IN LOVING MEMORY
Ricky Jr.
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I dedicate this container to my angel nephew, Ricky Jr. Though his time with us was heartbreakingly brief, the love he shared and the light he brought to our family remain boundless. Ricky Jr. lived with a rare condition called epidermolysis bullosa—often known as “butterfly skin” because of how fragile his skin was. Each time a butterfly passes, I am reminded of his gentle spirit and the courage he carried in his short life.
I am deeply grateful to Israel and Paul for their work in preserving monarchs in Chicago. Because of their efforts, I often feel Ricky Jr.’s presence close by, as if he is visiting through the wings of a butterfly. The Chicago Native Garden is a peaceful, living space where his memory can be honored, and where I imagine him pausing to say hello.
Every time I see a butterfly, I am reminded of him.