I'm not sure why but after one week (of many more to come) of mourning Richard, I found myself reading posts on your web site. I haven't been to this web site in well over a year, probably closer to 2 years but for some reason this afternoon, it dawned on me to read more about Richard. I'm not sure that I am welcome here but there is a big hole in my heart and reading some of your posts just makes me feel better. Then I read the posts about my daughter and some even mentioned me. After not crying for 24 hours, I found tears in my eyes again. I have known Richard for 20 years and during those years, I think I have had every title in the book. But in the end, we were best friends again and were raising a beautiful daughter. I know that she was his light and for any that have met her, she has a heart as big as her dads. I am heart broken over the loss of my best friend but my heart just aches for Elizabeth. I know he loved (and still does) Gene and the boys and I hurt for them too. Together, we are all pulling together to laugh, cry and heal. We are now family which is what he wanted. I had the pleasure of meeting some of the names I have heard for years this weekend. I'm so sorry that we had to meet this way but in a small way, I can hear Richard saying "told ya so". I don't want to post much here because this was Richards home but you all touhed my heart so much that I had to register and tell you so myself. Richard taught me to say it when I felt it so that is what I am doing. He left this world knowing I loved him very much - he was surrounded by wonderful friends and family who cared deeply for him. He is missed so much more then words can say -
Thank you all very much for supporting him in his time of need,
Marcia (Elizabeths mom)