Help Rick Mckiddy's family after untimely passing

In our small rural town if you hear the name Rick McKiddy the instant reaction is a smile! Rick was an all around loved and respected man within our community. Rick lived life to the fullest and always found a way to make you smile when around him. To many he was a “gentle giant”, though if asked by opposing football players lined up against him you may get a different story, as he meant business on the field. Rick was born in Michigan but grew up in Whitley County, a small town boy who grew up to marry his high school sweetheart, Kristy. The soul mates went on to have two boys (Logan & Rex) that are so much like their daddy. As time went on and life happened Rick began to have major issues with his kidneys that forced the need for kidney transplants and a lifelong battle requiring dialysis along with regular needed medical attention. Rick never once let his diagnosis get him down, he instead fought hard! While often hit with kidney issues Rick continued to drive his semi hauling livestock to provide for his little family. When he got knocked down he would fight to get back up. He was an active father and  devoted to his wife. He wanted to provide the best life possible for them. Throughout years and the ups and downs Rick and his family relied on God. As a strongly rooted Christain man Rick knew that God was the one in control and never feared life. With the reality of Covid-19 hitting our area the family knew Rick was a high risk patient. From March 2020 to January 2021 Rick was able to stay clear from the virus. However, in early January 2021 Covid-19 struck their household. Rick was quickly admitted into the hospital and doctors did everything they could. For two weeks he fought for his life, and sadly lost the battle at the age of 44, leaving behind the love of his life, two boys, and many  others.  Any donations made will go toward the medical bills that  the family is now faced with on one income. 


 Rick’s dash was EXTRAORDINARY! #LIVELIKERICK#76


THE DASH

by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning... to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars... the house... the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard; are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.

To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile... remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So when your eulogy is being read, with your life's actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?