10 Years – How is that possible?

Published on by Jan Sikes

Today marks the tenth anniversary of Rick Sikes’ passing. It doesn’t seem possible that I’ve already lived ten years without him.

I don’t want to make this a sad post. I do want to remember, to honor a life well-lived, and found some pictures that I don’t think anyone has ever seen before.

We did lots of living and loving in the twenty-five years we got to be physically together! We built a home, raised a family, started businesses and made music. Isn’t it pretty incredible when you can cover a twenty-five year time-span with one sentence?

The first pictures I want to share were taken at Rick’s wake on May 3, 2009. The outpouring of love was overwhelming. I’m not going to put a lot of words and let the photos speak for themselves.

  • A few of the flowers from the funeral home.
  • I brought out his guitar. It needed to be present!
  • Just a small shot of the many folks who joined us for the wake to celebrate Rick’s life!
  • My oldest daughter and myself. In the background L-R Gilbert Olinger on keyboards, Johnny Way on fiddle, The Texas Guitarman, Mr. Gene Fuller on Guitar, Denny Fulbright (Rick’s first guitar student) and Mr. John Beam.
  • My siblings
  • My brother
  • My best friend in life, Kay. She stood beside me while Rick drew his last earthly breath.
  • John Beam and Denny Fulbright – both loved Rick and he returned that love ten-fold!
  • Mr. Sonny Throckmorton and myself. Sonny has had over twenty number-one hit songs and he admired and loved Rick.

And now a few photos looking backward.

  • Rick’s Number One Record in 1965
  • Rick Sikes and the Rhythm Rebels 1960s
  • Rick and Jan performing at a benefit concert in Mason, Texas 2001
  • Myself, Rick and my best friend, Kay in New Orleans August 2002
  • Rick and Jan in Las Vegas 2002
  • Rick – backyard singing 2002
  • Rick and I at our youngest daughter’s wedding in 2007
  • Me and Rick at a Willie Nelson concert on April 29, 2003. It was our first venture out after the amputation
  • Rick smiling – October 2004
  • Rick, myself and our two daughters – October 2006
  • Me and Rick livingroom singing 2006

And that’s about it. I just wanted to share a few memories and celebrate A STORY TOLD – A LIFE LIVED…

Thank you for stopping by. I’ll leave you with this tune from Rick.

37 thoughts on “10 Years – How is that possible?”

  5. What a lovely tribute, Jan. Your love story is touching and inspiring. I know he is looking down on you and loving your beautiful soul still.

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. I loved all the pictures and song, Jan. I felt the love coming through this blog as much as I did in your books. Beautiful post. Sending lots of hugs.

    Liked by 2 people

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  9. The photos are amazing, Jan, clearly reflecting the love you and Rick had for each other, and the esteem in which others held him. Beautiful song, too, and so fitting for this post.
    The shot of you adding Rick’s guitar to the flowers really got to me.
    Wishing you a peaceful day of loving reflection. {{hugs}}

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thank you, Dear Mae. I wrote him a long letter last night and it felt so good just to tell him everything on my mind. I wish I knew just how much they can see and know from the other world. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving a comment! Hugs back!

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      1. What a great way to honor his memory with that letter. I’m sure it made you feel closer to him. What a reunion you will have in Heaven someday! 🙂

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  14. Jan, warm hugs to you on this anniversary. ❤️ Your post shines with the love and affection between you both – and wow, what a sentence to sum up your life! Incredible twenty-five years together. Rick lives on through you and your family memories, and for us who never knew him, through his music. I’m loving the song, so tender and full of affection … a beautiful duet! xx

    Liked by 1 person

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  16. Dear dear Jan, what a beautiful reflection. You’ve taken the past and brought it into the present, showing us love ever present. ✨❤️✨

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Jan- Hugs from me to you. You & Rick were an amazing couple. After reading your books and hearing your life story, I truly feel like I knew you both forever. Hold on to all these precious memories, they will carry you through. True love is a rare finding, but you both definitely had true love, that’s a fact. Love you Sweetie and you’re in my thoughts and prayers.

    Liked by 1 person

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