Fabio_1924_061 Rick CarmodyRick Carmody photography for web page

Every now and then, a person unexpectedly crosses your path and you become instant and close friends. This was the case with my dearest friend Rick Carmody.

This pandemic has wreaked havoc on so many lives, mine included. I have not seen family nor many friends for over 15 months. With restrictions being lifted I was hoping to have lunch with Rick and have been attempting to contact him via phone, texts and emails. This morning I had insomnia and googled him....I was heartbroken and devastated to learn he had passed on December 14 of last year....the very day I was diagnosed with Covid.

I have been unable to think of much else today, and wanted to share my love for such a sweet, kind and caring individual. Twenty one years ago, I was aimlessly going through an estate sale home in my neighborhood, when I saw a neighbor and Rick. Stopping to chat, I was introduced to Rick as her "interior designer," and the rest we shall say is history.

My life was in a bit of shambles when we met and he became the lifeline I needed to help me through it. We talked and talked and talked. We had dinners together with my children, and it is because of him that I love the flower called the bells of Ireland. He always had kind words of encouragement and a smile for me every time we met. The cards he sent were spectacular and listening to his adventures were fascinating.

Rick's interior design business, Au Courant, kept him quite busy, and it took effort to schedule our lunches, but he always made time for me. My home has colors on the walls that he has chosen, which will always remind me of him.

We were messaging back and forth for my birthday in November, and he wanted to get together when he was feeling better...less than 30 days after that he was gone.

I heard a quote recently from my husband, he said "You only die once, but you live everyday." I wish with all my heart to have been able to see Rick again, but I have so many fond memories of his kind and gentle soul. I will miss him dearly and am eternally thankful for the friendship we had.

Addition: It has been over a month since I found out Rick passed, and still to this day, I am saddened that I can't pick up the phone and call him; we can't have lunch; or see his smiling face. I know how blessed I was having him as my friend. My advice to all...no matter how busy your life is...stay in contact with family and friends. A phone call, email or text will go along way in keeping the lines of communication open. Don't wait until it is too late. Life is so precious, as is our family and friends.

Richard J. Carmody   1955 - 2020

You ARE missed....