To My Wondeful Grandfather: Robert Earl Fuqua (1930-2008)

It's so strange writing you a letter to tell you how I feel about you and how much you mean to me, knowing that you're gone. I should have taken the time to let you know all this before it was too late. I wish I could be there to give you a proper goodbye, but due to my military obligations this is the best that I can do and I know you of all people understand that. So, here it goes.

Besides my father, you have been one of the most influential men in my life, and you give me hope and faith in mankind. There was not a single person that came into contact with you that didn't love you (well, except for maybe a couple of people that crossed you in your younger days, ha ha). I know you are in heaven, looking down on us now feeling proud and blessed. You have a wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends that love you and will miss you more than you could possibly imagine. I only wish that my future children would have had the honor and the blessing to know you. If only I had the words to express just how much I love you and will continue to miss you every day. I will think of you when the sun shines and remember the family dinners and extra scoops of ice cream and special trips to the grocery store for that watermelon and how you scraped the corn off the cob so I wouldn't miss out because of my braces. I will think of you when it rains and lament the fact that you will not physically be able to be at special family events. I will think of you every time I tuck my dog tags into my battle dress uniform and feel proud of your commitment and service for our country.

For now, I will cry when I think of you, but I know it won't be long until I smile when I think of you because I know that you're in heaven – there aren't many people that deserve that blessing more than you do. You have always been a constant in all of our lives – a guide, and I know that even though you're gone physically, you are still with us spiritually helping us through the difficulties and sharing the joys with us.

Mom has promised to give you a kiss for me so make sure you get all that sugar! For now, I will leave you with this:


Do not Stand at my Grave and Weep by Mary Frye

"Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!"


I have always loved you and always will. There will always be a special spot in my heart for you.

Love,
Your Million Dollar Baby,
Rachel
Rachel Hill "Piccola" Evasive - 15 years, 1 month, 29 days ago

I lost my other German Shepherd on the September 26 around noon. Her name was Niki and was 8 years old. She had a very progressive cancer and she just died when I had her at the vet's office.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed more than you know.
Rachel Hill "Piccola" Evasive - 15 years, 7 months, 4 days ago

Well everyone, I lost my real pet this morning at about 4 AM. His name was Max and he was a German Shepherd. He was 9 years old and was in perfect health. Out of nowhere, his heart exploded and he just fell over dead. Luckily, I don't think he felt any pain.

Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be missed more than you know.
Rachel Hill "Piccola" Evasive - 15 years, 11 months, 12 days ago

Thinking about the relationships that I've had in the past got me thinking, and I have decided to do something for myself.

For the most part, I have ended up in relationships where I try SO hard and the other party just kind of coasts along. I'll make all the effort and I end up feeling like I'm bugging the crap out of that person or I'll be crazy surprised when HE calls for once. Done. I'm done with all that. I'm done with giving so much of myself and never getting anything back in return. The next time I get in a relationship, he better try as hard as I do. It's a 2 way street, and we both have to give 50/50 here, pal. If a guy wants to date me, he better realize that I'm not an easy catch, and he's going to have to put some effort into it. And for goodness sakes, call me every once in a while so I feel special. I think I'm worth that, at least.
Rachel Hill "Piccola" Evasive - 16 years, 2 months, 4 days ago