A Final Entry

Ten days before Don died, I (brother Bob) took him up to some favorite lakes above his Fairfax home. This would be his last walk outside. I asked him how he was doing. He could have gone the route of saying how unfair it was or how scared he was or how much it all sucked, but instead he smiled and said ‘I have no regrets; life has been sweet’. I'll never get close to touching Don’s writing in his blog, but based on our last conversations, I tried to imagine what his final entry might look like. Here's what I think he'd have to say to his family and friends:

"I’m ok. Actually, I’m great. The views are unbelievable. Better than anything google earth could provide . . . and no cell phones! There’s a slight breeze but I can’t describe the co-mingling of scents yet; it’s a mix of spring mornings in Yosemite, cottonwoods along the Yukon and San Juan rivers, Costa Rican flowers, the salty smell of Stinson Beach near the top of the Dipsea course, my mom’s kitchen, and my wife’s shampoo softened hair. The trail is generally level through towering trees and wide open meadows, like one of my favorites near Lake Lagunitas. Importantly my legs don’t ache, my lungs are clear, and I don’t have to wear that nuisance of a neck brace. Jane there really aren’t too many switchbacks and definitely no ziplines, garage sales are unending, and you can dicker all you want. And there are beaches to visit in every direction. Matt, there are no fishing limits or seasons and the man doesn’t tax you here. Jessie, you can dance whenever you want, for as long as you want. And Violet, my granddaughter, playgrounds are adult free zones! My brothers and sisters should know that the Giants always win. Tom, interestingly, there are still schools here but summer vacations are 11 and half months long and only administrators have to attend.

Finally, friends and family, share your hearts with the world and don’t let your grief interfere too much with living, and laughing, and loving as if there is no tomorrow. Please take one of Jena’s 1001 cranes and pass it on to someone in need.

I’m ok."

Donald Michael Ritchie (1 November 1946-1 June 2009)

More To Come

Don's brother Bob spoke at Don's services and part of what he talked about was what Don's blog would be from Heaven. Bob is taking a few well deserved days off at Tahoe, but plans on posting it very soon. Stay tuned....