Rico Time

Fall. October in the railroad earth, my favorite Kerouac expression. The sun lower in the sky now, shadows grandiloquent. October my birthday month. But before my birthday on October 17 comes Rico’s birthday on October 5. Rico, his given name Richard Rees, would be turning seventy-five this year were he still alive, and he is still alive in the hearts and minds of those who loved him.

When Rico died in 2020, I posted a series of articles about him on this blog entitled The Rico Chronicles. Re-reading them today is an emotional roller coaster for me: tears, laughter, grief, joy, tears, laughter, gratitude. I’m glad I wrote those memories to remind me of what a love light Rico was for me and the world.

What do I miss most about Rico? I miss talking to him and being heard as only he could hear me because he knew me so well and wanted me to be happy. I miss his reflexive kindness. I miss that we were each other’s biggest fans.  

fin

Rico a piano/cello composition from Todd’s album Through the Fire