Anyone that new Rick knew he was a man of many words. It kind of runs in the family. Lot of conversations, lots of opinions, and lots of laughter.
Growing up, Rick was a rebel child. His mom always had her hands full with him. Always a need for speed. Never using a driveway. Putting Terry in a kitchen chair in the back of a Blazer and attempting to jump a pond. He always said you have to put your girls to the test to see if they're a keeper. How about the time he stole a dozer while building the cabin so he could go up to Orwell and buy some beer. Or all the Jamboree days. What happens at the Jamboree stays at the Jamboree. After his brother Randy and Terry busted him out numerous of times, I'd say he found his keeper. All the crazy times. All while laughing and not a care in the world. That was Rick.
We also know, with fun times comes responsibilities. Rick was a hard worker. Rick was a truck driver for 36 years. The open road was his life, the open road was the majority of his stories, and when he had his best conversations with his buddies. Everyone knows a real trucker puts on his headset and starts going through the contact list to call up the trucker buddies to make the trip go by faster. The friendships that have been formed over the years through those headsets will always hold a lifetime of memories. One of Rick's greatest accomplishments in his career, was having the opportunity to train his son, Christian, in becoming a truck driver just like himself. Rick cherished those moments, just the two of them, working for the same company, late night phone calls, and having his only son follow in his foot steps.
Rick's wife and kids have always been number one priority. When the kids needed him, him and Terry always dropped everything to help them. When Rick was diagnosed with his disease, his kids dropped everything and did what they were taught. Be there for family. Family comes first. A lesson for all. Do everything you can together while God has you here. Family is all you have.
There's a few things Rick wanted to share with the younger and continuing generations as they continue to grow older:
The most important person in your life is the person who agreed to share their life with you. Treat them as such.
Dont hold onto stuff, hold onto time and experiences instead. Years go by in the blink of an eye. Live your life. Go places. Do things. If you have the means or not. Pack a bag and go wherever you can afford to go. See the world.
If you're getting overwhelmed by life, just return to the immediate present moment and savor all that is beautiful and comforting. Take a deep breath, relax. Don't take life so seriously. Even if things seem dark and hopeless, try to laugh at how ridiculous life is.
A true friend will come running if you call them at 2am. Everyone else is just an acquaintance.
Nobody ever dies wishing they had worked more. Work hard, but don't prioritize work over family, friends, or even yourself.
Dont take anyone else's advice as gospel. You can ask for advice from someone you respect, then take your situation into consideration and make your own decision.
We have one time on this earth. Don't wake up and realize that you are 60 years old and haven't done the things you dreamed about.
Appreciate the small things and be present in the moment. We don't get to stay on this crazy/wonderful planet forever and the greatest pleasure can be found in the most mundane of activities. Instead of sending a text, pick up the phone and call someone. Call your mother, have a conversation about nothing in particular. Those are the moments to hold onto.
Children grow up way too fast. Make the most of the time you have with them. Teach them family is everything. In the end of times, they will be the ones taking care of you. The ones by your side. The ones that will carry on your name.
"The Compound". A joke Rick, Terry, the kids, and his grandson called themselves. The Compound was Rick's everything. As long as they were all together. He was happy. It was home.
Murphy Farm WV
Grandkids
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Little Elfie
