Introduction

Hi Everyone,

My name is Carlyn, and I live in the Ft. Lauderdale area. I joined this site because a very dear friend of mine was killed in a hit-and-run accident in May. My friend Rick, whom I called my "little brother" was on his bicycle in Back Bay Boston around 2am when a drunk driver rear ended him, sent him airborne, and then dragged him down the street while trying to flee. My friend died a day later. He was only 29. Rick was a kind, smart, funny man. He made people laugh; he cared passionately about injustices; he ate more than any man I've ever known. I called him a human garbage disposal and bought him groceries when he was broke. 

My friend was going to learn to sail at the time of his death; I could picture him joining a round-the-world sailing crew and posting pictures from amazing places. He went to Israel on birthright; went to Spain, Burning Man, etc. He learned to firespin. 

I feel like part of me is missing now. His death was so cruel and unnecessary. I'm grateful I was able to attend his memorial service, but the trial for his killer is ongoing. Part of me wants the man to go to jail for a very long time; the other part of me knows that won't bring Rick back.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling, but as you can clearly tell, I'm still sorting out my emotions. 

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Comment by Niomi Johnson on November 9, 2017 at 8:15am
I’m sorry that happened to Rick and that you are dealing with it now. Losing someone who isn’t even thirty is an extra layer of pain. You don’t have to feel guilty for wanting that drunk driver to pay for what he did. Even if it won’t bring rick back, you deserve to feel however you feel about this. Good luck.
Comment by Billy Jo Colt on August 28, 2017 at 5:00pm

Hi Carlyn, first of all, here is a special hug from Bonnie Scotland. No doubt your friend would have made it here. Any loss is a sad one, especially when it is so sudden and the fault of someone who is drunk at the wheel of a car. They will never realise just what they have done fully. Your friend Rick was so young with so much potential in life and sounds like loads of enthusiasm as well as a fantasticd appetite. I can imagine your pain every time there is another step towards a trial and subsequent verdict. I'm on the fence with this one as the driver was drunk and tried to escape justice and should be given the highest sentence possible. I think death is too easy for him. He should be in jail and endure what prison life deals him. He can live with his or her demons every day. Then maybe in time feel remorse for what they have done. They can't do that dead. Keep your friends memory inside you forever and make sure you see him always smiling. It will take time for you to travel on this journey of grief. there is no time limit to grieving. Thanks for sharing and you certainly didn't ramble on. What you said came from the heart. huggs, John

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