A Family's Reflections
Friday, February 10, 2006
His Season
Every year about this time the funny kid side of Ryan would surface. He always looked forward to his Birthday with joy and fun. Although he had something in mind he always liked a surprize. Each year since he was twelve Ryan and I would joke he would say "Do you know what next Thursday is??" I would get a puzzled look on my face like I had no idea. It began a week of banter about his birthday. He would pass by my desk and hold up the 5 fingers five days before his birthday and the count down began. The last few years we took him to dinner and usually he had already gotten or "cashed in" his birthday wish. It was always great fun and he enjoyed the attention. Ryan loved to be the center of the party. We had an ongoing secret gift. Each year I would sneak him a $100 bill. Sometime durning the day I would "palm" to him the money and he would wink at me. Money that he did not have to account for to anyone. Just to spend on himself! It was NOT for the light bill or gas for his truck it was money to just do something for HIM. I don't think the money was the deal really. I think it was the fun of our secret, the pass off and knowing that was "our deal" that made it special. I shall miss that this year.
posted by Michelle at 08:06:35 | 1 comments
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Seventy Years
Ryan, I visited you today and told you about this being your grandparents 70 wedding anniversary. I was feeling sad today
missing you and still wondering why. I know for a fact that you were loved by your parents and sister by how much you are missed every day that you are gone. We grieve you today and always will. Your light still shines in hour hearts.
posted by Michelle at 20:38:13 | 0 comments
Friday, February 03, 2006
Farren's Writings
If you are here and have a moment don't miss Farrens tribute to her brother. This well written and moving piece brought me to my knees. Her love for her brother shines in every paragraph. It is truly a lovely piece.
posted by Michelle at 22:15:33 | 0 comments
Monday, January 30, 2006
Picture Uploads
Ok I am about ready to get going again on uploading photos. It is a long and tedious job but well worth it as we have had over 3000 seperate visitors to date. I am amazed. We have had many emails from folks who are getting good information for friends and family from this website. So, my promise to do more this week and every week!!
posted by Michelle at 20:21:50 | 0 comments
Friday, January 27, 2006
Star Wars
Riley was sick this week. Farren Ryan's sister had to bring him to the office to finsih a bit of work she had to do. As he was laying on the couch we had a pop station on the radio. There was NO REASON for the Star Wars theme song to be on!! This just happened to be Rileys "thing" right now. Why would a pop station play this song?? Riley jumped up and said "Uncle Rhino" is having them play it for me because I am sick!! Farren and I looked at each other in shock. Maybe it was!!
posted by Michelle at 20:40:04 | 0 comments
Friday, January 27, 2006
Our Friends
Ron and Nena Dube are the most amazing people. In Ryan's honor Ron and Nena have ordered a wonderful bench with a plaque for it. We will be taking it to Burning Tree Recovery Ranch and placing it under a big tree. There folks can sit and think about a sweet young man who suffered with Bipolar and lost his life to this terrible disease. What do you say to a friend who honors your son in this way. You say Thank You and We love you. Your kindness to us will never be forgotten.
posted by Michelle at 20:22:58 | 0 comments
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Chris Graves
It was so nice to see Chris Graves today. He stopped by and it is hard for me to believe he is the father to one with another due in May. He looks so great and so happy. We had a few good laughs with stories of Ryan. I was very happy to see him. I would be happy to see all of you guys from BMX and hear your stories. This is the Ryan I remember, before the bipolor started to depress him. He put on such a happy face but inside he was so down a lot of the time. So if you guys get to the Pflugerville area I am always good for lunch or a cold drink.
posted by Michelle at 19:55:03 | 0 comments
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Jan. Auction
This past Saturday we had a great auction. The opening announcements are aways hard. We are just so used to Ryan being there and helping run the auction and giving Bob a break on the microphone. It still seems so strange NOT to see him standing next to Bob. We really miss him so much. I seem to scan the crowd for him still.
posted by Michelle at 20:31:37 | 0 comments
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Bob's Birthday
Today was Bobs 59th Birthday. Farren and her family took us to lunch. Lisa, Jason and the girls were with us as well. It was a very nice lunch but we missed Ryan. We missed his funny commets and his quirkey sense of humor. No one made me laugh like Ryan. We presented Bob with Ryans favorite sweatshirt framed with the photo of Ryan with the sweatshirt. It was very bittersweet to say the least, but I know he will treasure it. We will have many more birthdays without Ryan but the first was the hardest.
posted by Michelle at 20:31:42 | 1 comments
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Rileys Birthday
What a day!! Hard to believe Riley is 6 years old. Time has really gone by fast. Ryan would have had a great time at the birthday party. Riley loved "Uncle Rhino" and would have enjoyed seeing all the fun. The two of them would tease each other. Sitting with all the young boys I could almost picture Ryans sweet face. I remember many birthdays with his school friends and it seems like yesterday. I missed having him there today with our family.
posted by Michelle at 19:41:42 | 0 comments
