Dear Auntie Marg and family,
I am so sorry for your aching hearts. Please know that there are many more of us out here that are both hurting, and lifting you up as we embrace the life and passing of Richard. Much of the pain stems from the wonderful memories that have sadly come to an end. Many more come from the words or moments that went left unsaid or undone as we always anticipate a tomorrow. May it be a continual lesson for each of us to not just exist, but to live each day as if we may not have chance to express our fondness for each other, tomorrow.
I enjoy the memories of my winter breaks spent in your welcoming Florida home throughout my school-aged years. I hold closely the few summers we shared in Lambeth with my boys sitting on Richard's lap at the table while they had a snack, or them entertaining him as he watched them splash in the pool. These are ours to keep, what a beautiful selfless gift he left for us! And as young as I was at the time, and as little comprehension I had of the circumstances, I DO remember the day you moved to Florida from London, and us standing outside our home with your family, saying our teary good-byes, and the feeling of knowing at least this one thing...how important Richard and you all were to our family.
Sadly, as I look at the wonderful pictures in the tribute, I can't help but wishing we would have had more time spent together with Richard. There can never be enough warm recollections in our lives, can there?! Thank you Richard, for making a difference in this world, for caring about the people around you and even for those you didn't know as you served. Thank-you for fighting through your ailments as long as you did, for showing cancer who you are, and that you wouldn't stand for cancer's stamp on your life, but you would set your own mark, with God's blessings, in determining when you were ready to leave. Your bravery, courage and steadfastness has not gone unnoticed and I hope to proudly wear those badges myself, and share them with my family.
May you all find peace now, and know that Richard was loved here on earth, but even more beautifully, will he be loved a ten fold over as he is blanketed with our Lord's love.
In sympathy and sincerity,
Jay Lynn, Chad, Branson and Max