A Plethora of Richards, etc.

One of my best friends told me I could have no more Richards in my life. She was confused by them all. There were lots...

Richard No. 1: My high school sweetheart and husband number one. He hated the nickname Dick and would answer only to Rick at a time when there was a Ricky Nelson heartthrob. After our divorce, he named his first son Richard who became Rich or Richie and he in turn named his first son Richard.

Richard No.2: was my stepmother's son. When I was living with her and my father we played lots of cribbage games. 

Richard No. 3: hired me as PR manager at the Polaroid Credit Union. We both were hired by Digital Equipment Corporation to set up a credit union. I worked for him until I moved to Europe. He came back into my life when I helped him with his memoir Busted about how he stole over $43 million. and went on the run for over a year. 

Richard No. 4: My stepbrother's son was named Richard. I only met my nephew as an adult when he came through Switzerland and later we met up in Boston when we both happened to be there at the same time. I really, really liked him. When my stepmom developed dementia we double teamed to make sure she had the care she needed even though he was in California, I was in Switzerland and she was in Florida. 

Richard No. 5: My final husband also likes to be called Rick. A friend from college who knew both said, "I like Rick 2 better than Rick 1. I agree.

Richard No. 6: The thrill of seeing Richard the Lionhearted's, tomb next to his mother Eleanor's, two historical figures that have always fascinated me.

If another Richard comes into my life, I won't mention it to my friend.