Happy Birthday, Richard

Another year.

 Another birthday.

 Richard, you would have been 26 today.

 I cannot help but wonder: who you'd be today.

 The job you would have, where you would live, the things you'd be teaching your nieces and nephews...

Christmas hasn't ever been the same since we lost you. Being together as a family sure helps a lot, but I know we all feel the empty space where you should be. I can't adequately express in words how much you are missed at this time of year, so the words of another will have to suffice.

Someone Is Missing at Christmas

Let this be a loving reminder

That someone is missing today,

Someone our hearts still hold on to,

As we travel along life's way.

Someone who made life so special,

for all those who gather here,

Someone who won't be forgotten,

But cherished from year to year.

And now as we pause to remember,

Let us all fondly recall,

How dearly each of us loved him,

And oh...how he loved us all!

We will always love and remember you, brother. Merry Christmas and happy birthday, Richard.

Richard Gene Kirk 12/25/1988~7/9/2008