My Son, 1985 - 2008

To My Son,
I Love you, my son. Even though I can not understand why you chose the path you did, I forgive you. I pray each day that even in your limbo state, you will find God and find the peace you are desperately seeking. I can not forgive myself for not seeing your troubled mind, or for being a part of your reasoning for your chosen path, if I had taken more time to listen to you, and to share your desparation with you, you might still be here today. I miss you, my son. I am sorry I did not see your call for help. I would have gladly taken your place, you are so young and had so much to live for. Even in such a cruel world you lived in, there was Faith, Hope, Love and Peace, and the desparation you were faced with these emotions were not visible to you. As your journey continues, may you find Peace within yourself and be able to have Love, Hope, and Faith. I love you, My Son.

Ricky Dean Thornton Jr.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Ricky Dean Thornton Jr. died April 19, 2008, at age 22.
Ricky Dean Thornton Jr. was born May 14, 1985, in Portland. He was a security guard and lived in Hillsboro since about 2006.
Survivors include his father, Rick Sr.; mother, Lucy Abernathy; sisters, Michelle Wafer and Julie Zimmerman; and brother, Kurt.