August 18 . . . 8/18 . . . as I wrote that date at work today, I wanted to complete it 8/18/56, because for YEARS that is the date I filled in on any type of form that required Rickey's date of birth.  Two years ago, we celebrated him "turning the speed limit" when he turned 55.  Who would have EVER dreamed on that sunny August day that 2 1/2 months later, we would be saying good-bye and that Rickey would forever be 55 in our minds?

 

So today, this day again filled with SO MANY memories of birthdays gone by, my Birthday wish to Rickey is this:

"Happy Birthday, Bud.  I can't believe that you are spending your 2nd Birthday in HEAVEN.  I'm pretty sure that days like this don't mean much when compared to the splendors of Heaven, but today, on earth, we will still celebrate YOU!  Though our human minds will NEVER grasp the reason that you had to leave us so soon, we WILL rest in the confidence that God does not make mistakes.  We might not like what happens, but we will continue to trust that HE is in control. You would be SO PROUD of the kids.  Nick and Ashley (and Ashley and Brian) are amazing parents to all the grand-kids and they have been THE BEST big brother and sister - loving on and helping to take care of the "little" girls!!  And the "little" girls, my goodness, you would be surprised at how they have grown!  I am reminded EVERY DAY of how blessed I am that they call me mom, and that you left these 3 treasures to me!  Your legacy truly does live on through them.  They are amazing young women whose faith in God has not wavered despite all they have been through!  Your unwavering faith in our unfailing God lives on through them and their big brother & sister!  Not a day goes by that we don't think about you and miss you, and thank God that your life was a reflection of your love for the Lord and through your testimony, we KNOW that we KNOW that we KNOW where you are for all eternity and we KNOW that we WILL see you again someday.  Thank you for loving us well while you were here and for giving us the strength we would need to move forward without you.  You were an AMAZING husband, Daddy, Papa, Uncle, Son, Brother & Friend.  Everyone who ever met you was better for having known you!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUD! With my love ♥"