Richard died in November of 1996 but I could not write a Christmas Card last year. This is the card I sent for Christmas 1997 except it did not have any pictures on it.
If I could have chosen a time for Richard to leave me, it would never have been when our children were young. He was such a loving and compassionate father, so helpful and he loved to take the family on fun trips and give us the life he never had as a child.
And it would never have been when the children were young adults, Richard was such a help to them in making decisions about schooling and jobs and buying homes--always available for whoever needed him.
And it would never have been when we were alone after some twenty years--he was always such a good friend and supportive in every way--he made me feel of worth and loved. And through his great love for people I shared his many friends and family.
But he did leave after thirty-seven years of marriage--and just before the special family time of Thanksgiving and Christmas--at a time when we were closer and more needful of each other than every before it seemed. He left me with a little puppy friend Bandido--but words can't express the loneliness of this past year.
But I remember kneeling at the altar and hearing the words "For time and all eternity" and I am strengthened. Someday we will be together again. More than ever I understand that the cares of this world are but a moment and only the things of the spirit will we take with us. Perhaps I have been left alone so I can learn to give of myself the way Richard did.
I send my love to all of Richard's friends and family and express appreciation for all the concern that has been shown me this past year. Especially I appreciate the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that He lives and because He lives, we all shall live again.
MAY YOU HAVE A VERY JOYFUL
CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!
Richard C Hardy
Aug 25, 1931--Nov 27, 1996
A Short Life, Well Lived, In Service of Others