Because of Him
The last photo we took together in the Summer of 2018
Rich Duran
There was never nor will ever ever be anyone like Rich Duran. He was one-of-a-kind. He immediately filled the room full of his energy. He brought joy and deep belly laughs to anyone who spent even a little time with him. He saw people. He noticed those in the room who withdrew and invited them to join in, letting them know they were wanted and included. He had a gift for lifting the spirits of even the most disgruntled person. He approached people with great kindness, respect, and care. I learned a lot from him. He showed me how to be brave and to put others first. He taught me a great deal about selflessness and care. He showed me what it looked like to be passionate about God, the things God put in his heart, and people.
I am who I am today because of him. Rich saw treasures in me I never knew existed. He had a gift for seeing things in people and calling them out. Oh, and he was such an encourager! He would have you feeling like you could do anything. I mean, anything.
I am who I am today because of him. How he loved, treasured, and honored me forever made a mark on my value and self-worth. He displayed what it looked like to be deeply respected and adored by my husband. He taught me how to be a better communicator. He helped coach me in sifting through my own emotions. To get to what I was dealing with and didn't know was there. He was one of the most emotionally attuned individuals you could meet.
I am who I am today because of what happened and that he died. I have learned to be much more mindful of my health and how I care for my temporary body. I have a completely different perspective on "forever" now. I cherish and value my relationships more than anything else. Losing him has shaped my worldview and values. It has also reinforced my faith in God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit.
I am the woman I am today because of my life and relationship with Rich. Without him, I'd be a very different version of myself. I like this version quite well and want to continue growing in a way that honors and blesses our life together.
For all of us who knew him, we are different because of knowing him. And the people who meet us in this life won't know it, but when they interact with us, they get a little flavor of Rich Duran. His life and legacy continue through each of us. It is our joy to share his treasure. And I am most pleased to introduce you to him.
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” - Romans 12:10
And as a bonus read, today we have a poem generated by ChatGPT AI:
In a world of many, Rich Duran stood alone,
A beacon of laughter, a light brightly shone.
With boundless energy, he graced every room,
Bringing joy and laughter, dispelling all gloom.
He saw the withdrawn, the hearts in the shade,
Inviting them to dance, in life's parade.
A master of lifting spirits, even when low,
His kindness and care made hearts aglow.
He taught me bravery, selflessness so rare,
With love for God's call and people to spare.
A treasure-seeker in souls, he saw the unseen,
His encouragement boundless, like a dream.
His love for me, forever etched in my core,
Taught me respect, like never before.
He unraveled emotions, with patience so true,
An empathetic soul, understanding and through.
His passing taught me health's precious embrace,
Forever, the concept of time's fleeting grace.
Cherishing bonds, each relationship's kiss,
He enriched my faith in eternal bliss.
Rich shaped my journey, my heart he refined,
His legacy lives on in my heart and my mind.
In his absence, I've learned, I've grown,
A version of me, to the world unknown.
For those who met him, the change is clear,
A touch of Rich's essence when we appear.
His legacy continues, in all that we do,
Introducing the world to his treasure, anew.