In Remembrance of Richard Otter

Dear Rich,

There are not enough words in our language to tell you how much we miss and love you.

Each year that passes — we realize more and more how talented you were, how much you quietly in your humble way gave so much to the needy; not just financially, but with your time, working for Habitat for Humanity and other organizations, taking food to families that you cooked yourself, gave more than one person a car, bought computers to help people start businesses, gave multiple times cash to those you saw in financial trouble never asking or expecting it to be returned. Giving was your love language. You were also an encourager and one who would take the time to listen to others problems — and do all you could to help, even when your own heart was suffering.

You were a young man of integrity, love, and compassion. You never complained — and I wish you did — but you didn’t want to bother anyone.

You never bragged, and you could have, you had so much to be proud of. You were so admired by us and loved so deeply. I’m so sorry you’re not here to hug you and love on you today — your birthday especially.

But you’re having the party of parties with our King Jesus. You made your life an IMPRINT of LIGHT in this world that will shine for eternity. I just wish we had you longer. Loving you deeply. 
-Mom, Steve, Chris & Benjamin 

Excerpted from The Healing of Sorrow: Understanding and Help for the Bereaved, by Norman Vincent Peale, 1966

“Our friend died on his own battlefield. He was killed in action fighting a civil war. He fought against adversaries that were as real to him as his casket is real to us. They were powerful adversaries. They took toll of his energies and endurance. They exhausted the last vestiges of his courage and strength. At last these adversaries overwhelmed him. And it appeared that he lost the war. But did he? I see a host of victories that he has won!

For one thing — he has won our admiration — because even if he lost the war, we give him credit for his bravery on the battlefield. And we give him credit for the courage and pride and hope that he used as his weapons as long as he could. We shall remember not his death, but his daily victories gained through his kindnesses and thoughtfulness, through his love for family and friends, for animals and books and music, for all things beautiful, lovely and honorable. We shall remember the many days that he was victorious over overwhelming odds. We shall remember not the years we thought he had left, but the intensity with which he lived the years he had!

Only God knows what this child of His suffered in the silent skirmishes that took place in his soul. But our consolation is that God does know and understands!”