The Last Request

In loving memory of Master Sensei Joseph R. Richardson

Please don't say that I gave up, just say that I gave in; don't say I lost the battle, for it was God's war to lose or win; please don't say how good I was, but that I did my best; just say I tried to do what's right, to give the most I could, not less; please don't give me wings or halos, that's for God to do; I want no more hat I deserve, no extras, just my due; please don't give flowers, or talk in real hushed tones; don't be concerned about me now, I'm well with God,I've made it home; don't talk about what could have been, it's over and it's done, just see to all my family's needs, especially the little ones; when you draw a picture of me, don't draw me a saint ;I've done some good, I've done some wrong, so use all your paint; not just the bright and light tines, use some grey and dark; in fact, don't put me on canvas, paint me in your heart; don't just remember the good times, but remember all the bad; for life is full of many things, some happy and some sad, but if you must do something then I have one request: forgive me  for the wrongs I've done, and with the love that's left, Thank God for my soul's resting, thank God for all who loved me, praise God who loved me best.

Daddy

The first thing that comes to my mind is that my daddy was funny! He laughed about everything. He LOVED children's company more that adult because he said that they were honest. My dad LOVED his family, near and far. He always answered the phone saying, I knew you would cal cause i was thinking of you. I know where he went, but saying goodbye is no easy task. I wanted just one more laugh, one more,"Hey grandma!" One more pep talk. He told me I was stronger than I thought and now I don't know about that. He was the first man to take me on a walk along the beach. The first man to have a candle light dinner with and taught me how I should be treated. He also showed me how to kick someone's butt if they tried me! Thank you for the karate! Daddy was the coolest man I knew! He would walk into a room of strangers and come out with a bunch of new friends! He told me that real women don't curse,(it is unattractive). He said that,no, is not always a bad thing. He said that he and I had a divine connection and I know we do. Compassion was something I know I got from my daddy. If you cried, he did too! If you were angry, he was even the more! There will NEVER be another like him! I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!!!