When we think of the word “Anniversary,” it most often conjures up good memories, happy times and celebrations.
That is not exactly the case with this anniversary. I have a hard time comprehending that seventeen years have passed since Rick Sikes left his physical body.
I usually try to do something on this day to commemorate his life, his talents, and his work. I’ve written poems, created a video, baked a cake, cried, drank whiskey, looked at photos and videos and remembered….
Always remembering.
We had lots of good times and that’s what I prefer to hold onto. But at the same time, over the years I’ve faced and acknowledged what would be labeled as “bad times.” It’s life. Some of it’s good, some bad and some in between, but mostly it’s a precious gift that flies by way too quickly.
And despite the intense love we shared, we still didn’t get it right. Maybe there isn’t a “right.” Perhaps that’s only an illusion.
Someday, there is a story I hope to find the courage to write. If I can find the right words to really convey what happened, I will capture it.
In the meantime, I’ll just share a few photos of the beautiful art he left me. I treasure each piece.
Thanks for indulging me. I’m not looking for sympathy, or really anything. Just sharing.
Discover more from Jan Sikes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
♥️♥️♥️
Those are some beautiful keepsakes.
Thanks, Craig. I treasure them!
My parents would love all that art. The SW style is their favorite. That framed honor is so nice. In prison–wow. Must be quite the story.
I love all the SW style art Rick left with me. They are all treasures. It is quite the story and although it took me four books to write it (my first published books), it was worth every ounce of effort. Thank you for stopping by!
Those art pieces are wonderful, a great way to remember him by. I think all relationships have their ups and downs but that doesn’t mean we didn’t truly love the other person. It just means that things get complicated.
Thank you for visiting, Pooja. I’m glad you enjoyed this small sampling of Rick’s art. And you are so right about relationships. There is no such thing as perfection and of course, as life unfolds, things can get complicated.
You’re most welcome and yes I think that’s very much it.
Thanks so much for sharing Rick’s art, Jan. He was quite talented! I liked your reminiscence about the good and the bad in relationships. I think most (all) relationships are imperfect, giving us valuable opportunities not only to love, but to grow and forgive. It’s a universal story, and if you have the desire, I hope you write yours one day. Hugs, my friend.
All true, Diana. I wrote mine and Rick’s story in my first four books, but the story I want to share came after he’d passed away and I still don’t fully understand it. I think that’s why I haven’t been able to find the words. Thank you for stopping by!
<3
This is a lovely, honest and personal post – thank you for sharing it with us, Jan! xx
My pleasure, Terry. Thank you for visiting!
Wow! What an amazing talent. This is a wonderful way to celebrate his life ❤️
Thanks for stopping by, Esther!
A lovely tribute to Rick’s talent, Jan. Thanks
My pleasure, John. Thanks for dropping by!
Jan, these “anniversaries” are never easy. Rick was so creative and he left you with tons of beautiful things. He loved and appreciated beauty and could find it in almost anything. Life and marriages are filled with good times and bad. God didn’t promise us easy. Love you, sister!
You are so right, sister. God never promised an easy life and I certainly never chose easy. 🙂 Thank you for dropping by! Love you.
Thank you for sharing Rick’s artwork with us, Jan! I particularly like all the ceramics.
Thanks, Liz. I have SO much more, but ran out of time to take more pictures. 🙂
What a talented guy! Perfection is often an illusion. We just do the best we can through life’s ups and downs. Wishing you lots of forever good memories, Jan.
I totally agree, Pete. Perfection does not exist in this world. And yes, we do the best we can with what we have where we are and always move forward with love. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment. Have a great weekend!
It’s nice that Rick gave you so much artwork, Jan, and making notice of it on the day he left is not a celebration of the end of his life on earth.
Thank you, Tim. I think since we make note of the day we come into this life, we should also note the day we leave. I treasure the art pieces for sure.
Yes, Jan! 😍
Rick was a very talented artist as well as a musician. Creativity is often expressed in more than one way by people. Nothing in life is easy in my opinion. I’ve had to fight for everything in my life from education to work to my relationships with all the people close to me. No one is perfect and we have to let go of a lot.
I love your comment so much, Robbie. And I have to agree with you that nothing in life is easy and yet it’s an adventure from day one to the last. No one is perfect for sure and there is no perfect situation. Yes, we have the ability to enjoy life to the fullest – all the ups and downs and in-betweens. Everything that has happened in the past has brought us to who we are today. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment!
Rick’s creations are amazing. The ceramics in particular draw my eye. So beautiful!
Thanks, Priscilla. I do treasure these special pieces.
Hugs to you, Jan – he was incredibly creative
Thank you, Toni. I feel your hugs!
He was truly creative! I’m happy you still have some of his creations to admire. 🙂
I do, and I treasure them, Yvette. Thank you for visiting!
I know what you mean Jan about anniversaries but a time of loss is a time that always comes to my mind and this is a wonderful celebration of Rick’s life… Life is not perfect but it certainly is always interesting. ♥♥
You are so right, Sally. Life is never perfect, but is always interesting. Thanks for visiting!