Lawrence (Larry) D. Picha (1St Cousin)
I am the youngest of 3 siblings of my cousin Richards' Aunt Mildred (Mitzi) Higdon-Picha.
I grew up knowing my cousing Richard, 6 years my senior, and looking up to him. I remember his laugh, his kindness, and his smile. As children, we all knew Richard and his siblings had difficult lives - we all knew exactly why. I loved Richard greatly. We never understood why in those days adults did not try to fix or help the situation or remove him from the abuse and cruelty of his father. Honestly I think that Richard's pain is cummulative from childhood. I know that people, his relationships, in his adult life took advantage of him and took him for granted.
I cannot say that I knew him well enough to speculate about what drove him to take his own life. I regret I did not have the opportunity to know him better or contribute to his well being. I wish his young children well and hope that they are well provided for by his wife's family.
I believe that Richard is a valid and vibrant soul and that no matter, he endures:
"If god doesn't like the way I lived [or died], let him tell me, not you."
-anonymous