i love you, Rick Smith

I am attending the viewing of one of the greatest men I have ever known tonight. When I think about this man, Rick Smith, I am mainly filled with joyous memories. After my accident, he paid special attention to my life. Prior to 2011, he was merely a good friend of my father’s. I would see him from time to time. We would respectfully exchange a handshake, and maybe I would tell him something funny. He would unequivocally laugh at my jokes because, in my opinion, I am a funny guy. But, who knows, maybe he just laughed to make me feel good. Because, as I said, he was a great guy. However, after my accident, he went out of his way to make me feel special. For no other reason than that he is a great person, he purchased the MC5K shirts. As the years went on, as the number of participants grew, 10 years in all, he continued to purchase the shirts (the awesome shirts) that we would give to the participants. So, anyone who came to the MC5K owes Rick Smith a thank you for providing them with warmth. Around St. Patrick’s Day, every year since my accident, he would bring me a Shamrock Shake because he knew I love those things. Every year from now on, as I drink a Shamrock Shake around St Patrick’s Day, I will think of Rick Smith and, holding back tears, I will smile.