Letter to Sue re Len Rich

Photos taken July 2009 - Memory Book of Len Rich

April 13, 2010

Dear Sue:

I apologize for taking so long to print off the remaining photos for Len’s memory book. Possibly, I didn’t want to let go of Len or you, so instead I hung onto them.

It’s hard to let go of someone like Len who was instrumental in helping me write. When I became afraid or doubted myself, I’d think, Len believes in me, and then I'd continued to write.

Len helped me to become published in Sideroads. He inspired me. And last year, The Globe and Mail published my essay, I Love to Drop the F-bomb. It became one of the top ten essays that were read in 2009.

Len always reminded me of Santa Claus. Always willing to help another writer and he mentor us all. His spirit was generous and his laughter was contagious.

In five years, I’ve lost four mentors—Ed Wildman, Colette Chagon (BFF), Janet Bellinger, and Len Rich. I always imagine them mentoring me from heaven. Len was such an important part of our group that I have no adequate words to express our loss.

On the anniversary of his death, although I cannot understand what you’re going through, I will add you to my prayers and ask God to send his angels to wipe away all your tears, and to comfort you.

Blessings always,

Nancy.

Thanks Len for the memories

Book Launch December 2008

It’s hard to believe that a year has gone by since Len died. It hardly seems possible. I remember when Sue called me with the news. For the first time in my life, I was stunned. I took down all the instructions yet had to email her to ask for them again.

I began to stutter and immediately I felt my loss. In five years, I’d lost three friends, mentors, and members of the Headwaters Writers’ Guild. I’d also lost my best friend Colette who also supported my writing.

I felt this deep sense of loss as if God had abandoned me by taking my friends. When Ed died he visited me in my dream and showed me his indescribable apartment. “This is the best place I’ve ever lived,” he said.

I knew that Len was in a good place. When I told everybody that I cleaned my bedroom they laughed. I knew Len would visit me in dreamtime and he did. He had a wonderful message of love for Sue.

It’s hard when somebody makes such a strong impact in your life to wish them well when they leave here. I know that heaven rejoiced when Len returned.

I’d like to think that Colette, Ed, Janet, and Len would be proud that I’ve continued to write even through the sorrow.

I’ll never forget when Len taught an article workshop. “There are ideas for articles everywhere,” he said.

Yeah I thought, only for you. At 5:00 a.m., two days later, I woke up with an idea to write about the cat shelter. Not only did Len plant a seed, he made the appointment with the Sideroads editor, went with me, and helped with my article. It doesn’t get any better than this.

Len was a friend, mentor, and a wonderful member. I do not have adequate words to describe him. I miss his laughter, his smile, his contribution, his help, and his presence.

I’m sure Ed and Len are entertaining God with their wonderful stories. And I’m sure they’re sitting in Ed’s apartment writing.

When we celebrated Len’s life, who could ever forget Clare’s rendition of one of Len’s stories? We laughed until we cried. Thanks Len for the memories.