Rest In Peace Richard

My grandfather was a mortician (funeral director.) He used to say that death always comes in threes. Today, I have found that to be true.

A little over a week ago I wrote about my aunt's unexpected death. During the time home with my family, I commented that I would like to attend a funeral where I was not part of the family mourning. Today, I ran the sound for a funeral in the church where I work. The woman was 102 years old. She lived an amazing, godly life.

However, about an hour before the funeral, I received a call from my dad. He had the same tone as when he called to tell me about my aunt. I knew the tone because I had so recently heard it. He told me that my high school classmate Richard Carlson had died. His passing is so tragic, because in my heart I believe that God had a different plan for his life.

Richard was always a goofball. In our class of 18 - he always had a smile on his face. He was also one of 6 in my Sunday School class.

Here are some of my memories of Richard:

- On our communion retreat, Richard dared Ryan LaMont to drink all the leftovers off of everyone's plate and Ryan did it! They were very good friends in elementary.

- Throughout school Richard would always tease Emily about being "rich". The particular taunt that sticks in my mind is the daily comment about her golden toilet. Emily would just laugh in response - they both enjoyed that interaction.

- In high school, during a Friday history class when we were playing that current events game, Richard was flicking a pencil off his desk. One of the times that he flicked the pencil, it flew up my nose. Neither the teacher nor the other team understood why we were all laughing so hard.

I will always remember Richard with a smile on my face and I am deeply saddened that life got the better of him. I pray for peace for his family and those most affected by this tragic passing.