This past Saturday I was incredibly lucky to attend the “Celebration of Life” gathering for Rick Story organized by the local community. His UPS truck was parked at the entrance, which ushered in a flood of tears as the realization settled in that he was truly gone and wouldn’t be flashing his infectious smile or waving enthusiastically again.

I hadn’t known him well and I had no idea that the turnout would be so grand — there must have been well over 300 people there — but I felt a kinship with these souls and, in some minute way, woven into the very special tapestry that Rick created.

He was like a vibrant bee pollinating his delivery route with kindness. I doubt many of us ever talked about this special relationship we had with our UPS driver, yet here we all were, his very own hive, gathered to celebrate this man who obviously made a huge impact on our lives.

The general theme that emerged was that he managed to make each of us feel like we had some kind of special relationship with him – and we did, but he had it with all of us. Everyone seemed genuinely mystified as to how he completed all his deliveries given the depth of personal conversations and attention he gave each individual on his route.

Apparently, he had a penchant for nicknames, and just to demonstrate, one speaker called them out to a number of people present in the audience. How he managed to keep track of them all (this was but a few) is admirable, but he obviously bestowed them on those he held dear, and like a treasured memento, I imagine they will carry it with them forever.

Many people got up and spoke about what he meant to them and I felt incredibly honored to witness such raw emotion and outpouring of love. As I watched his children, all I could think was what an incredible legacy of connection he left for them.

I had the opportunity to speak to one of his sisters and she said she was so happy to be able to see how much her brother meant to people. Undoubtedly he meant a lot to his family, but she’d had no idea just how far his generosity and charm had spread. There had been a service a couple weeks earlier for family and friends and the crowd outnumbered the one sitting before us. Many people mused that they could only hope to have a fraction of the crowd Rick Story called in.

For me, Rick’s life and memory are a testament to the power of kindness. It still seems early to find goodness in such a senseless loss, but I think Rick would smile upon it. It is impossible not to think of him when a UPS truck passes and I hope that each sighting will spark an revolution for all of us to lean into each moment with a more generous spirit.  His life is a reminder to love deeper and live on purpose, and that every moment of every day we have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, which he so graciously demonstrated one delivery at at time.

I feel honored to have been graced by his magnanimous spirit.

-db

Who is Dianna Bonny?

Hi, my name is Dianna Bonny. It’s my mission to candidly share my journey with you. For me, it’s all about the healing: to create a radiant healing energy for others who have befallen a similar fate. Together, we can forge beautiful lives of belonging and connection. Thanks for joining me today! I look forward to hearing from you.