Sad news...

Death has a profound way of stopping us in our tracks and making us wish we would have made one more phone call, sent one more card, paid one more visit. Ron, you were my first mentor of Denver.  You taught me to navigate the streets, to appreciate landmarks, to back a pick-up into a dock, and to notice little things nobody else could.  Riding around in the little red truck, talking about the past in full color like we could both see it on the dash, sharing stories about our families, and feeling the wind blowing through the cab... Ron, you always made me feel important.  You always took the time to notice or ask about how I was.  I can picture you like you are sitting next to me, thumbing through your beard with your cap and sunglasses on, coffee in your other hand.  I can hear you voice, chuckling.  I remember riding up to staff retreat in your truck and playing taboo with you and Steve, Beth and Jesusita, Britta and Sarah...some funny clues you gave for sandals. I am sad it has been two years since we visited.  I think you would really like Tom...soon to be my husband.  He's a handy guy like you...remember cleaning Liz's corroded car battery with a coke and a steel brush?  Tom would have liked meeting you, too.  You'd approve, but tell him to take good care of me anyway.  I am sorry I didn't make one more phone call, but know you were often in my heart.  May you rest in peace. love, tori