Rest Well, Julie McLaughlin, my sister, I Miss You!!

I HATE CANCER!!!! Rest Well, Julie McLaughlin, my sister, I Miss You!!!

That is the message I wrote in the snow on Mt Roberts in Juneau, AK today when her memorial was taking place in Puyallup, WA!

I was unable to attend the memorial service so I had to figure out a plan B. I spend my morning thinking of a perfect place to spend her memorial and I saw new snow. So, I was going to hike to snow at the top of Mt Roberts, There is a cross called Father Brown's cross. I made it to the cross and was able to spend some time in remembrance of my sister and those whom she loved so very much. I wrote my message and said goodbye.

It is funny how sadness and grief works. I would be walking and suddenly a memory or thought would pop into my head which would take me back to Julie and Bill's life and there would be tears. I was glad that it was raining. Many times, I had to wipe my eyes. The thought also came to me that if she was mad at me for not attending the memorial, I might get hit with lightning or eaten by a bear - neither happened, so I will take that to mean that she understands.

I want to say to Bill, Shannon and Scott that I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have attended but I would have come back to a big mess. This was simply not the time for me to leave my students.

It is a rainy day today so not many people on the trails. I ran into two people near the top - that was all. I was so pleased to have the mountains to myself - mostly.

Thank You to Brianna and Ashley, my daughters for going to Julie's Memorial - it means a lot to me. Thank You to my niece Kim for reading something which I had written during the ceremony. I was quite surprised to find out that it was read during the service.

Love to all! I intentionally stayed away from people today, so I could quietly spend time in quiet thought for my sister and those with whom she loved.

People don't cry for the departed, they cry for themselves and the changes they must face. For me, it is kind of scary to see Julie die before 65, Marvin die before 65 and my father also died before 65. Being almost 62 - I guess I should consider what I would like to do the next 5 years.

No pictures were taken today. I was up in the clouds. It was either rain or snow and I did not even take a camera.

Goodbye Julie!!! You lived a wonderful life!!! You left a legacy for others to follow. You and mom showed others how to live but you also showed us how to die. Nobody is going to get off this earth alive afterall.

I love you, Sis. Thank You for spending your childhood helping to raise me..

Your snotty nosed little brother who loved to stomp right through the middle of the mud puddles when you were in charge of me. Giving me the exlax chocolate bar was not funny though - to me anyway. I can still hear you and Gene yelling at me to get out of the bathroom. I tied it up for a long time.

Love,

Rich