Well, I must tell you that I am more disappointed and depressed at missing this than I can describe. I loved Rick in a way that was profound. That was part of the magic of the man. I only knew him for a fraction of the time that most of his friends (who have since become my friends) did, but he had a dramatic impact on my life, and on my music. Many seek to experience miracles in the physical world. But I believe miracles happen on a different plane. My friendship with Rick and Heather is one of those. It is nothing short of miraculous that we connected in such a short time, and in such a way. One of the most gratifying moments of my life came when Rick was having a conversation with another friend about the Mudcat, and how the community (another of those miracles)defied the perception of Internet based communities. He was talking about the friends he had made and how they had become permanent, real, and had meaning. And then he turned to me and said, to demonstrate the permanence, "and this big guy and I will be very close friends forever". On reflection, that statement of our friendship and brotherhood, and the feeling it still evokes in me, is one of those rare, treasured memories that jump into my consciousness as I am drawing my last breath. Friday last I felt him with me as I was wondering if I would see another day, along with the other loved ones whose presence I constantly feel but who have travelled on. We had disagreements, sometimes I disappointed him, but he was my friend.

Peter T, you are one of the miracles that Rick bestowed on me. Thank you for giving such a beautiful voice to what we are all struggling to say. I am said to have a big heart. But you have a beautiful heart. I am so proud of you, and I cherish our friendship.

So, of all the disappointments in my life, not being able to perform "Voices of Struggle" for Rick, and with Paul, Bill, Grit, Glen, and all the rest of you, will rank up there among the highest. But my love for my friend Rick, and my eternal friend Heather, will always be there. And his influence on my music will germinate and bear fruit.   I promise.

With all the love this hurtin' old heart can muster,

Mick