Sandy, Marion - I think we all know how much you loved Rick and how hard this must be for you. This goes for all those of you who haven't checked in or have written only a few words, Rick knew I wrote things out and sometimes never shut up. I can multi-task: write and cry at the same time. For me, it's part of the healing process - I remember and sort out my thoughts. Writing or not has nothing to do with how much we loved him...love him, just how each of us deals with grief. It's OK.

Something else Rick made me think about, and believe: similarities draw us together, but it's our differences that make us interesting to one another. He was very understanding of those differences and never would have liked living in a world where everyone thought just like he did. Whatever anyone's thinking or feeling right now, whatever you do or don't do, write or don't write: if you knew Rick, you know he'd understand. I do, and I offer my love to anyone who misses him, whether you write or not, whether I know you or not.