19 Comments
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Susan Beckman's avatar

Thank you, Richard. This memorial tribute to a homecoming queen brings to mind the message that we should hold “celebrations of life” for the living, so we don’t miss the opportunity to share wonderful things about them while they’re here to hear them!

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Jill D Brosnahan's avatar

I love this one!

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Barb Mores Johnson's avatar

Another feel good story Richard,

Thanks for sharing

Barb Mores Johnson

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Katy Gammack's avatar

As always with your columns, Richard, this is wonderful and so touching!

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Richard Gilbert's avatar

Thanks Katy!

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Steven J Klaus's avatar

Dick, this is just a wonderful column, very touching, and one many people like my wife Sharon can relate to as she also moved to a new city while in high school due to her father's job transfer. Thank you for sharing this.

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Richard Gilbert's avatar

Steve— Thanks for your thoughtful note. Hope you’re well.

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Deba Leach's avatar

Sweet.

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Joe Gorton's avatar

I’m sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Your nice tribute to her lifted my spirits. Thank you.

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David Robbin's avatar

A lovely column, Richard, which I can clearly relate to.

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Jim Sayers's avatar

Thanks for the uplifting column. I am keeping the Angelou quote.

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KENNETH M QUINN's avatar

Richard, As with all of your pieces, this article has a poignancy that touches the heart and stimulates the memory. Your description of moving during high school and arriving "friendless" in a new setting, brought back my own experience in 1956 when my family moved from central Illinois to Dubuque just a week before I started high school. Ken

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Chuck Offenburger's avatar

This column goes right to the heart of living right in small town Iowa. And yet it has a lesson for all people everywhere: Extend your hand to someone who needs it. Great piece, Richard!

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Richard Gilbert's avatar

Thanks, Chuck. That’s something you do so well.

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birminghan1's avatar

Lovely.

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cheryl carvidson.com's avatar

So glad you attended. It clearly made a huge difference to the family!

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Mary Weaver's avatar

When every tv ad regarding political candidates seems so ugly, so heartwarming to read this message. Thank you Richard.

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Linda D Appelgate's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing that story. It is a wonderful reminder of that quote and what we can each do to make this world more welcoming and kind.

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Kathi Zimpleman's avatar

Oh my, Richard, this is a lovely read, simply lovely. Thank you.

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