Today marks the tenth anniversary of Rick Sikes’ passing. It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve already lived ten years without him.
I don’t want to make this a sad post. I do want to remember, to honor a life well-lived, and found some pictures that I don’t think anyone has ever seen before.
We did lots of living and loving in the twenty-five years we got to be physically together! We built a home, raised a family, started businesses and made music. Isn’t it pretty incredible when you can cover a twenty-five year time-span with one sentence?
The first pictures I want to share were taken at Rick’s wake on May 3, 2009. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. I’m not going to put a lot of words and let the photos speak for themselves.
A few of the flowers from the funeral home. 
I brought out his guitar. It needed to be present! 
Just a small shot of the many folks who joined us for the wake to celebrate Rick’s life! 
My oldest daughter and myself. In the background L-R Gilbert Olinger on keyboards, Johnny Way on fiddle, The Texas Guitarman, Mr. Gene Fuller on Guitar, Denny Fulbright (Rick’s first guitar student) and Mr. John Beam. 
My siblings 
My brother 
My best friend in life, Kay. She stood beside me while Rick drew his last earthly breath. 
John Beam and Denny Fulbright – both loved Rick and he returned that love ten-fold! 
Mr. Sonny Throckmorton and myself. Sonny has had over twenty number-one hit songs and he admired and loved Rick.
And now a few photos looking backward.
Rick’s Number One Record in 1965 
Rick Sikes and the Rhythm Rebels 1960s 
Rick and Jan performing at a benefit concert in Mason, Texas 2001 
Myself, Rick and my best friend, Kay in New Orleans August 2002 
Rick and Jan in Las Vegas 2002 
Rick – backyard singing 2002 
Rick and I at our youngest daughter’s wedding in 2007 
Me and Rick at a Willie Nelson concert on April 29, 2003. It was our first venture out after the amputation 
Rick smiling – October 2004 
Rick, myself and our two daughters – October 2006 
Me and Rick livingroom singing 2006 
And that’s about it. I just wanted to share a few memories and celebrate A STORY TOLD – A LIFE LIVED…
Thank you for stopping by. I’ll leave you with this tune from Rick.
Your art brings him to life and serves as a tribute. You honor him in every way.
Thank you, Rob! I appreciate you stopping by!
I’m always so moved by your love for Rick and your love for each other. That’s magic, Jan.
Hugs across the miles, Jan. This is a treasured celebration of enduring love. Thanks for sharing this with us. XO
Thank you, Natalie!
What a lovely tribute to a man who was clearly the love of your life. {{hugs}} <3
Thank you, Staci. Hugs back!
Beautiful memories, Jan. I can tell from the photos the love you and Rick shared.
Thank you, Joan. I am glad you stopped by!
What a lovely tribute, Jan. Your love story is touching and inspiring. I know he is looking down on you and loving your beautiful soul still.
Thank you for stopping by, Mary. I appreciate your sweet comment. Hugs!
I feel your pain and rejoice in your memories of joy shared during your 25 years together.
Thank you, John! I am happy you stopped by today!
I loved all the pictures and song, Jan. I felt the love coming through this blog as much as I did in your books. Beautiful post. Sending lots of hugs.
Thank you SO much for stopping in, Denise, and for leaving a comment. Hugs back to you, my dear!
Thanks for sharing precious pictures and memories Jan. My heart goes out to you for celebrating your love in this manner. Stay blessed.
Thank you, Balroop! I appreciate your comment.
The photos are amazing, Jan, clearly reflecting the love you and Rick had for each other, and the esteem in which others held him. Beautiful song, too, and so fitting for this post.
The shot of you adding Rick’s guitar to the flowers really got to me.
Wishing you a peaceful day of loving reflection. {{hugs}}
Thank you, Dear Mae. I wrote him a long letter last night and it felt so good just to tell him everything on my mind. I wish I knew just how much they can see and know from the other world. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment! Hugs back!
What a great way to honor his memory with that letter. I’m sure it made you feel closer to him. What a reunion you will have in Heaven someday! 🙂
What a beautiful browse through your photos, Jan. A sad post, but also a celebration of the time you had together. <3
Beautiful tribute, Jan. A tribute to a full life of love.
That it was, John. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment!
😊
A beautiful homage to your wonderful hubby, Jan. I enjoyed the pictures and music. Thank you for sharing this sweet and moving post. <3 xo
Thank you, Vashti. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment!
It’s always a pleasure. 🙂
For eternal love, such anniversaries exist to deepen said love <3
I agree, Annette. I wrote him a letter last night. That felt really good! Thanks for stopping by, my friend. Hugs!
Jan, warm hugs to you on this anniversary. ❤️ Your post shines with the love and affection between you both – and wow, what a sentence to sum up your life! Incredible twenty-five years together. Rick lives on through you and your family memories, and for us who never knew him, through his music. I’m loving the song, so tender and full of affection … a beautiful duet! xx
Thank you SO much for your heartfelt comment, Annika!! Hugs!
So awesomely lovely, Jan. Thank you for sharing.🤗
Thank you for stopping by, Linda!
Dear dear Jan, what a beautiful reflection. You’ve taken the past and brought it into the present, showing us love ever present. ✨❤️✨
Thank you, Gwen. I am happy you stopped by and left a comment! Hugs!
Jan- Hugs from me to you. You & Rick were an amazing couple. After reading your books and hearing your life story, I truly feel like I knew you both forever. Hold on to all these precious memories, they will carry you through. True love is a rare finding, but you both definitely had true love, that’s a fact. Love you Sweetie and you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Tonya. Your words are always full of love and encouragement. I appreciate you and glad you stopped by today. Love you too!