[ Roberta's Ramblings ]

Due to the shocking death of Dr. Marques Roberta has postponed her second part of "The Meeting" till next week to address this tragedy.

June 25, 1997

When I went to my computer to check email Saturday night I sat dumbfounded when I opened Ana Cunha's message and learned of Ricardo's death. I went to the living room to tell Barbara and Bruce that one of our Representatives was dead.

Their first thoughts were of course that it was one of the older doctors...perhaps an automobile accident. Who could imagine that it was someone so young? That someone had viciously murdered one of our doctors?

We were all just disgusted and speechless. We still are. I personally keep trying to come to terms for the second time in my life, with the shooting murder of someone I know and care about.

The tragic massacre of 22 customers at the Luby's Cafeteria located in Killeen, Texas on October 16, 1991 claimed the life of another friend. Dr. Connie Peterson was out riding her motorcycle when she stopped on the way home to by a salad. After being in the restaurant for only a few moments George Hennard drove his truck through the plate glass window and began his rein of terror. Connie was one of his first victims. Connie like Ricardo was an adventuresome soul that loved life and people and went out of her way to care for the downtrodden. She used to volunteer to care for Aids patients. Over 500 people turned out for her funeral many her patients and the people she had helped. We cried, we grieved, but slowly our lives returned to normal. Forever a little lessened, but we move on.

There are tragically, a few people, for whom life can never go back to normal. I have watched for 6 years while Connie's mother Inez has struggled to raise her two young grandchildren that were left without a mother. The pain is always there behind her eyes. It will always be there. I remember the many nights that we would sit and talk about Connie and she would cry. Sometimes she would even blame the fact that Connie had bought the motorcycle for her untimely death. I cannot tell you how many times we discussed "If Only".

If only she hadn't bought the motorcycle she wouldn't have been out riding on that beautiful Fall day. If only she hadn't stopped for a bite to eat before heading home. If only Inez had called her sooner that morning to invite her to lunch maybe she would have reached her, instead of her answering machine, and Connie would have made different plans. If only...

I catch myself going through the "If Only's" yet again these last days. If only Ricardo had not gone to Somalia. If only he had stayed in Portugal and minded his own business. If only he had quit doing these trips after his last trip to Mozambique. If only...I can only imagine the If only's his family and girlfriend Fatima are putting themselves through.

Inez has told me that one of the saddest things for her has been that the world moves on and naturally forgets about her daughter. But she cannot, and does not want to forget. She keeps a picture of Dr. Connie in the reception area of their clinic where her two sons still carry on the family practice. At first it was all anyone could talk about. But slowly, over the years her name is mentioned less and less. New patients come who never knew Dr. Connie. She is just a beautiful smiling picture hanging on the wall. Life moves on.

Dr. Zachariah Newton has suggested that we should establish a "Ricardo Marques Humanitarian Award" at OBGYN.net. Every year on the anniversary of Ricardo's birth, March sixth, let us remember and celebrate his life and work. This is the only thing that we as a group can do to thank him and honor him for giving his life for the advancement of Women's Health. We must let his family know that he will not be forgotten. That is, I believe, the best thing we can do to care for them in this tragedy. We owe it to Ricardo to help them by letting them know he did not die in vain and obscurity. That we will not forget him.

Contributions to the Ricardo Marques Humanitarian Award can be made by mailing a check or money order to:

Ricardo Marques Humanitarian Award c/o Elecomm Corporation 3616 Far West Blvd. Suite 101-234 Austin, Texas 78731

We will keep a record of all contributions on OBGYN.net and for Ricardo's Family. If you would prefer to remain anonymous please specify. Otherwise please include your name address and telephone number. You will be supplied with a receipt if requested for tax purposes.

A Tribute to Ricardo Marques, MD

Next Week: The Meeting Part II

Yours Always,

Roberta

If you have any interesting news, ideas, or questions you would like to share please drop me a line at roberta.speyer@obgyn.net.

6/25/97

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