On Tuesday, I awoke around 1:00am. Turning on my laptop, I knew what I was looking for; the Facebook Post I’d written on that day four years earlier sharing the sad and unwanted news with so many that Rich had lost his three-week long fight to keep on living.
There are now over 500 comments on that thread and. I also found myself reassuring some of my more recent Friend Connections that Rich’s passing hadn’t just happened, although their good thoughts and genuine words of comfort were still, and always will be, welcome.
Here’s what I wrote:
‘Sadly, early this morning, our beloved Richard gave up his good fight and made a peaceful exit from this world on his own terms. I am beyond sad as you must know. I love this photo. We were up gathering with good friends this September at The Jersey shore when Rich interrupted the party to toast us on our 25th wedding anniversary. I knew that was special, but had no idea just how. I thank all of your for all your good intentions over the past 4 weeks. It has been exhausting. I will just handle things day by day now and navigate a world without the dynamic and genuine presence of Rich. So many of you, like me, loved him.’
As I’ve written previously in a Widow’s Voice Post, since Rich’s passing, certain songs always seem to randomly play when I’m driving, or out and about in stores or eateries. I call it Rich’s Playlist from Beyond. His most oft played for me is the Bon Jovi classic, Living on a Prayer.
“Oh, we’ve gotta hold on, ready or not
You live for the fight when that’s all that you’ve got.”
Although both of us native New Jerseyeans, we were not huge Bon Jovi fans, but several years ago, at an art event and auction in Monmouth Co, NJ, Rich and I found ourselves sitting at a table with Bon Jovi band member, and keyboardist, David Bryan. We had such a nice evening talking with him. He was friendly and genuine, and Rich enjoyed our time with him. It became a very special memory.
Last Tuesday, I’d just gotten in my car and had the sudden urge to turn on the radio. When I did, the first chords of that song filled the air. Of course I blasted it all the way home.
Take my hand, we’ll make it, I swear
Whoa oh, livin’ on a prayer
Just two days later, in a lavatory at Daytona (FL) International Airport, an acoustical guitar version of that song also serenaded me. With another flight still ahead, I wasn’t really half way there yet, but it; was very comforting.
I did reach my destination, enjoying a touch of fall in the Northeast. Today, I’ll travel more north to Vermont to walk some acreage that is part of my mother’s estate.
Halloween Day will always bring remembrance of my brother, Matt, who’s funeral took place on that holiday. Tomorrow, November 2, I will recall those dearly departed on All Souls Day. Remembrance keeps them near.
