It is the last day of  October. November is one  of the hardest months for me. It is the last time that I saw Ricky- thanksgiving in Nov 1997. We spent the week together, talked and laughed. Rick took his brothers to go get ice cream. I took all of them to Atlanta to one of my favorite places that costs very little money - to the Fernbank Science Museum and Planetarium. I thought everyone would like the indoor planetarium show (I love it!) Mike was too wiggly and restless, so i took him out to walk in the museums woods. In not too long Erin and Matt came out too. I began to wonder about Rick and Sam...When it was time, we all walked to meet them coming out of the arena. We waited till every straggler came out......then I went in to find Rick and Sam sound asleep. what a successful outing!!! It is good to remember the silly and funny things.

2-28-2012 Till we meet again...

Hi Ricky, 
.....you used to call pretty often- I always loved hearing your voice, and then you'd ask for money, or for me to send you something, or ask some advice. Since 1998 I've heard you a few times, laughed with you about funny things I'd remember, and felt a few hugs, when life got almost unbearable. Thank you son for remembering.
....I pray for you, occasionally I tell people about you. but no one will ever know what it was like to be your mom.When you wanted a driver's license sooooo bad and we had no money, when you came home from a Stake fireside to tell me how much you felt the spirit there and how your testimony grew, and your great pleasure at going to State with your football team.
....Then there were those times I had to get in between you and Erin - to stop a fight, or when I had to tell you how you should NOT throw your brothers into the back seat of the van -just because you should get the shotgun seat. All the driving -all the sitting and waiting outside the football stadium and stake dances. Many times I split the younger kids with Dad and they'd wait with me.
....I remember the million times I sang - I am  a Child of God to you, The million times I sang -You are My Sunshine....to you.
Love , mom

Flowers for you.

Taxes

It was around this time 14 years ago that Ricky called me and we chatted, and he said... "so Mom, I need to get my taxes done..." I said yes you do Rick! He said "so mom, if I send you everything, you will do them for me -right?" I said Rick, you are going to school for Accounting...you can do this very easily. It is a simple form. I know mom...but you will help me -right? No, I told him that when I was in college... I did all my own taxes... But, I could see him, through the phone, smiling and saying "come on...please mom", which he then vocalized. So I said no, BUT I will help you over the phone next week. In a week , he was off to Seattle, and in the car accident on the 28th.  
Guess who did the taxes? and not just for that year, but for the next year as well.....

A Variety of Ricky's Activities

Ricky really loved basketball too! I asked him one (or many) times why he didn't join the Winder team....and he said if he played for a school team he wouldn't be allowed to play in church sports.. and I want to have a sport that I can just enjoy with the church guys.

Wow! Sometimes the guys just hung out together at the dances...they must be about 15 yrs old here.

Rick was 17 here and this girl asked him to take her to her school dance...They had a great time!
I love seeing him dressed up in a suit!

This is Rick's scout troop--they had great leaders...I think almost everyone in this picture is an Eagle Scout!

Three great guys! Best friends in Utah for an Especially For Youth Conference. They pay money to go to listen to wonderful speakers on religious topics for a week. They had a great time!

He has graduated from Winder-Barrow High early. Worked 2 jobs to go to BYU in April 1996.  He had Maymester and Summer classes and in the evenings and on weekends they had fun...here at a rodeo.

Then on campus, there was always something to do...

ummm... he was the U in BYU :-)

And when you're bored...call some friends!

Rick is on the left always with his hat, and sandals. Ricky stayed at BYU thru this 1st full semester, then he went to UVSC, I think it was called. It was smaller, but still had lots of friends. After he died, we went out there to get his things and all his friends and people he went to church with met for a memorial service. It was very touching. I wish I had more and more pictures. I wanted to share a bit of his life with you all.

Football-Rick's favorite

All Senior players were supposed to show up

1995 Senior Year WBHS

WBHS!!!Junior Year

Russell Middle School 1990- 91  is missing

Auburn Tigers

1988 Auburn Tigers

1987 Auburn Tigers

Ever since third grade this is what Ricky wanted to do! We got him signed up with the Auburn Team! He stayed with them thru 6th grade until he could join the Russell Middle School Team then on to Winder Barrow High School BullDoggs!!!!!

His school years.

1985

1987

1986

1988

1990

1989

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

Ricky attended Kindergarten in Lafayette and in Griffith, IN, first grade in Mundelein, IL, second grade in Lawrenceville, GA, and 3rd-5th in Auburn, GA and 6th- 12th in Winder, GA. It was a lot of moving until he and Erin were able to settle down and stay in one place to know people for along time. Then to want to leave!! ha! Ricky then went to BYU - Provo. Here are Ricky's school pics-hopefully in order!

In December 1997

It was Christmas time, Rick and Erin ( his sister) were in Chicago visiting their dad, George. He took them to visit friends of ours. This picture is Erin and Rick and Allen. We have know Allen and Margie and their kids since before Ricky was born.

Happy Birthday Ricky!

Ricky was born 16 January 1978. He was loved dearly by his family and many others! Today is his birthday, he would have been 34 years old. He lived 20 years and 43 days. This blog is to remember his life and the love he had for life, his family, for others and for football. The last picture I have of him is in front of his new truck - he just got it 1-17-98.