Monday, July 4, 2022
Dear Rick,
You meant so much to me; I could never express just how much. I valued YOU-your sensible, informed insight, support, guidance, advice, and conversation. Thank you for your calm and understanding support that helped me navigate my painful new world. I would speak to you of concerns, and you would say, Aunt Barbara, it will be ok. Just like Harry would say, without the Aunt, of course. I remember when I first met you, before I married your Uncle Harry. 1977. I was here on vacation with him when he separated from the Air Force. You were an adorable little guy with masses of black, black bangs/curls, looking like a small, younger Paul McCartney, and just like that, I became a fan. The beginning.. I remember the KISS van we gave you for Christmas. Sold out in KY, I brought it back from NY. I never knew it would have that impact on you. I've watched you grow up to be a man to be proud of-smart, wise, humble, self effacing, self deprecating, charming, humorous, considerate, talented, compassionate, patient, loving, quiet, and kind; an honorable man who thinks of others, a man of integrity, devoted to your wife and daughters. That may sound like hyperbole from a doting aunt, but you were a paragon, and so very much like your Uncle Harry, and like him, your personality stood tall. You reminded me so much of him, and like him, you will always be missed. You were especially a blessing to me after Harry passed away, in so many ways, from your calm support that bolstered me emotionally, to my beautiful rose covered mailbox that you installed, and my deck, but especially driving me home from the hospital after Harry passed, the most horrible day of my life. You were there for me, and I am so grateful.
I was so happy that you and Kathy found a rare love that was timeless; as fresh, deep, and magical at 27 years as it was at its beginning; a love like Harry and I shared. I spoke to both of you separately on this in recent years and I could hear the magic, wonder, and awe in your voices when you recounted your courtship and feelings to me. One of the greatest joys of this life is finding your soulmate; I am so glad you both did. I felt that you and Kathy were walking the same path we were, in your love and devotion to each other. You were blessed with wonderful daughters, Katlyn and Maddie, and you and Kathy will live on through them. They will continue to make you proud.
I would have loved to hear you play guitar; or to have been able to play guitar with you, maybe even at church, but that would have been hard as I know you played far better than I.
Thank you for the memories, Rick. Memories of you and your wonderful family, especially at Halloween (Uncle Fester!) and Christmas. May your memory be a blessing. You have left a hole in our hearts. They say, a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others (L Frank Baum, the Wizard of Oz). You had a great heart as you are greatly loved. Love transcends death. Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. You brightened our lives; and we are bereft.
Love Always,
Aunt Barbara
P.S. Sorry this was a bit long; there was a lot to say..
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.
Kathy, Katlyn, and Maddie: Nothing I say can take the hurt and pain away, although I wish otherwise. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God is with you, even when we don't understand or feel His presence. God loves you and so do I. May He comfort you and bring you peace.
He heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4
