In Loving Memory of
Mark Ricke
February 6, 1979 - February 15, 1995

Mark had bipolar disorder -- just like me. - Tom Ricke, father

It's been ten years since I last saw you smile, since I last heard your charming laugh echo through our old hallway. You are sorely missed, Mark, as you always will be. I was too young to realize what was happening within our family, and I am so sorry that you were unable to share my veil of ignorance.

When we lost you, I didn't just lose my brother. I lost my protection from monsters in the closet, my secret keeper, my co-host for the radio show we 'broadcast' from your closet, my brave partner of numerous adventures (mainly exploring the unfinished attic), and my best friend. Every grand moment now seems unfinished. Every celebration is bittersweet, marked with the shining glare of your absence.

I don't know how we survived your loss, but life continues on and so we had to follow suit. It is just heartbreaking to admit that you will only be in my memories...that we can no longer make new memories to be stored away in mom's photo albums. But I know that I can still feel you in my heart. And, somehow, that's enough to help me get by. You were a glorious person, and the world suffers from losing you.

I love you and miss you always,
your adoring little sister,
Stephanie