Remembering a Special Person

Richard Dean Leland

1949-2012

Today I had intended to tell you about something silly.  You'll remember in my last post, I mentioned it.  But, as life is what happens while we are making other plans, my intentions have changed.  I know you will remember the two funny sisters from my last post.  Yes, my sister was here visiting and we had a wonderful time.  She was here with her husband and their eleven year old grandson.  It was a wonderful visit.

That comment about 'life happening' is true.  This past Tuesday....my sister's husband and my great and good brother-in-law, passed away.  He was 62 and for the past thirty-seven years has been in my family.  A good man from Maine....he said WE had an accent.  We said HE had one.  It's been a family joke for years and we enjoyed all enjoyed it.

Having his grandson with him to enjoy his new boat was what he was looking forward to this summer and this past Tuesday they went to Lake Belton, Texas, a few miles from home to fish.  It seems that when it came time to load the boat back on the trailer, Rick had some problems which Daniel, his grandson noticed.  Evidently Rick had an issue getting the boat loaded and it began to float away.  The wind got up and blew it further away.  He swam after it.  Seeing his grandfather in distress, Daniel jumped into the water to help, but realizing that something bad was happening, he pulled him to shore.  He had to find help, which he did.  However, Rick did not survive, evidently the victim of a heart attack.  An awfully sad event, but a really valiant try by a great kid.  He will be in my thoughts and have a special place in my heart for a very long time.

Today was Rick's funeral.  You might ask why I am not in Texas to attend the funeral...and that's a fair question. I haven't shared this with you as I prefer to keep my blog posts on the light side and not mention my personal issues.  I try to write things that get me 'out of the everyday' for a while.  It helps me and if you find my posts interesting in any way, well, that helps me too!  I'm honored when you comment that you enjoyed something I've shown you.  So, just to clarify why I'm not in Texas at this moment.....my own 'old navy man' is not in good health and my sister requested that we stay home, which is really unavoidable and being a very thoughtful person, she knew it.  It would be quite difficult for him to travel and I never leave him overnight.  And, this is probably all you will hear me say on the subject...because you now know...writing to you about silly things is my therapy.  So, today I have watched the clock and knew what my sister, her family, my brothers and their families were doing every minute and I was there with them, though I wasn't physically there.  We've talked on the phone and shared the day.  I am so saddened by this loss.  He was a great brother-in-law.

Years ago I read this quote and would like it to be read when I go.  So, knowing Rick as I did, seems to me he would feel the same:

"Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all.  If you can only remember me with tears, then don't remember me at all."  Laura Ingalls Wilder

Yes, I will remember him with those smiles and that laughter and my sister and I will spend time together again.    And, you, dear friends, forgive the sad post, but I feel I owed it to Rick to pay my own tribute to him.  I'll see you soon.  Take care out there, pat