For You, Rick

I have the best memories of and with Rick.  As a kid, and as an adult, we describe him as my dad's best friend.  That really is not true.  He was a best friend to our family.  He spent time with my dad, treated my mom like a queen and made me feel seen.

As a kid, I saw him several times a week.  You see, we grew up at the baseball park.  I remember being the back of my dad's truck as it filled up with boys on the way to baseball park.  Rick was the voice in the box.  He would announce the baseball games.  I honestly believe he is what made it more exciting to watch.  Of course, we loved every time there was a foul ball and Rick would tell us to return it to the snack bar to claim our prize (candy, hot dog - whatever).  For the longest time, to me, it felt like Rick was a celebrity.  Everyone knew him and, more importantly, liked him.

Rick spent many holiday's with us.  I remember, vividly, presents from Rick.  One year he got me Garfield pajamas.  My dad would tease me about them.  Every morning I came into the living room he would say "five" or "six", whatever number represented the amount of days he seen me in that same Garfield PJ.  Then there was the Grumpy School of Charm pajamas.  Envision Snow White's Grumpy on a PJ shirt with the Grumpy School of Charm verbiage across it.  Yep, another outfit for my dad to count.  Then, on my 18th birthday Rick gave me this beautiful gold clock that was engraved with "Happy 18th Birthday" and the date.  I still have it and always will.

I adored the relationship Rick had with his mom.  I still remember her amazing cherry pie.  Whether we went to their place or they came to ours, there was always food, laughter, and always full of sports talk as well (LOL).  Another thing I carry with me, I love to see men with strong relationships with their mother.  This was due to my respect built by Rick and his mothers relationship.  

Most importantly, Rick made me feel important.  I want to say he was more like an uncle to me, however, that does not express it well enough.  He was just...family.  We love you, Rick and you will forever be in our hearts.

To Begin, Again

 TO BEGIN, AGAIN

I have learned that it takes way more courage than I previously had to put my writing out there.  I thought it was safe to speak my own truth.  I quickly found that was not the case.  So, this time, I have decided I will brave the world and believe in me.  Although I would love to be supported, believed in and even liked - it is never why I began to write.  This time, it is for me.  

I lost my #1 fan when my mom passed away.  I still have not recovered from that day - February 27, 2019.  I have lost so much more since then.  Through it all I have found a stronger, more positive me.  I decided that I wanted to share this outlook.  We do not need to be lost in how others treat us or even how they view us.  Those that truly know me, have stuck by me through it all.  An amazing friend of mine pointed out what should have been obvious.  If someone knows you, they would know you would never hurt anyone on purpose.  

You see, my claim is not that I am perfect or even close to perfect.  My claim is - I always do what is right, even when I get the bad end of the situation.  My assumption is always that I did something wrong before I even look to another.  I support others, in any way I can.  I give where and when I can.  These are the things I learned from my mom, however, she did it with much more class and belief in others.  

It is my journey to find the best version of myself.  I share it simply for my own therapy and perhaps someone else will find a way to find themselves as well.  It is OK to struggle, but grab onto the things you can control and use it to move yourself forward.  You may lose people from time to time.  What I learned about that is... was it a positive relationship in the first place?  Be honest with yourself.  Do not allow others insecurities, negativity or even fakeness effect who you are.  A real relationship exists if you are in each others company or not.

I am stronger and I am proud to be me.