I know, this is really really hard for us here. Rich was the greatest guy, such a sweetheart, EVERYONE who knew him loved him... and his son Jeremiah is a great little guy, I can't imagine how hard this is for him. Right now we're on vacation, (I've had limited access to a computer to reply here) and when I talked to Keny as I usually do this past Saturday to find out how things went at the tourney and League while Devin and Dustin and I were gone, I couldn't believe what had happened... it was just after most everyone had left from League as they were cleaning up that they found him and called the paramedics. I guess thankfully it wasn't when the room was full of the younger kids, but it's going to be so very hard when we return... to tell all those who come to the tourney that don't know yet... I know there will be a lot of people in shock... it will be a very difficult day to get through. Rich was always a part of our weekly tourneys and League, and I can't imagine him not there. My boys took it pretty hard too, as Rich is the first good friend they've ever known to pass away, besides like grandparents and such. It's really a tough thing, and it will be just as hard for a lot of our players on Saturday... it will be a very hard day for all of us who loved him. I wish I could hug Jeremiah and tell him it will be ok. I hope he'll be a strong little guy like his dad was.
When I get back on my comp at home, I'll find a nice pic of him. I'm having a beautiful plaque made to put up in our gameroom to honor him. It reads:
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In loving memory of Rich -
A kind and generous man
who touched all of our lives
more than words can express.
We will remember him Forever
and carry his Spirit in our hearts.
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It's times like this when you feel so helpless...I wonder why it had to happen, why I wasn't there this week of all weeks, what might have been different if only... but it's never up to us to decide these things, we have no control over the preciousness of life. But what we do have control over is the ability to always make the very most of every day, to not let the little things in life be taken for granted, to take this moment to appreciate those around you as if, well...... just do it, just in case.