A Quiet Poppy: Remembering Rich

In memory of my father-in-law, Rich—affectionately known as Poppy—this blog is a reflection on his life, quiet strength, and the legacy he leaves behind.

rich murphy smiling at the camera

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Remember Poppy: A Tribute to my Father-in-Law

The Poppy Woven In

If you’ve visited my website, you might have noticed a simple sketch of a poppy flower and a note that reads:

That someone is my father-in-law, Rich. But to us, he was Poppy.

Poppy passed away in February 2024. It still doesn’t feel real to say that out loud. I wrote something to share at his funeral, but I never ended up reading it. So I’m sharing it here instead, in my own space, where I can remember Poppy in the way he deserves.

Remember Poppy: The Words I Meant to Say

Hello, first of all I am a quivering crier so excuse me in advance.

I am Molly—better known as MoMo. And you know you mean something to someone when they are the only person in the world that calls you one nickname. Rich was the only one that ever called me Mo.

To understand my love and appreciation for Rich, I need to go back to when I entered their lives.

I’m Dustin’s wife—Rich’s middle child. We began dating in January 2011. Just 8 months into our relationship, I was invited on a family vacation. It was the first vacation I had ever taken with a boyfriend’s family.

On the first full day, Casey proposed to Katie. Rich walked her down to the beach blindfolded. Later that day, Dustin and I crashed a three-wheeled rental car. (We won’t say whose fault it was… Dustin and I still debate this.) Rich happened to be driving by at that exact moment (he always had the best timing) and rushed me to the hospital. I was bleeding from my arm and leg and ended up with casts on both. For the rest of the trip, Rich was my nurse. He didn’t leave my side.

And honestly? He never did.

From Heartbreak to Forever

A few months later, Dustin and I took a short (but painful) break. I was heartbroken because I knew he was the one. I came over to Rich and Lori’s house often, in tears. They’d make me my comfort meal—a baked potato—and let me lay on the couch and cry. Rich told me to stick it out, that Dustin would come around. He was right.

Six months after we got back together, Dustin proposed. I’ll never forget when he said he wanted to marry someone he loved the way his dad loved his mom.

That love—the way Rich loved Lori—was the gold standard. It showed up in the quietest and funniest ways. Like pinching her butt as he walked by. Or calling her sexy even when she was in a muumuu with messy hair. And now, Dustin does the same for me. That legacy of love lives on.


Banter, Candy, and Quiet Strength

Over the years, Rich and I shared a lot of laughs and little battles—mainly over who got the last gummy bear. (Or as he called them, “goomy bears.”) I always won. He let me. He understood my food aggression early on.

When Dustin went through cancer treatment and his stem cell transplant, Rich and Lori were our rock. Dustin was fighting for his life. I was fighting through the fear and helplessness of watching someone you love suffer. Rich knew what that felt like. I never doubted he would fight just as hard to stay.

Even in the hospital, after the machines were turned off, Rich fought to stay a little longer. That was who he was: stubborn, kind, strong, empathetic.

A gentle giant who never stopped asking how you were, even when he was suffering himself. Who wouldn’t rest until he knew you made it home safely.

You’re home safe now, Poppy.


A Legacy That Lives On

There’s no doubt your kids are yours. Absolute carbon copies. Thanks for being so handsome—those genes were strong.

Your voice lives on through Dustin and Casey. Your laugh lives on through Amanda. Your smile too. And yes—even your legendary flatulence lives on through the grandkids. Somehow, even Lori.

Casey has your impossibly kind heart. Brody Bear? I believe God gave us Brody to keep you here a little longer. You two were part of each other from the moment he was born.

Dustin carries your presence, your weight, your devotion. Your fierce loyalty and deep love for family. You both carry more than anyone should—and never let it show.

Don’t worry about Bella. Vayda and I will make sure she’s loved and spoiled. We’re working on convincing Lori to let her have a spot on the bed.

And Lori—I love you. Watching you navigate this has been humbling. This was your person. No one can fill that space, but we’ll hold you close. You are not alone.

The Symbolism of a Poppy

Poppies have long symbolized remembrance, peace, and eternal sleep. They are delicate yet resilient—able to bloom even in harsh conditions. In many cultures, poppies are worn or displayed to honor loved ones who have passed, offering a soft but powerful reminder of how life, love, and memory persist. That’s why the poppy felt like the perfect tribute to weave into my brand as well. As a wedding photographer, I witness so many beginnings—of marriages, families, and milestones—but I also understand how important it is to honor what came before. Poppy’s legacy is a part of every frame I take. Because photography, like a poppy in bloom, preserves something beautiful and fleeting. A reminder of love that lasts.

My Why

On a personal note: many of you know I’m a photographer. Or as I sometimes call myself, a collector of memories, paused forever.

Yes, I photograph joy—weddings, babies, growing families. But my true “why” has always been about moments like this.

Moments that hurt – Moments that heal – Moments that remind us who we are and who we love.

A photograph can freeze a moment—a younger face, a carefree smile, a voice we can almost hear again.

So here, paused forever, are some of our favorite moments to remember Poppy. Sent in by all of you. Captured memories of our beloved dad, husband, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

I love you, Poppy. Thank you for everything. I’ll keep taking care of Dustin, and I’ll keep telling you how his scans go. I know you’ll still be asking.

Click here to view Rich Murphy’s Legacy Video Slideshow Dustin and I put together for his funeral to remember Poppy.

Read More About Me and my Heart Behind Photography

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