Rio Nicholas - Remembrances

Invocation at anniversary of Rio's parting

A resting place for the dead, A sanctuary for the living

We are gathered here today in memory of our beloved son, brother and friend Rio Nicholas. We gather together to observ e remembrances of the anniversary of his death. A remembrance of his life. A Remembrance of his accomplishments and deeds. A remebrance of his character and spirit. and lastly and perhaps most importantly a remembrance of what duties, obligations, and gifts we, the living, share.
If we are to have Rio's or any other of our loved ones memories who have passed on to the glorious kingdom beyond death then we have a responsibility, an obligation to live our lives to the fullest to be productive and happy. If we are to honor those departed we are duty bound to live by the golden rule, observe the ten commandments, and never give in to adversity. If we with to honor those departed we must recognize and acknowledge the gifts that God has given us. The gifts of friendship and brotherhood that bouy us up in time of sorrow. The gift of hope. and most important the gift of love that God has givin us allong with the promise of eternal life in the heavenly kingdom.
I thank God for the legacy Rio has left: his wonderful friends who have been so supportive and helpful and Loyal. I thank God for all of our thoughtful friends who have shown so may unselfish kindnesses and they are the lamp that lights our path through this world and the mysteries of life.