Just posting I think to make me feel better… I was a lousy cousin.  You never failed to call on ALL of us anytime you heard someone wasn’t feeling well.  I should have been calling and checking on you!  I just want you to know that you were one of my first 10 loves, after my dad and Jack of course..As first cousins, we were all pretty tight growing up.  You always had time to play with me when we would visit, you always made me laugh.  Oh don’t get me wrong, there were times, I thought you were a pain in the …oh well I’m sure it went both ways, I know I could be a little obnoxious at times, but hey, I was a kid….

I looked up to you and thought you were one of the men in my life who went to war to protect me, and I was so proud of you and your brother Raymond.  

All six of the Smith men, Billy, Vito, Paul, you, Ray, Vincent are all so special to me.  I may be a little late in telling you this, but..I have always loved you..  Rest In Peace Richie, I’ll see you soon..

Love Nettie..