Raf's leetle mooolteeeplyeee saaayyyt.

A dear friend of my dear friends passed away last night... and even tho I wasn't anything more than a passing acquaintance to this person... I can see the wave of emotion and the power he wielded through his friends just by his being... gone.  But I can also see the strength and will of the man through these selfsame friends.  They won't let go quickly, or silently, or passively.  They will let the world know that their dearest friend was a man of substance, of worth and that the powers that be had better judge him favorable for he is a good man. 

I always imagined that at the point of death... you are judged.  Evidence is called on all your deeds, good and bad, and tallied together to see what you've made of your life.  Most people pass the part where they did no wrong to other people but fail miserably in the part where they did no wrong to themselves.  Many many many souls opt to take the casual route... make enough money... get a bed to sleep on and an occasional drink.  It would be a lucky lucky night if they got laid then and there.  But really... its more than that.  Everyone should (ideally) do what makes them happy, what gives them passion, challenge themselves constantly and allow themselves to express their thoughts and feelings freely for other people to admire.  Create out of nothing, all of you... for it is better than to be handed something that has already been done by someone else.

Wouldn't it be better to face God and say... I made a lot of money but I left it behind... but I also have a lifetime of full memories... some good, some bad... but all fulfilling and enriching in my life and in others.  This I can take with me even beyond death.

Of the little I know of Ricky... I have assumed that he HAS taken the harder path and has been given his greater reward:  Wonderful friends and family who will mourn his passing then remember him fondly for the rest of their days... a great life that no one can deny happened... and he did all he could do to the best of his abilities.  These are things that nothing on heaven or earth can take away.

Good job Ricky... godspeed.  I hope to meet you again someday... somewhere.