My Dad and his First Grandson
Richard Nathan P.
Wishes and Rainbows
I'm going to a family reunion this weekend which will be allot of fun and reminiscing. Remembering all the stories of long ago, remembering the love of those that have passed. Embracing the energy and joy of those that are here. And making new memories and stories that can be passed on to future generations. Family reunions are so precious.
My first nephew was born on 8/10/80 and would have been 29 on Monday. But at age 27, God decided he needed him more than we did here, so He called him Home on 12/27/07 (those with numerology might have something to say about the dates). Richard was blessed with a wonderful fun filled spirit, great smile, beautiful sparkling eyes filled with wonder and excitement, a vocabulary that challenged most everyone with his knowledge and use of "big words", a sense of humor as he was full of jokes and laughter, an imagination and gift of storytelling that had you spellbound with wonder...is that really true?...., an outrageous interest in and replication of bodily sound (he's laugh and giggle and well... you'd be laughing and giggling and making the same sounds right along with him)sand intelligence beyond imagination. But God also Blessed him with Asperger's Syndrome as well as a form of Marfan syndrome, and I dare say a stubborn side as well. I say Blessed as that's what made Richard; Richard. It's what made him endearing and yes on occasion frustrating, to all those that knew him. It was his "specialness" that made him unforgettable to anyone that met him. From his Tall tales to his true knowledge and details of History, he was an amazing soul. His laugh, more of a giggle, and smile were infectious and no matter the mood you were in, you'd be smiling and giggling right along with him in no time. He taught us many lessons and brought us many Joy's. God Truly Blessed us with Richard. He was/is one of my most cherished Gifts.
He wrote a poem while in school and I'd like to honor him and his memory by sharing it with you today. I also would like to share with you a poem that I wrote to honor his memory.
photo by Clytie @http://clytie-randomhearts.blogspot.com/
Thank you dear soul for the use of your wonderful "heart" wish plant.
The Calm Wind
The wind calms me
with a gentle breeze
and I just get lost.
I start Floating off
like a wish plant.
Drifting, Drifting,
in the mist.
For if I wish
For if I want
I could forever
Float away……
RICHARD’S RAINBOW
God sent to you this bundle of love
And guided you as parents from above
You burped and bibbed and fed him too
And when he was older taught him to moo
He always had a giggle and that great big smile
And a tale that would go on for mile and mile
Your ear he would bend with a story so grand
Catching whales of the shores of this great land
If you weren’t careful you’d believe him a bit
He’d go on and on till he finally quit
His sisters came along, of them there were three
Richard’s laughter could be heard with such glee
He loved them he did as he tested their will
Yet of his jokes they could not get their fill
From knock knocks to Zezzles he always wanted more
Along came Tom and then Rich had four
A big brother he was in all of his glory
With stories to tell even some that were gory
He tried your patience and tested your will
At times even stubborn, he was such a pill
His grandparents he loved so very much
His giant hands had a tender touch
He loved nature in all of its forms
From the slow moving turtle to the wonder of storms
Richard had parents whose love was so strong
They taught him with Faith, the right from the wrong
With God by their side they learned many lessons
I’m sure if you ask they have many confessions
God gave Doug answers for Richard’s great voyage
To guide him back home took will and great courage
I see Richard still on his Mom’s tender lap
Being comforted, telling stories, or taking a nap
Richard was special both inside and out
Of that I am sure, there is no doubt
He was gifted to us by God’s almighty hand
To show us compassion as is His command
We learned many lessons and opened our hearts
And yes even laughed when he made those fake farts
So why do I make a joke or two here
That’s what Rich taught, with his life short and dear
Enjoy what you have and cherish it true
Find passion in life what ever you do
With him it took patience and great understanding
The tight rope of life with the feather landing
Yes God gave us Richard to teach us His Love
And has taken him home to Heaven above
So shed a tear as humans we must
Then remember God’s Promise, in Him we Trust
So Good Bye Richard you will be truly missed
We’ll cherish your memories in Rainbows mist
Written with Great Love
By Aunt Nina (
a photo my niece took of the fireworks at Niagara Falls Canada on 12/27/07. Richard wasn't with us on our trip, yet.... this photo speaks differently. He had passed away just a few hours before this photo was taken.
