the year Martina McBride, President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and other portraits he's currently working on. Rick has received some extremely encouraging letters in respect to his artwork from World Leaders in the U. S. and World Leaders Abroad. His artwork is created as he meticulously studies his original photographs. Plans for completing portraits of the other U. S. Presidents and celebrities are underway.

Many that see Rick's artwork are moved and amazed. That's even before they know he's drawn/painted the pieces of art with brush/pencil in his mouth! Exposure of his talents is a problem however! The expertise to promote his work, as well as the (''Funds To Frame'') and contacts to do so are also a problem, on his limited fixed income. A vast majority of people may never see his beautiful artwork or hear his genuine heart felt music! (If his Work Could be Displayed on or in a National Forum, it Would be a Wonderful Blessing to so Many Individuals!) Given the opportunity, hopefully it could be used as a conduit to reach others in a very positive way! To inspire, motivate, encourage, and bless the viewers heart beyond imagination! Someone once said, ''Is art really art, or music, really music if nobody ever sees it, or hears it?''

More important than a list of all the accomplishments and achievements about Rick Gadbury that could be compiled, are the personal attributes of this man. He is loyal, courageous, faithful, kind and a real people person with a great sense of humor! He loves people irregardless of their race, religion, physical appearance, disability, sexual orientation, political view points, educational or social status. His love for God and man are demonstrated daily by the way he lives his life. We do not know of anyone who dislikes him with his infectious warm smile and charming personality, nor anyone he dislikes. He'd be the first one to tell you he has his own faults, issues, opinions, mistakes, and regrets. Yet if wronged or harmed in some way, forgiveness can be expected, and or apologies extended.

You won't hear him complain about his disability, and his mischievous nature and sense of humor are enamoring. When he switched places in a rehabilitation hospital with his identical twin brother only weeks after his tragic accident, convincing the medical staff he'd been miraculously cured, shock rapidly succumbed to hilarity then admiration. They (the staff) still laugh about the incident years later. And a Honduran missionary woman still relishes telling about the time she and Rick were (for some unknown reason) bumped up to first class on a mission trip to Honduras, and lavished with treatment fit for a king! It became apparent why, when Rick was alone at a shopping mall later at an airport. A number of Spanish speaking individuals overwhelmed him when they came up to his motorized wheelchair with pencils, pens, and paper in hand chanting, ''Christopher Reeve! Autograph Christopher Reeve?'' Though Rick was extremely flattered due to his great admiration and respect for Mr. Reeve, he quickly set the record straight, politely informing them that he was not ''Christopher Reeve.'' This was not the first time or airport where he'd been mistaken for Mr. Reeve. When Christopher then Dana passed on, a tearful Rick was profusely saddened. At the time of his accident, he like Christopher also had the same number of small children, and there was only 12 days age difference between Rick and Mr. Reeve. Though he'd never met Christopher Reeve personally, he felt as if he'd lost not only a great friend, but a brother! He truly cherish's the photo Christopher and Dana sent him expressing their personal gratitude to him. The contents of that conversation he's kept personal.

Even those closest to Rick have no idea how frequently close to deaths door he's been over the years from birth to the present. Due to his incredible faith and the grace of God he's been extremely blessed to overcome many life threatening challenges with incredible persistence, determination, hard work, and the innate survival skills God blessed him with to accomplish and achieve so much with his life against incredible odds.

God has blessed Rick Gadbury with incredible survival instincts that go as far back as the womb. Below are two survival stories of the multiple astronomical life threatening challenges Rick's been blessed to overcome by the grace of God. The first story is only one survival story that took place before Rick's accident
while he was still able bodied. It and other life threatening challenges he's overcome before his accident may well have been in preparation for the multitude of survival skills Rick currently requires and relies on quite frequently today. As a result for the last 28 years of his life as a quadriplegic Rick has had to overcome a multitude of astronomical challenges to his life using the incredible survival skills God has blessed him with which is portrayed in the second story! We cannot emphasize enough to the reader how the story after Rick's accident merely reflects only one example of the numerous near death challenges he's had to overcome since his horrendous swimming accident in 1981 to the present:

(One of many survival stories before Rick's accident while he was still able bodied:)
By the grace of God, and Rick's faith he survived a multitude of unexpected life threatening challenges during Michigan's paralyzing blizzard of ''1978.'' He left the power plant that morning where he worked as a power plant engineer in a rapid attempt to get home to his very loving wife and children to be sure they were safe before the storm hit that infamous February morning. The further he drove however the worse the weather conditions got. 15 miles from home his journey ended abruptly when a semi truck skidded out of control and fell on it's side in front of him, blocking both lanes of traffic for miles. Stranded in his vehicle for approximately 90 minute on interstate 94 still far from home, he was picked up by rescue workers on snowmobiles and taken to a makeshift shelter at a nearby school set up by the Red Cross. When told it'd be at least 48 hours before it'd be feasible to leave the shelter, Rick put some sandwiches and fruit in the pockets of his snowmobile suit and left the facility on foot. He walked nearly 60 miles home, and back to the Huron Valley Correctional Facility where he worked. Reasons being: First, to validate the safety and security of his family. Second, as an employee of the State of Michigan Department of Corrections he felt his services might be needed by inmates, staff, and fellow colleagues alike during the horrific storm.

His trek through foot after foot of snow was extremely rigorous even for a seasoned athlete. Stranded, partially buried semi trucks tilted sideways, car tops and snowmobile windshields barely visible through white drifts of blinding snow were reminiscence of a scene from Planet of the Apes. ''If in New York at the time, the only thing missing might have been Miss Liberties Torch scarcely visible through a massive snowdrift," Rick recalls.

Knowing the national guard, state police, other government agencies and volunteers had their hands full elsewhere he pushed on through the enormous drifts, walking East on the West Bound Lane of I-94 that had been closed by the Michigan State Police. Finally arriving at the correctional facility to the surprise and delight of those stranded. He (and his colleagues) worked vigorously and valiantly for three consecutive days. Twenty hours on, four hours off, so the snowbound prison could remain functional. When not operating the power plant he plowed snow so food, medicine and other crucial supplies could be brought in to those in need. The Huron Valley Correctional Facility presented him with the ''Jack and Jill Award.'' An award he'd never heard of and personal recognition he'd never expected. ''At the time it just seemed like the right thing to do.'' ''What would Jesus do,'' motto's how Rick tries to live each, and every day of his life! ''I want everything and all things that I do to be in service to God and others, ''NOT'' to be about myself!.''

(One of the multitude of survival stories after Rick's accident as a C-4/5 quadriplegic paralyzed from the neck/chest down. From 1981 to the present:)
Rick's caregiver didn't show up one night at 9 P. M. as scheduled. By 10 P. M. then 11:00 he was extremely concerned, especially when he had no way to contact her by phone due to his vast limitations! His anxiety levels rose immensely with each tick of the clock and once again through the grace of God he had to rely on the survival skills and faith God had blessed him with.
His worst nightmare was he'd have to spend the night all alone in his wheelchair which would be extremely dangerous. The last time that happened he ended up in the hospital critical care unit for three months due to stage 4 Pressure Sores fighting for his life.
With no food, water, means to eliminate, or the ability to adjust the thermostat for heat, when the clock chimed 1 he knew he'd have to make a crucial and extremely dangerous decision, and soon.
On that cold, dark, snowy, January winter night, in the blustery Arctic like northern weather at 2 A. M. Rick made his way out of the house, down the ramp, onto the slushy streets below into his subdivision in his quest for help. There was a strange feeling being the only person on the vacant gray sloppy streets. The golden mercury street lamps partially covered with snow cast eerie shadows everywhere. Danger possibly lurking behind any tree, shrub, or vacant snow covered vehicle, he imagined himself a character in a ghastly Sherlock Holmes movie.
Searching desperately for any home with a light on to see if he could find someone, anyone, who'd be willing and able to help him with his needs, and get him safely back into his house, out of his wheelchair and into bed he drove up one street and down another in his desperate search for assistance. His anxiety levels increased with every passing moment. Nearly every home was pitch black. Their occupants sleeping peacefully and safely in the comfort of their warm beds. The majority of husband's and wives' probably securely wrapped within the love and safety of each other's arms Rick supposed. Those with children safely tucked into their own beds for the night, would be getting up with mom and dad in several hours, and their daily routines would begin. Warm tears blurred Rick's eyes and trickled down his cold cheeks at the thought. Cherished, wonderful, passionate, romantic, memories of his life that once was, contrasted with the reality of his life that now is and probably always will be, briefly touched his mind and heart in incredible ways he'd not thought of or experienced in years. Extremely cold, sleepy, and anxious, the dangerous severity in his race against the clock and the elements brought him back to reality.
Rick knew he'd better find help soon, very soon! He prayed for help, the elements seriously taking there toll on him as he navigated up one street and down another in his motorized chair. The realization that after five years of living in the subdivision neighbors were still strangers to neighbors saddened him. Having lost all track of time, physically and mentally depleted he wasn't sure how much longer he could go on.
Then miraculously Rick's exhausting search for assistance suddenly came to an end when a gentleman named Solomon came to his rescue on that blustery, frigid, eerie January night. Battling the elements he pushed Rick's wheelchair down the street through the sloppy, slushy snow, up the ramp, into the safety of his house. Once inside Solomon adjusted Rick's thermostat, gave him something hot to eat and drink, and got him out of his wheelchair and into his warm bed. He performed all of Rick's necessary health care requirements that evening, and also all of his necessary health care requirements the following day until more assistance arrived.

People who write these sort of pieces usually intend to make them brief, not too wordy, interesting, but not drowned in detail. We confess we had the same guidelines in mind as the first sentences took form. Our problem is probably shared by many others......how to condense such a remarkable story into a few pages of interesting facts to introduce Rick to the reader! We several amateur writers have done our best to do just that.
The fact that Rick Gadbury has miraculously kept his sense of humor yet successfully and admirably wrestled with and overcome loneliness and fear, ultimately carving a meaningful life for himself from the driftwood of paralysis despite the loss of his wife and family, astronomical chronic, physical, and emotional pain, with severe limited freedom and privileges, is a severe tragedy and an unfortunate fact of life, but how we deal with it is our true test of faith and character. Rick said to himself whenever he faced tragedy and adversatives he had one of two choices to make, ''To get bitter or better. He chose the latter!

However the brief biography we amateurs have written is merely a birds eye glimpse into the story of this extraordinary man's life. It is our hope and prayer that a professional biography or autobiography writer who reads this (''Working with Rick one to one for the specific details will contact him,'') and be willing to author his complete story from the womb to the present. Because there's so much more to Ricks life besides the few brief stories we've written here. His teenage years and school boy antics, dating, romance, death, the multiple trials and tribulations before and after his accident some might categorize as a ''Rags to Riches'' piece of literature. Not in financial terms but in respect to extremely memorable contrasting life experiences with unexpected twist and turns so eventful it'll leave the reader spellbound longing for more. At times his life may mirror many of our own, the various stages passing way to swiftly.