Am reading the other posts here and they made me smile – I love hearing stories about your past, some of which I knew, most I did not. I miss you so very much! When we met – was in 1995 or could it be 1996 – I had no idea that we would become lifelong friends, and the impact you would have on my life. While working together at Morrison & Foerster, we shared so many laughs and great times. I remember how you loved shoes…funky cool shoes…and you had pictures of them all over your cubicle! I remember going to Yosemite for a work trip – and how caring and nurturing you were to my friend who had just been diagnosed with cancer. I remember leaving you voicemails when I was in Hawaii…teasing you that I was in Hawaii and you were, well, at work. I remember your doing the same to me when you traveled abroad to Italy – I loved listening to your messages – you were so filled with joy and life and you were doing what you loved to do best – travel. I remember that you taught me all about the internet! I had no idea what you were talking about (what the heck is a browser?!). You were also the person who taught me how to text on cell phone…oh lordy those days seem so long ago but yet not really. You taught me so much – too much to write here – but most importantly you taught me how to appreciate and embrace every single day, and to enjoy the incredible beauty that surrounds us – the beach, the flowers, the birds, the sunshine. I learned so much from you. I learned the most when you were diagnosed. Your incredible outlook on the disease and life itself were beautiful and inspiring and touched my soul. YOU taught me so much about loving, living in the moment, gratefulness, and doing good for others. I am so honored to have been your friend. I honestly believe I am a better person for knowing you. I thank God every day for that. As others have said, you are now one with the ocean – and we are looking up to you everyday as you are us. Much love to my dear friend Ricki. Love, Sara

When you lived in San Clemente and we visited a few years back a Jack Johnson song was playing in the background. Whenever I here any of his songs I think of you, especially this song ‘Only the Ocean.’

I met Ricki 25 years ago when we were both looking for someone to share an apartment in Scottsdale, Arizona. We met one afternoon, and spent several hours together drinking lemonade, our connection was immediate. We laughed like we had known each other for years. Although we only lived close in proximity for a short time, our friendship remained strong and lasting. She was family to me. Her optimism was infectious, even when she was handed a horrible diagnosis.

One of my favorite memories of Ricki is when after my divorce she was staying with me and visiting her grandmother Fay. It always made me smile that she called her by her first name. We went hiking up Squaw Peak and I “released” my wedding band from the top of the mountain in a gesture of letting go. Ricki’s face lit up because she had also gone through a divorce. She was so excited to do the same with her ring at the ocean. It was so important to her to be near the water.

Ricki will always be part of me, and I am grateful to have had her in my life. I will miss you dear friend, thank you for all of your love and friendship.
-Pamela