Rainbow's battle has ended

I heartily agree with everyone here. People are what matter the most. And sometimes it takes a tragedy like Rick's passing to realize just what's important in life.

I was anxious to read what Rick submitted to the anthology. He said it was from something he had written before, and I asked him why he didn't write something new. He didn't feel like he had many friends other than Zada and me to write about. How wrong he was! And I'm so happy that he found out before leaving this planet that he had many many friends, especially here on the boards.

Yesterday I heard from Bill who was waiting for Rick's son, David to arrive from Dubai. He said that they planned on spreading his ashes near an Indian burial ground in Laredo. And today his friend Matt called and told me how he was able to talk with David for about a half an hour, as David is now in possession of his dad's cell phone and receiving calls from his friends. He told me that I could call and talk with him while he's here in the States. And I just may do that.

Matt said that David told him that he and his dad reconciled and made peace with each other, and they expressed their love for one another. David told him that not many people could say that they lived their dreams, but his dad was one who did. He always wanted to come to America, he wanted to drive a truck, and he wanted to write a book. He was a success in making his dreams a reality. He lives forever in his published stories. How great that is!!

Rick was a very special person. We were not romantically involved, but he knew I liked roses. Every email he sent had a rose .gif of one form or another included. I shall never look at roses again without thinking of Rick and smiling. His warmth and humor will live on in my memory.

The chance for reconciliation was a gift, and now his son will have good memories as well. And now Rick is at peace, his quest over.

I talked with Rick's friend Bill today. He had a great time visiting with his son, David, for the week he spent in the States. He said that David had a lot of his father's good qualities. They shared many stories and a lot of laughs.

David decided not to cremate Rick and instead had him buried in a small Jewish cemetery in Laredo. They had a small memorial service at the site.

David sent home two boxes of memories from his dad's life, including a teddy bear that he still had from when David was a baby and a t-shirt with a picture on it of father and son. He was able to learn a lot about his dad while he went through his things in the RV. When he first saw all the clothes Rick had, he said he'd make Elton John proud!

A unique character for sure!