Richard came to us so fragile and sweet.  He was so tiny at birth and we all knew  he was special from the day he made his presence on this earth.  I rememer so many hysterically, funny, moments throughout his life as a little boy and later as a young man.  He was an example to us all on humility and kindness and he loved us all so much as we did him.  I am so grateful to have shared such a beautiful gift from God.  I miss you everday Richard and the ache in my heart has not subsided since the day your spirit left this earth.

Richard was always happy, and I never knew him to be angry or hold a grudge towards anyone.  He loved life as much as those that were blessed to know him in turn loved him.  He was never one to complain about anything, and was always thankful for everything.  I hold him in high esteem, and know that God graced this Earth by sharing a miracle with us; although his life was not long lived his memory will be.  It seems as if only people such as Richard are here with us for only a short while, and it has become obvious to me why! Because God wants such individuals to be with him for he is the author of life, and determines how long we are to stay.  For Richard his life was short in years, but the Glory that he sent back to God by the manner in which he lived was more then what most people would be able to do in 100 years.  I don't pretend to know why Richards life was taken so tragically, perhaps it was to remind us of how Christs life was taken so tragically.  I know he served God, and when he returned to him in Spirit he was given a body that will never be sick, or grow old, or lack for anything; and on his head he wears a crown with many jewels symbolic of all that he did to glorify the name of Jesus, while he was here on Earth with us.  I suppose in short even when he was bad he was good, and as Christ said it is not what goes into ones body that defiles him, but what comes out that does.  Richard I know that you are here as I write these things about you, and can hardly wait until one day we can play some one on one again. Love Uncle Paul

I sit here with tears in my eyes reading the stories from the family, of the love we shared with Richard.  That's who we are, "rooted in love."  Richard was a huge part of our lives, he made us smile. He was a survivor from birth.  Never complaining about anything and always happy with whatever life handed him.  God gave us Richard to show us how to live, never complaining, always smiling and so caring, always at peace with everyone.  Never  a hurtful word to anyone. The Mestas family misses Richard, he was a brother to Scooter and a son to Charles and myself.  I am thankful for the love we shared.  So many memories, and I am thankful for every one of them.  Six hard years have passed, but it's okay, cause we had twenty five good ones.  Knowing how our family can take the time to continue to appreciate our blessings makes me smile right back at Richard's pictures, cause that is what Richard was to us, a blessing. 

Every story about Richard begins and ends with a great big smile. He was a phenomenal person that cared more about other's happiness than his. His energy source was pleasing other people and his smile was infectious. Not a day goes by I have selfish thoughts of him still being physically on earth with me, just one more time. One more time to hear his laugh. One more time to split a 12 pack with. One more time to split a phatty with. One more time to shake hands with. One more time to not cry with the thought he will never be here again. I considered him my little brother and looked out for him the same. He will never be forgotten and will always be in my thoughts.