I met Ray Hicks in 1997, just before I moved to Jonesborough. I got to sleep in a tent down from the house that night and was happy to spend many more there. I was welcomed through the years and found Ray and Rosa to be the most gracious people and Ted to be a scamp (remind me to tell you about the time Ted tricked me into planting the corn for him). When Ray got sick he let me take him to the hospital which I regarded as an honor. The memories of the six years I knew him will be with me always.