A Beautiful Day for Ryan

Posted: September 18th, 2009

Friday, September 18th, 2009

Ryan’s funeral was today. What a privilege to be there at this most intimate of gatherings with family and friends. Ryan’s parents Guenther and Sheryl are the most amazing, loving people. Even (and especially) in the midst of this. I watched as they were the ones to console their son’s friends and co-workers, people overcome by their grief for a young man that obviously left a strong impression.

When I finally had a moment to hug each of them and share a few words, everything that I felt in my heart and heard in my head seemed to escape me. Because really, none of that mattered. As I embraced Guenther and Sheryl I thought about how many times Ryan might have hugged them just like this. The mom and dad that hugged him as a baby, a child, a boy and as a man. I didn’t know Ryan well but, I felt very close to him at that moment.

Fr. Scott shared wonderful heart-felt words and gave us all things to think about. Ryan did not live a tragic life, he lived a good life. He was loved and was loving in return. And, when one day the family is reunited in heaven, wouldn’t it be wonderful if God would appoint Ryan to greet them. Fr. reminds us that we are separated only by time and space and we will see each other again.

The sun was shining brightly on this warm fall day. Almost like time had stood still since September 5th. It still felt like summer, the trees lush and green, the flowers in bloom. It was a beautiful day for a child to go home.

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