Where has the time gone? It has been four years since Ronnie left us. It seems like a hundred years ago, but yet it seems like only yesterday. Ronnie’s 4th year Mass is on March 20th. Gracie turns 3 ½ years old on March 21st. His first Memorial Service by the Coast Guard at Pt. Judith is on March 25th. A’driana will be 3 on April 20th. Time stands still for no one, but for us, it seems like an eternity. I (we) don’t know what to say or do most of the time. People see us, see us laughing, working, going to the movies, playing with Gracie and A’driana, going about the normal (what is normal anymore) daily grind of life and think that we are OK. We are not and probably never will be.

We do appreciate the support from so many of our family, friends, neighbor’s, co-workers, especially our board of directors and supporters of Ronnie’s foundation, and the events that are affiliated with it. It is hard, so hard for us, that at times we do not know what to say or do when we are asked to attend something for someone that for one reason or another, we cannot or do not want to attend. We feel that because people come to support Ronnie’s foundation, they expect us to go to their events. I guess under normal circumstances I would agree, but our circumstance is anything but normal. Please do not stop asking. There will be a time, event, place that we will go; it has to be when we are ready and able. It is an impossible task to be with everyone and their families, when we are missing such an important part of ours. Please try to understand that it is not because we do not want to be with all/any of you, it is because it is so difficult. Rosemary, Jonathan, Ambur and I do try, but when we cannot, we feel/sense the “why not.” Please bear with us because it has not gotten any easier. Believe it or not, we are trying. Our friends will always be our friends. We do believe that they too understand some of what we are going through because they actually take the time to listen. They don’t have to be our friends, they choose to be. It is not something that we would wish on anyone. We already have too many friends in the exact same situation as us. We do not want or need any more members in this unfortunate group.

We are so proud of Ronnie’s foundation and the fact that since March of 2008 it has distributed $70,000 in scholarships to Rhode Island and Southeastern New England students. We did not do this alone. Our hats are of to the people on our board of directors and the literally thousands of people who have in some way participated, donated, solicited or volunteered to make this work. We could not have done it without them. Also the vendors who provide us with the best deals on products that we give away or auction to make each event a little better, special. We know that many of you attend these functions on a regular basis and we sincerely appreciate it. In these tough economic times we realize that this is not easy. I guess we want all of you to know that we cannot begin to imagine where we would be without you in our lives. Please know that Ronnie’s foundation is extremely important to us. It is one of the key things that keep us focused and allows us to keep Ronnie’s memory and legacy alive. Please continue to support us.

Ron Gill