Tribute to my nephew, Rich! 1 Attachment(s) Dear friends…my heart is so heavy and I am so overcome with grief with the tragic loss of my nephew. I want to thank each and every one of you for your kind and loving remarks and prayers throughout the thread, through pm’s, emails or phone calls. It is overwhelming to know how you all care and grieve with our family. I am very scared of the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Nothing will be the same as life was when we had Richie here. I will be there for Judy and Darrel as we begin this long journey of grief. Richie had many struggles throughout his adult life with substance abuse. We prayed and prayed for him and finally he entered Teen Challenge and became a happy person again with a great love for life. I would love for you to see the Tribute that was done for Rich. It is beautiful, and played during visitation at the funeral home and also after the funeral during the lunch and gathering of friends and family. In the tribute you will see many pictures…many with Judy and Darrel, Rich’s son, Alex, the kids as they grew up. In the pictures where there is an extra little girl with Judy’s kids, that is my Melissa. Our kids were always together…they were either here or at Judy’s. There’s a little horse bench that my Dad made for Richie. Pictures of my parents with Richie…a few of my Mom with Rich…one of me with Richie on the merry-go-round at the fair, pictures of towers he has worked on, him climbing a tower…on the tower…and…in this tribute you will also see some of his artwork. He was an amazing artist. At the very end of the video, just after the Bible verse, you will see that picture that Rich sent me the week before he died. He also sent that picture to his Dad’s cell phone along with a voice message and you will hear that message. Here is the link to Rich’s obituary and just under that, if you click on ‘video tribute’, it will take you there. Darrel Hovde It is about 10 minutes and I know that is a long time out of your busy lives, but I would love for you to see it. The flowers I got for the funeral, I had them do to match the casket spray. After the funeral, we had the funeral home place it on Mom’s and Dad’s grave. I went up that evening and took a picture. I took a picture of Richie’s grave, but can’t bare to show that right now but here is the flowers on my parent’s graves. I will go there today to put grass seed on Rich’s grave, as the sod they put down looks awful. Thank you again, for your prayers and kindness. |
Rich's tribute is on their church website and there is also a guestbook there to write memories. I wrote this morning and when I submitted it, it was too large. I just wanted to share it with you, since I couldn't post it on that site. It's kind of long, but I made it as short as I could, and left lots out. I loved Rich from the first time I saw him. I used to run over to see Rich on my lunch hours and would sit on the floor and play with him. Judy would say, "You never visit with me anymore...all you do is play with Richie!" Of course, that was all in fun. I remember times that my dear Mom (who is also in heaven now) and I would go to Judy's and Darrel's and Rich would be taking a nap. Judy would tell us we could go in and get him, and when Richie saw us, he would be so excited and happy to see us that he would stand up in his crib and grab ahold of the side and just shake and rattle the crib while jumping up and down, trying to get out to us. In my younger years, I once had a black truck that was quite a classic. Richie loved that truck and many times would say, "Can we go for a ride in your big, black truck?" Of course, I would take him and we'd go cruis'n. I once had a red Torino and Rich loved that car. Even in his adult life when we'd be together, he'd talk about that Torino and how he had dreamed of owning that car some day. I guess I was known by him as the aunty with the cool vehicles. I was also his favorite aunt and he was also my favorite. One day on Richie's birthday, Judy called me at work and told me that she had overheard something Richie had said to his friend. He said, "Aunty Connie will be coming with my present and she always gives me such neat presents. I think she's going to bring me a hamster today." I had already bought Richie's present and it wasn't a hamster, so I had to quickly buy him a hamster and a cage. There is a picture of him holding that hamster in the tribute video. After that, when birthdays or holidays came, the pressure was on to live up to my reputation of getting him something really cool. Richie used to ride his bike all over town...up and down hills and it amazed me how he could pedal that thing up steep hills. Many times he would ride to my house and have to show me his latest trick he had learned and sometimes it was just to visit and spend time with me. He loved to climb our weeping birch tree and there is also a picture of him in that in the tribute. Whenever the phone would ring and I'd hear Richie's voice, my heart would fill with joy and happiness. He called often, and always made my day. One time the phone rang and I heard a voice that I didn't recognize, so I asked who it was. He said it was Richie. I told him he sounded so different and I didn't even recognize his voice. He said, "Well, I heard my voice on a tape recorder and I didn't like the way it sounded, so I'm trying to make it so it's not so monotone." I laughed so hard and told him his voice is beautiful just as it is and then told him I remember the first time I heard my voice on a tape recorder I vowed I'd never talk again! I was always so amazed at Richie's drawings. Each one was done with such creativity and imagination and not even the smallest detail was left out. I have a 'keepsake' file that holds drawings and letters from Richie that I will always treasure. I've saved the things he has sent or given me as they were always so precious to me. The only thing I lost track of was a drawing he did of my red torino. I don't know what happened to that. Oh, how I love him and my heart hurts so bad when I can no longer see him and hug him and listen to his beautiful voice and his great sense of humor. There is so much more I could write, as he was such a special part of my life. He is forever in my heart. |
Connie, I feel so bad for you. It was a beautiful tribute and I could feel his family's love for him throughout the video. Rest In Peace, Richie. |
Oh Connie :(:(:( ....I'm going to watch it but wanted to say again how very very sorry I am for the loss in your family of Richie. He'll live on in your hearts and I can only hope in time.... you'll be able to look back and smile when you think of him....he'd want that for you Rest in Peace Richie |
Connie...what wonderful memories you have. I know they bring tears and longing now...but there will come a day...you will think of him and smile. Hugs.... |
Connie, What a beautiful tribute video! What a beautiful smile Richie always wore. God had a plan for Richie's life, not the plan you or his parents might have chosen. But we can rejoice that Richie knew the Lord and is with Him now in heaven. I know the important, life-changing work Teen Challenge does in the lives of so many men. Praise God for their ministry and how the Lord worked in Richie's life. I loved the end of the video - what a testament to Richie's faith You and your family remain in my prayers. May the peace that surpasses all understanding, the comfort, wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit be with all of you today and as you all grieve. |
Connie .... again I am so sorry for what happened ....:( I hope you can all make it through this and in time see the sun through the clouds again .... |
Connie I am so so very sorry. I just watched Rich's tribute and you can see how much he was loved. I loved the slide of Rich in the swimming pool - who was the man with him? Wow! Rich was a fantastic artist - I loved the picture of the 4 wheeler - it was awesome.... and then the picture of the kids up to their ankles in mud...that one brought back memories of my kids. The clincher, though was the last picture and the voice mail that he sent. I smiled thought the entire slide show, and lost it at the very end and had tears streaming down my face. Thank you for sharing your family. I am humbled by the amount of love shared by your family. |
What beautiful tribute to your nephew! My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of terrible sorrow. May God grant you all peace in your hearts. |
What a wonderful tribute. The last photo and his voice message says it all. May you find some comfort in knowing that he now walks with Jesus. Hugs... |
That was one of the most beautiful tributes that I have ever seen. So many pictures of one loved so much, and he looked as though he knew it...always smiling. The audio of him was a fitting end to such a touching tribute...Jesus does live and so too does your Rich! He is with Him in all His glory!! My prayers will remain with your family. |
What a lovely tribute, Connie. {{{{{Hugs}}}}} |
Connie, I am so very sorry and I am still keeping you and your family in my prayers. That was a very nice tribute. Hugs. Sandy |
Connie that was such a wonderful tribute. My heart is just breaking for you all. I so enjoyed our talk yesterday and know I am here for you anytime as I now you are for me. |
What a beautiful tribute. I'm so sorry for your loss! |
I know I much you loved him... But, I put that video with one of the most difficult I have ever seen, sorry....but, I cried thru out the message, and could not even tell hubby what was wrong......he thought I was reliving 911 AGAIN. He was such a sweet young man, with 3 boys of my own, it was just so apparent how much his Mom and Auntie Connie will miss him. The lump in my throat was nothing compared to what you all are facing, and I am so very sorry... I wish I had a direct connect, and could tell you why? I am just so heartbroken for you and pray that his wonderful smile will be what you think of when to see him in your mind... Warms hugs... Bless you Connie, and give your sister a hug from all of us.... |
Oh Connie. What a beautiful tribute. He sounds like he was most certainly a beautiful person. :love: I will continue to pray for your family. |
What a beautiful boy & what a life to have touched so many in so short a time. Thank you Connie for sharing such a personal & private time with us. Peace to you and your family. Hugs. |
Very sad, but so touching at the same time. Prayers contiue for your family/friends. Angie |
Poem I Wrote For Connie And Family My Dear Friend Connie, We join with others here at this time of great sorrow in your life and those of your family. Jack and I continually will be praying for you all, the tribute to Richie is so beautiful, one day together we will all be, God's promise to each of us. I wrote this poem for you tonight, I pray you will find comfort in it, it is written from deep within my heart and inspired by God. We love you Connie. Our Letter to God, Our Love To Richie Dear God, Lead us and direct us each and every day, Help us through lifes trials that come our way. Giving back a loved one is the hardest thing to do, This earthly life is only temporary, on loan to each other from YOU. Dear God, Heal our broken hearts and let the sun shine again, Dry each of our tears, you know where we’ve been. Our loss is so great and so hard to bare, Give our Richie hugs from us all, and let him know how much we care. One day together FOREVER we’ll be, Your promise to each of us we one day shall see. Thank you God for loving us so, Sending your Son Jesus for us to know. Eternity will be forever by your side, Each of us together FOREVER we’ll abide. Dearest Richie, we’ll go on and remember your smiles, Your laughter will be with us as we travel lifes earthly miles. The bright shining star in the heavens above, Thank you God for all that you are and your LOVE. Written by myself, Patti on July 27th. 2008 as a tribute to Richie. Especially for my Dear Friend Connie, (Rich’s Aunty Connie) Rich's parents and family. |
Connie, That was a beautiful tribute to your nephew. My sadness cannot be expressed in words. My heart hurts for you and your family, especially his parents. What a talented young man. Too young to be called home. God Bless! |
love to you I have not been on here for quite a while, but I had to post my condolences for you and your family. I know what a loving person you are Connie, and you have had way too much tragedy in the past few years. You are a strong woman to get through all this. My prayers go out to you. I shall keep you, Judy's family and Richie in my prayers for a long time. He was quite a talented man. Those drawings are amazing. I hope your heart can heal through time. Hugs to you & your family. |
All the memories of Rich will always be with you !! Cherish them and talk about him often as you can...You'll see (I think you already do) how that can comfort you.... God bless you and your family... |
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