I picked up Richard Rioux's book about a month ago and was awed by the beauty of its contents. Truly, he saw the beautiful energy, or soul, of his surroundings.

I was inspired by reading his story. Having just moved to Stevenson Ranch, I thought, what a coincidence ... his name is Richard, my name is Richard; one of his daughters is named Regina, my mom's name was Regina. I can't wait to meet this man.

Needless to say, when I started doing Internet research I was shocked and disappointed to learn of Richard's untimely death -- just three weeks after the death of my mother.

I am sad -- sad for the community and very deeply saddened for Richard's family. I know what it is like to lose a shining spirit (as in my mother).

I would like Richard's family to know that he touched my life, nearly a year after leaving theirs. It doesn't make it any less painful, but it might help to know he's still working on Earth.

So each day, as I give what I consider my best efforts to help make the world a little kinder, gentler and safer, I will be thinking about what I've recently learned from Richard Rioux. God bless!

RICH BOERNER

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