If you could relive one day......

That you shared with Richard, which would it be?  What was so special about that day?

Wow, to name one day I would relive with Richard, seems nearly impossible.  As a family we shared so many wonderful days together.

Some of my favorites are the days that we had talent shows together.  Usually the kids would sing and dance for me, and I'd be the videographer.  Rheagan always caught onto the lyrics of songs faster than Richard and he would watch her to know what was coming.  To say this was precious is a complete and total understatement.  There was nor is much more in my life that can top seeing my kids cling to each other to get through something. 

We lived in Atlanta GA a year before moving to SC, while we lived there we had season passes to Six Flags over GA.  We went every single weekend we were together.  It was only about a 20 minute drive from our apartment (when you timed it right and missed rush hour).  We had that pretty much down to a science.  Devin had finally begun to enjoy riding roller coasters, and Richard was as adventurous as his big brother.  One of the older coasters there is called the Mind Bender, or maybe it's now the Riddler, anyway, On particular day Richard decided he'd ride that ride.  We waited in line boarded the cart, and Richard decided NO WAY.  haha  Devin rode it and we walked around a bit more Devin talking Richard into riding the ride.  He explained how much fun he would have on this roller coaster.  It has TWO loops.  Well, after a little coaxing Richard decided again that he would go for it.  Again we boarded the cart.  This time got buckled in.  As soon as it begun to move Richard flipped his lid.  He was clinging to me, crying, begging to get off the ride.  At this point it was too late to change your mind.  Here we go up the hill.  Richard crying and clinging to my arm.  My heart was breaking listening to his cries, knowing I couldn't stop his fear.  At the top of the hill something changed, he realized he was ok.  He excitedly took every curve, hill and both loops.  Smiling laughing, loving every single second of it.  He ended up riding it again after that he loved it so much.  His spirit was always that of adventure.  I think this may have been one of the first times I saw a glimpse into his overcoming nature.  Roller coasters are scary, and fast.  Just like the monster that grew inside his head, yet just like that of the roller coaster.  It started out scary, and he was so unsure, and unwilling to go through the ride, but once it really began to take off, and he became aware that there was no turning back, he grabbed on with both hands and enjoyed every minute of his little life with all that he had in him. 

 

 

 

 

Post diagnosis one of my most favorite days with Richard was the day he "joined the Army".  He had chosen to be a Army Guy for Halloween last year.  He was so excited to wear his costume.  Our friend, who's husband is in the Navy and stationed out at Ft. Jackson, decided she'd talk to her  husband and see if Richard could get a tour of Ft. Jackson.  Alex made some calls, and then next thing we know Richard had two days in the military, doing drills, meeting people and graduating.  During this, we had lunch with the Drill Sergents.  (Y'all forgive my not getting titles correct or remembering names, I'm horrible with that. ) :O)  While sitting at lunch we were dining with the man who is in charge of the Drill Sergent School at Ft. Jackson.  He kept asking Richard if he was having a good time, and what he wanted to do there.  Not once but three times Richard said he wanted to crawl in mud.  Our day was planned out and on a schedule from start to finish, and not long after this lunch we were to get at McEntire Air Force Base.  What did he say in response to my son?  "Well let's go crawl in mud"  this was not in the agenda, and not something anyone had dressed or prepared for, but to make my son's day a little more special, he took him to the mud.  Seeing that boy crawl through the trenches with this man, and another Drill Sergent while many others were there shouting, and chanting Richard on was nothing short of amazing.  I struggled to find the video, I hope this link works for you.  http://instagram.com/p/hlyw9Aqc7b/

I miss my sweet guy, and thinking back at days such as these, I can see just how full his little life was.  To quote a line from mine and Rheagan's "Richard song" by Matthew West.... Save a Place For Me "I wanna live my life like you did"  I want to live my life as full as as with as much enthusiasm as Richard did.