Good news and bad news.
The bad news is, that Rich is gone. He died in 1962.
The good news, is that he will be back, for a short time, in July. I found his journals in Belton, and they tell a story I’m still working through, but am fascinated with. Here’s what I can share with you right now:
Rich did travel to 1933, met his grandparents, signed the letter his grandfather wrote, and left Belton. He spent the next 45 years, to use a Star-Trekism, “staying out of the way of history.” He obviously did that very well.
Don’t get me wrong, he used history to take care of his family (more on that later), but he didn’t interfere. Theoretically, he couldn’t interfere, after all. History was as he lived it. Both times.
Last month, I was able to take some time off and Jeep to Belton. I’d never been there before, but had some detailed information about the place Rich had imparted. I also had some latitude-longitude information I’d received (more on this later) that led me to a treasure trove of information, and I found the things that Rich wanted me to find.
Molly has decided to leave this project in my hands, something I completely understand. I think this has been harder on her than anyone else, and she’s concentrating on getting her life back together and taking care of Samantha.
Job one is finishing up the narrative of Rich’s “trip” to the past after the crash. Then, I’m going to work on the story of his trip to 1933, and figure out a way to package these parts together. I’ll make that package available, in printed form, to all of you following this site. Rich’s journals from 1933 onward are in fantastic shape, and are fascinating to read.
But, of course, the story’s not over yet.
Wow…I do not know what I was expecting, but not this exactly…I hope there is still some good to come and that any of the story that you can share would be welcomed, to help fill in some of the blanks and create some kind of sense of what seems like complete chaos. After all, aren’t we all looking for answers and meaning to this game of life? I commend you and Molly for your bravery and hope that you will continue the story for as long as possible–positive thoughts to you both. And to Rich for his story…his legacy.