Four years ago, Rick Yates received a phone call that changed his life forever.
On the other end of the line was his doctor telling him bad news. He was seriously ill with a form of leukemia that needed immediate treatment.
“I always wondered what that day would be like when I got that one, life changing phone call. And when I did, I realized that it can happen to anyone at anytime,” says Rick.
As Rick later found out, his medical team gave him a 15% chance to live past one year after being diagnosed with leukemia. Rick has miraculously lived well past that prediction as he remembers the fateful day of his leukemia diagnosis four years ago. Today, Rick is using the time he has been granted to give back and make an impact in the lives of others.
During his treatment, Rick suffered a lot of loss: loss of weight and muscle mass, loss of a career as he had to go on disability, loss of independence as he required 24/7 care during a period of his treatment, and loss of good health as he made endless visits to medical facilities for checkups, long-term stays, and treatment.
But when asked about his illness, Rick says, “It has been a blessing to me. People will often look at me funny when I say that, but it’s opened my eyes to the good in the world.” His illness has taught him to trust God and give his life completely to Him. And he has encountered countless experiences where God has proven that he is right by Rick’s side.
Rick first heard the clear Word of God as he lay in an MRI machine thinking about his uncertain future. He didn’t know how long he would have to live and if he would ever get to see his grandkids grow up. As his mind raced, the tears flowed from his face. And then, he heard a clear voice tell him that everything was going to be okay.
“It was as clear as you and me sitting here talking,” says Rick.
Without a doubt, he knew that was the voice of God and decided in that moment that he would trust Him whole-heartily throughout his journey living with leukemia.
“I knew in that moment that I was going to be okay at the end of it all.”
As his health declined, Rick and his beloved wife prepared to leave for Nashville where Rick was required to stay for an extended period of time at Vanderbilt hospital. During the time he was preparing to be away from home for months on end, Rick encountered grace from friends, family, and members of his community time and time again. It came in the form of care packages, unexpected prayers, kind gestures, and gifts paid for by anonymous donors who have heard his story and wanted to lend a helping hand.
Rick was later released from the hospital and allowed to go home, but he was uncertain how long he would get to stay. After a procedure that involved a skin graft, Rick had a complication after getting back home from the hospital. He called his doctor, who told him to get to Vanderbilt immediately. His doctor evaluated the problem and told Rick he needed to plan for another hospital stay. Because he had just arrived home, he desperately wanted time spend time in Paducah with his family. His doctor reluctantly agreed but stressed to Rick that if he any problems whatsoever, he had to get back to Vanderbilt immediately as it could be life-threatening. If he didn’t, the infection could spread internally, and his chance to live past 2-3 days would be very slim.
Troubled and in despair, Rick drove back to his home in Reidland from Nashville with a heavy heart. During his first hospital stay, his sister had given him a bracelet with the words “Philippians 4:13” written on it, which he wore continuously throughout his journey living with leukemia. He referred to that verse often to get him through the hardships of his illness. And then, the unimaginable happened. He drove upon a truck on the highway pulling a fiery red race car. In big, bold letters, the words “Philippians 4:13” were written on the side of the car.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (NASB)
Rick looked at the race car in disbelief and said the words, “Really, God?!” out loud. He was blown away by God’s reminder that He was indeed with him, even during the most trying of times.
During the past four years, Rick has undergone countless treatments and hospital stays, but he continues to stay optimistic about the life he has been given. “I’ve gotten past being scared about my illness and what’s to come. I just trust in God that everything is going to be okay.” And while his illness has created challenges and hardships, it has also uncovered a lot of good, including encouraging Rick to start his own business.
His business was formed as a result of an idea from a good friend about their shared love for coffee. His friend, Greg Thompson, approached him about the idea of starting a coffee roasting business, as he was looking for a business venture after also undergoing cancer treatment. It was always a helpful way for Rick to keep his mind occupied and busy during his many hospital stays as he spent time researching. He studied intensely about all things coffee, from its origins to the best combinations for blends. And soon after, Rick and Greg founded their own coffee roasting company, which they named “In The Time Be’an.”
Through their coffee roasting business, Rick and Greg have formed friendships and new connections with their customers. They have a variety of coffee and espresso blends that have largely been crafted based on their customers’ feedback and recommendations. On every bag is a Bible verse that is intended to spread positivity and God’s message to each and every customer.
You can purchase your coffee or espresso beans directly from Rick and Greg at (270) 556- 2530 or by visiting their Facebook page. Their product is also available for purchase at Banks Market, Midtown Market, The Village Market in Grand Rivers, IGA in Marshall County, and Big John’s in Metropolis.
