From Paula Horner-Riner for my husband, Michael Riner,
Stepchildren Hanna and Evan Riner and in honor and with effort for
closure for this big open space in my heart and our family and my
Mothers lives, a few words about Homer. Homers open heart and
willingness to love was bigger than life, it shows in everyone who
knew him. We see that his steadiness, respect and love for my mother,
Rosemary the opportunity to heal from many wounds. He single
heartedly, restored her faith in fascination and dedication to another
person. He showed her sunshine while they realized many dreams
together. He offered her the best of traveling companionship and
protection for her and her honor. He admired her in ways that only a
well traveled gentleman could, he endowed her with the best of
compliments and praise: “my Sweetie is wonderful, intelligent and
amazing” while adoring her leadership and business savvy. Despite his
clear understanding of our complicated world, he is the most
functional, realistic and romantic Renaissance man I have known. He
accepted my stepchildren as his own, he only requested we all form a
hug line and fall into his acceptance and respect. We all felt (he clearly
taught by reflecting it to us) that we were so easy to love in his wise
eyes. He never required or requested any test, trials or even an
argument from us. We never doubted him. He drove it home to my
family and me, that we were appreciated and loved and wonderful
today, just as we are.
He taught so much to so many. I would imagine he would say
something like “Travelling in an old car is the cure to friendlessness
and loss of your own life direction. You are living your own piece of
(or at peace within your own) history…”
As Maxine Riner, my Mum-in-law would have wanted to share with
Homer:
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little - but not too long
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me – but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
and each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Masters plan
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart
go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me – but let me go.
