RAYMOND JOSEPH DRACKER

Happy birthday!!! I know I'm a little late, but there has been a lot going on down here. Body parts in; body parts out. I promise I don't mind being old. I just want to be old for a long, long time! I think of you often and Peggy and all of us are more relaxed talking about you -- actually saying your name out loud. It's always good stuff, funny stuff. You really did leave an impression. xoxo

I was up past midnight, and I really wanted to write something then, *but* I got all caught up reading the accounts from other newspapers. My goodness, you were a successful man -in all areas of your like. The world needs more of you; you taught us how to live. One newspaper accounting that I found interesting was the Bay City News: "Remembering Raymond Dracker." And I do remember you...I'm not kidding, I bet at least once a day your name pops into my head. And usually the accompanying...

Happy birthday, Ray. I am smiling; I never thought I would! Peggy and the rest of her sisters zoomed last night. I hoped you eavesdropped. My age is showing: I forgot! Several texts and phone calls later, I raced to the computer to check in. Everything is moving along down here. Peggy is flourishing, really, flourishing! Her work colleagues admire her and.....well, you KNOW what wonderful friends she has. She is witty and loving, generous and compassionate. I could learn a lot from the...

Hi my sweetheart, The wedding of Matt and Hanna was beautiful. I pictured you there and it made me happy and sad. So then I pictured you in heaven watching it all. I was able to find some comfort there. He is like you in so many ways Ray - that´s true for the girls too. Promise that you´ll help them make good decisions in life. You are good at that. I went to the cemetery on the 25th. I brought roses again - 5 this time since Hanna is now officially part of the family. I told her that while...

Oh Ray....if you only knew. But you do know, don't you? You always knew that your children would grow to be incredible adults. You and Peggy modeled what good, kind, loving behavior was all about. They learned well. They are young people who you *want* to be with. They interact well with us "old" people. I stayed in your au pair room last week. Peggy was downstairs. It felt like 12 years ago, EXCEPT it really was a very happy occasion. Matthew just got married to the SWEETEST young...

I went to Costco for your birthday and searched for something giant to buy and the kids said they would "build something" in your honor. :) You would be so proud of them, Ray. I see a part of you in each of them. We all miss you my sweetheart and love of my life. I give you a hug every night before I go to bed at night and close my eyes and imagine you are here with me. Keep smiling on us down here. We still need you. Forever. xoxo

Happy birthday, Ray! So many people remember you, love you, and miss you. xoxo

Once again, I am checking in. I promise you: you cross my mind every . single . day. Maybe it's recycling, maybe it's thoughts of Peggy, maybe it's Michael,, maybe it's kayaking, maybe it's my own marriage. Last night it was Costco! We were visiting the triplets and Sara had both refrigerators and one separate freezer FILLED with food. She explained that they buy everything on a grand scale.... . from Costco. Then I told them about your grand purchase of . . . salt!!! It still makes me...

Happy birthday. Ray. THIS time I think I have the day right! You would be surprised - or maybe Peggy would - at how often you cross my mind. Sometimes, when I think of Michael, I think of you too. Sometimes when I see the ocean, I think of you. And sometimes, when I think of Peggy, especially when I think of Peggy, I think of you. The world would be better with you in it. The rest of us are hanging on and trying hard. xoxo