Well Truman got me back to Asheville safe and sound around 6:30 from Rich's service. I am hoping that he is also now home safe and sound in Virginia. After the past few days I am kind of at a loss of words to say right now. I feel pretty much emotionally and physically drained. There is no way I would have missed going to the service so I am very glad that everything went as well as could be expected. I have no doubts at all that everything went just as Rich would have wanted it. Being home now after the past few days, everything seems so quiet up here on the mountain. About all I hear now are the crickets chirping outside and the hum of this computer. I lit a red candle in Rich's remembrance and realized I was lighting it with a green lighter. For some reason, that reminded me of Christmas which was a time that Rich always seemed to really enjoy and a time that he always sent cards and love to all those close to him. Let me tell you that after seeing all those people at the service that was a LOT of people and that was only the people that were able to make it. Rich sure did touch and was a part of so many people. I met so many of those people who were a part of Rich's life. I feel that I have acquired a whole lot of new friends and I am happy for that. I feel also that my bonds with Truman, Lynne, Chuck, and Paul have strengthened even more solidly plus I got to know Judy much better. I am also very happy about that. It was so wonderful meeting Gene, Elizabeth, Andrew, Austin, and Sean in person after hearing so much about them and seeing so many of their pictures. Rich did indeed have a Sweet and Rich life. I am so happy that he found these wonderful people. The only thing that is still very sad to me is that Rich could not be there physically although his spirit was very much there and still is.
Jack