From Joel Roque

 Dearest Mandel family,

I first met Rhett when he was a teenager.  With the combination of adolescence and Rhett being Rhett, he was a ball of dynamic energy that could go from 0-60 faster than a hiccup.  I will always remember his easy going demeanor and the fact that his eyes would practically be closed shut whenever he laughed (I am the same way).  Although I didn't keep in touch w/ him as time passed and we got older, I learned a lot about him just from the stories his family and friends shared on the blog.  I didn't realize he went through a lot and was on his way to self-healing before his tragic passing.  I can only imagine how proud his family and especially Jehovah were of him for the turnaround.  I regret that I did not keep in touch and it's only now and through this loss that I'm reconnecting.  It just makes me look forward to the time where our lives will never be too busy to connect w/ one another.  Please accept my heartfelt condolences.  Take comfort in the fact that in Jehovah's mind, Rhett has not left (Luke 20:38).

Love,

Joel