The stunning view from the restored chapel on the Hudson River where we celebrated Rick’s life.

It was beautiful. Rick was one of the most extraordinary men I’ve ever known. (And I’ve known quite a few extraordinary men.) We arrived a little early, which turned out to be a good thing, because we got to have a few quiet moments with Rick’s widow, Michele. She’s lost a lot of weight. Rick’s battle with this rare strain of pneumonia lasted four months. He was in the ICU for four months and I’m sure she was with him every day. I cannot fathom how hard this must have been for her.

Rick came from a big family and his siblings shared stories about him. His friends shared stores about him. He was a banker who took an early retirement so he could pursue his real passions; music and art. He painted this very view that you see here – gorgeous paintings of the mountains and the river. They were incredibly detailed. He played several instruments. He had a recording studio in his home (where he produced the CD Don made with his friend Dan Bonis.) He had children and grandchildren. He was adored by his siblings, his friends, his fellow artists and musicians.

Michele was the last to speak. They performed as a duo called Open Book and they played and sang together with extraordinary harmonies. They had been together twenty years and when Michele said “How can I never sing with him again?” my heart broke. She also used the exact same words I use about Don. “He was everything to me.”

Such profound words, filled with yearning for what was.

The celebration was beautiful and moving and I’m so glad we were able to attend.

Don thinks there will be a musical celebration of Rick’s life in the future. I hope so. How blessed we were to have known him.

It’s been a tough week. Did I mention that Don was in a fender bender earlier in the week? Yeah. That happened, too.

We’re laying low today. Time to take a break.

Stay safe.

Happy Sunday.