A Family's Reflections

Sunday, April 23, 2006

The Butterfly

Today I went shopping with daughter Farren and my grandchildren Riley and Jillian. We bought a treat at "Toys R Us" and stopped by the cemetery to visit. The kids were quite and I know they don't understand but they are polite. We stopped for dinner at Cheddars and ate out on the patio. The evening was cool with a nice breeze. We had a visitor while we waited for our food. A golden colored butterfly getntly bushed Farren's face and Riley's face. It then landed on the arm of Rileys chair and visited him. Although we all got very close the butterfly just sat there flapping his wings up and down as if to say hello. After a time he flew away. We found it so odd that he was no afraid of us. He just was there for a visit unafraid. I once read that butterflys were sent by those who have died to let us know that they were OK. I think Riley had a visit from his Uncle Rhino today.

posted by Michelle at 22:01:37 | 2 comments

Saturday, March 11, 2006

I saw a boy

Today I saw a boy with sandy blonde hair and grey blue eyes. He was shy in his baseball hat with slightly high water jeans over his tennis shoes. His motocross tee shirt was one size too small a sign that his Mom was not aware how fast he was growing. He stood close to his mom, still a baby boy but learning to be more on his own. His mother said NO to his request and you could see he was more hurt than mad. He passed more time and played a game on her cell phone to amuse himself and waited patiently for her to finish her task. He was just happy to be with her and she appreciated his company. Today, I was given a gift of a picture in my mind of Ryan at nine years old. A reminder of of happy times with my boy, Ryan.

posted by Michelle at 16:43:34 | 0 comments

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Mimi Gone One Year on the 6th

Ryan's funny granmother died March 6th of last year. I miss her. She loved Ryan so much. She had raised three girls so having a boy around was a new experience for her. She was so tiny and Ryan was so tall. For some of you who didn't see Ryan much after he was grown he was 6' 4 1/2". He was tall like Bob. Mimi often joked around with him and they always got into their little verbal barbs and funny prattle. She loved him so and I know that she was in heaven to meet him and take care of him. She was a good grandmother and he loved her.

posted by Michelle at 20:35:31 | 2 comments

Sunday, March 05, 2006

Video of Meadow Brook

I have copied the video of Meadow Brook...its awesome...I would like to share copies to those of you who want it. As the camera panned I found myself wanting to jump inside the picture to be near Ryan. He was so very young in the photos. Marty, Chris, Carl and so many guys he cared so much about. Let me kow if you want one and I will mail it off. Just email me at bsheehan@airmail.net.

posted by Michelle at 20:25:30 | 4 comments

Saturday, February 25, 2006

Just Finding Out

We have many friends who are just finding out. You know the ones you talk to a couple of times a year and catch up with the family news? We have had one of those weeks. Bob spent time with Mickey Foster and his kind thoughts were much appreciated. I have been in touch with Clive Gosling and he was so shocked he needed time to think and get back to me. Many of our customers old and new still do not know what to say but we understand how awkward they feel. Many of you do not know what to say or just can't bring yourself to contact us. We understand. We know you care. Just a quiet word and knowing you wish us well is so comforting to us. To all of you Thanks for your support. If you are afraid of upsetting us don't worry. Talking of Ryan is a blessing and brings to us great and fond memories. Funny when someone leaves you only the wonderful funfilled thoughts remain. I cherish them and remember my sweet boy.

posted by Michelle at 08:04:40 | 1 comments

Friday, February 17, 2006

Ryan's Birthday

The day was so bittersweet but it was a time to celebrate Ryan's birth and all the really good times. To think back on Ryan's birth goes back to 1973 in Frederick Maryland when he entered this world at a whopping 9 Pounds and 14 Onces. Ryan was almost 27inches long, even at birth he was long and lean. We moved back to Texas when Ryan was 3 and to Pflugerville when he was 4. Ryan loved home and family. To celebrate his 33rd birthday yesterday we as a family went to the cemetary and his neice Jillian, nephew Riley and Lauren and Katie daughters of Lisa released 33 blue and yellow balloons colors of Notre Dame. We said a prayer and told the kids "Uncle Rhino" stories. Although they didn't understand everything we felt the symbolism for them was important. After a time we left and it was hard knowing that this was the type of birthday we would now celebrate. We went to dinner and then home. It was 139 days since Ryan died and in some ways it seems like yesterday and in others ways it was like so long ago. Either way I miss him so.

posted by Michelle at 20:48:45 | 1 comments

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

The Yrizar Brothers

I am so happy to have connected with the Yrizar brothrs again. They are a lovely family we met in our BMX racing days. The boys were great friends and Ryan admired their racing abilities. We attended a race in their hometown and felt much love among their family. Jorge told me the sad news of the loss of his father on Sunday. He was a fine man who loved his sons. I remember watching him as his boys raced you could see the pride he had in them. Mr. Yrizar was kind, generous and loving. It shows in his fine sons. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family as we know first hand to lose your father or son is devestating. I will keep the whole family in my prayers.

posted by Michelle at 20:11:19 | 3 comments

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

His Mexican Brother

Dario and Beto Jaquez are such great guys. Ryan and Dario shared a room when Dario lived with us and attended Pflugerville High School. The guys raced and were very close friends. We visited Mexico and attended a race there and Mr. and Mrs. Jaquez treated us like royality. We so much enjoyed our visit with them. Dario bought his first car and dated cute girls and was loved by everyone. Ryan called Dario his "Mexican Brother". They went everywhere together. Ryan truely loved Dario and his family. He found out about Ryan's death today and called me and was so sad. My heart broke for him and his grief. Thinking of Ryan being gone is still such a shock for me. Each moring I wake up and have to tell myself over again that he is gone. Dario promised to visit us and we look forward to having him.

posted by Michelle at 19:50:21 | 0 comments

Monday, February 13, 2006

Chris Kuempel

Chris has been staying in touch. He was always the nicest guy. He gave Ryans website address to a co-worker who has a brother with Bipolar Disorder. I am so thrilled that it helped. That is the purpose of this website to inform and remember Ryan. Chris has shared many of his old BMX zines and photos. I am so thankful to him and to all of you who have kept in touch. If you have not contacted me don't be shy I would love to hear from you.

posted by Michelle at 21:16:36 | 0 comments

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



Previous Posts One Month Left Writing More Mother and Fathers Day The Butterfly I saw a boy Mimi Gone One Year on the 6th Video of Meadow Brook Just Finding Out Ryan's Birthday The Yrizar Brothers Archives September 2007 February 2007 June 2006 April 2006 March 2006 February 2006 January 2006 December 2005	A Family's Reflections Sunday, April 23, 2006 The Butterfly Today I went shopping with daughter Farren and my grandchildren Riley and Jillian. We bought a treat at "Toys R Us" and stopped by the cemetery to visit. The kids were quite and I know they don't understand but they are polite. We stopped for dinner at Cheddars and ate out on the patio. The evening was cool with a nice breeze. We had a visitor while we waited for our food. A golden colored butterfly getntly bushed Farren's face and Riley's face. It then landed on the arm of Rileys chair and visited him. Although we all got very close the butterfly just sat there flapping his wings up and down as if to say hello. After a time he flew away. We found it so odd that he was no afraid of us. He just was there for a visit unafraid. I once read that butterflys were sent by those who have died to let us know that they were OK. I think Riley had a visit from his Uncle Rhino today. posted by Michelle at 22:01:37 \| 2 comments Saturday, March 11, 2006 I saw a boy Today I saw a boy with sandy blonde hair and grey blue eyes. He was shy in his baseball hat with slightly high water jeans over his tennis shoes. His motocross tee shirt was one size too small a sign that his Mom was not aware how fast he was growing. He stood close to his mom, still a baby boy but learning to be more on his own. His mother said NO to his request and you could see he was more hurt than mad. He passed more time and played a game on her cell phone to amuse himself and waited patiently for her to finish her task. He was just happy to be with her and she appreciated his company. Today, I was given a gift of a picture in my mind of Ryan at nine years old. A reminder of of happy times with my boy, Ryan. posted by Michelle at 16:43:34 \| 0 comments Sunday, March 05, 2006 Mimi Gone One Year on the 6th Ryan's funny granmother died March 6th of last year. I miss her. She loved Ryan so much. She had raised three girls so having a boy around was a new experience for her. She was so tiny and Ryan was so tall. For some of you who didn't see Ryan much after he was grown he was 6' 4 1/2". He was tall like Bob. Mimi often joked around with him and they always got into their little verbal barbs and funny prattle. She loved him so and I know that she was in heaven to meet him and take care of him. She was a good grandmother and he loved her. posted by Michelle at 20:35:31 \| 2 comments Sunday, March 05, 2006 Video of Meadow Brook I have copied the video of Meadow Brook...its awesome...I would like to share copies to those of you who want it. As the camera panned I found myself wanting to jump inside the picture to be near Ryan. He was so very young in the photos. Marty, Chris, Carl and so many guys he cared so much about. Let me kow if you want one and I will mail it off. Just email me at bsheehan@airmail.net. posted by Michelle at 20:25:30 \| 4 comments Saturday, February 25, 2006 Just Finding Out We have many friends who are just finding out. You know the ones you talk to a couple of times a year and catch up with the family news? We have had one of those weeks. Bob spent time with Mickey Foster and his kind thoughts were much appreciated. I have been in touch with Clive Gosling and he was so shocked he needed time to think and get back to me. Many of our customers old and new still do not know what to say but we understand how awkward they feel. Many of you do not know what to say or just can't bring yourself to contact us. We understand. We know you care. Just a quiet word and knowing you wish us well is so comforting to us. To all of you Thanks for your support. If you are afraid of upsetting us don't worry. Talking of Ryan is a blessing and brings to us great and fond memories. Funny when someone leaves you only the wonderful funfilled thoughts remain. I cherish them and remember my sweet boy. posted by Michelle at 08:04:40 \| 1 comments Friday, February 17, 2006 Ryan's Birthday The day was so bittersweet but it was a time to celebrate Ryan's birth and all the really good times. To think back on Ryan's birth goes back to 1973 in Frederick Maryland when he entered this world at a whopping 9 Pounds and 14 Onces. Ryan was almost 27inches long, even at birth he was long and lean. We moved back to Texas when Ryan was 3 and to Pflugerville when he was 4. Ryan loved home and family. To celebrate his 33rd birthday yesterday we as a family went to the cemetary and his neice Jillian, nephew Riley and Lauren and Katie daughters of Lisa released 33 blue and yellow balloons colors of Notre Dame. We said a prayer and told the kids "Uncle Rhino" stories. Although they didn't understand everything we felt the symbolism for them was important. After a time we left and it was hard knowing that this was the type of birthday we would now celebrate. We went to dinner and then home. It was 139 days since Ryan died and in some ways it seems like yesterday and in others ways it was like so long ago. Either way I miss him so. posted by Michelle at 20:48:45 \| 1 comments Wednesday, February 15, 2006 The Yrizar Brothers I am so happy to have connected with the Yrizar brothrs again. They are a lovely family we met in our BMX racing days. The boys were great friends and Ryan admired their racing abilities. We attended a race in their hometown and felt much love among their family. Jorge told me the sad news of the loss of his father on Sunday. He was a fine man who loved his sons. I remember watching him as his boys raced you could see the pride he had in them. Mr. Yrizar was kind, generous and loving. It shows in his fine sons. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family as we know first hand to lose your father or son is devestating. I will keep the whole family in my prayers. posted by Michelle at 20:11:19 \| 3 comments Wednesday, February 15, 2006 His Mexican Brother Dario and Beto Jaquez are such great guys. Ryan and Dario shared a room when Dario lived with us and attended Pflugerville High School. The guys raced and were very close friends. We visited Mexico and attended a race there and Mr. and Mrs. Jaquez treated us like royality. We so much enjoyed our visit with them. Dario bought his first car and dated cute girls and was loved by everyone. Ryan called Dario his "Mexican Brother". They went everywhere together. Ryan truely loved Dario and his family. He found out about Ryan's death today and called me and was so sad. My heart broke for him and his grief. Thinking of Ryan being gone is still such a shock for me. Each moring I wake up and have to tell myself over again that he is gone. Dario promised to visit us and we look forward to having him. posted by Michelle at 19:50:21 \| 0 comments Monday, February 13, 2006 Chris Kuempel Chris has been staying in touch. He was always the nicest guy. He gave Ryans website address to a co-worker who has a brother with Bipolar Disorder. I am so thrilled that it helped. That is the purpose of this website to inform and remember Ryan. Chris has shared many of his old BMX zines and photos. I am so thankful to him and to all of you who have kept in touch. If you have not contacted me don't be shy I would love to hear from you. posted by Michelle at 21:16:36 \| 0 comments 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