Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Ryan Michael Hawn

Ryan Michael Hawn
1/27/2009 - 7/28/2009

113 comments:

Anonymous said...

As I have watched and prayed from afar, it makes me sad to see that Ryan has lost his fight and has returned home to Jesus! It is selfish to feel this way because now he has relief...

I will continue my prayers for a family who has truly walked through the trenches of hell with their faith in tact, their love tested and fulfilled and their little boy now and Angel in heaven!

Please know that I will take this burden and walk with it if only for this moment to give you both a moment of rest.

Peace be with you all!

Rita W said...

Oh Jennifer... I am so sorry. I came to check you on as soon as I woke up this morning. I wish I could be close to give you a big hug. You will be in my thoughts all week and if there is anything I can do from here, I'll be happy to do it. ((HUGS))

The Smith Family said...

God Bless you, Ryan. We love you so much and know you feel no pain now. Jenn, we are praying for you, Chris and Charlotte. I'm so sorry.

Justin, Amber & Nathaniel

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for you loss.. Ryan brought your family so much joy in his short time with you.
Take peace in knowing that he is with Jesus and that he is free of illness.
Your in my prayers

Nancy

Andrea said...

Chris, Jenn, and Charlotte-

May those who live close by give you many hugs and offer you shoulders to cry on. Know that the many people who know you well, have met only once, or only know you through blogging feel pain and sadness and wish to offer you comfort and help in any way we can. If I lived nearer I would feel more useful- so from afar I will pray that the power of God can bring you moments of comfort during this very difficult time.
Reading your posts makes it obvious to me that you are both amazing parents- I am sure Ryan felt all the love you showered on him.
I am so sorry. I will keep praying.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying for all of you. Ryan was a beautiful little boy with amazing parents and a wonderful big sister. Love to you all.
Kelly W.

Stefany said...

I am so sorry Jennifer and Chris for you loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. I am an RN and I live on Towers Rd.

I will continue to pray for you all.

God bless you.

Anonymous said...

Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day

I try to hold on to this world with everything I have
But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab
The many trials that seem to never end, His word declares this truth,
that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering

There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always

I know the journey seems so long
You feel you’re walking on your own
But there has never been a step
Where you’ve walked out all alone

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart
Cause joy and peace he brings
And the beauty that’s in store
Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced
To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

Hawn Family,
Know you are in the prayers of many that don't even know you! God Please wrap your arms around this amazing family.

Kara @ His, Hers and Ours said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great loss. I am so sorry to read this news, but take heart in knowing that sweet Ryan is at peace and is now living pain free with our Lord.

Alison Baillargeon said...

I can not even begin to imagine the pain you must feel, but I hope you know that Ryan was very aware of how much you loved him. Although he is gone he has your love to carry him to Jesus. He was a very special boy and will be a beautiful angel. I know his life was too short but it was full of meaning. He touched so many of us and taught us all so much. He truly is an angel. I know you have a large support System but if you need a shoulder, a babysitter for Charlotte or just someone to pick up the drycleaning, I am here. We love you. We are praying for your family.
-ali, Jim, & Nikolas

Anonymous said...

Chris and Jenn - I know the flood of emotions you are feeling and yet I don't know at all...extreme sadness for your loss and immense relief that Ryan is no longer suffering and is at peace. I wish you both peace, as well.

-Lauren

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Jenn, Chris, and Charlotte. I cannot imagine your grief and pain right now, but I will pray that God is carrying you. Ryan was so loved and he loved you so much. He will never be forgotten and always loved.
Numbers 6:24-26
God bless,
Leslie

Sara Bush said...

I will continue to pray for your family. Your baby boy in a angel! Ryan lived a short life but always remember he had amazing parents and a wonderful loving sister by his side at all times! May god be with you in this time of need!

Anonymous said...

You never knew me, but I watched and prayed for your family the minute that I heard of you. May God hold you and guide you during these difficult times. Rest in peace, sweet sweet baby Ryan.

The Emersons said...

God Bless you Ryan, I know you are home with Jesus and that you are free of pain!
Jennifer, Chris, and Charlotte... you are all in our prayers and will continue to be there! I wish I could be with you to give you a hug, even though I don't know you! I hope that you can have peace within you somewhere knowing that Ryan is free of pain and that he is one Jesus' angels!
I will be thinking of you all week! God Bless you!!!

Anonymous said...

Hawn Family:

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will pray for you and your family each and every day. I cannot begin to imagine what you are and will be going through but know that Ryan is with you every step of the way. You are all amazing and beautiful! May God bless and help you walk down this difficult road. Thank you for letting us into your lives each and every day and helping us all appreciate just how precious life is every moment of every day.

Tara Regan- Wentzville MO

Anonymous said...

Baby Ryan has left your loving arms and is now in the loving arms of our Lord. Jenn, lots of hugs to you, Chris and Charlotte.

Kathy O.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry feel so small - Nobody but God really knows how you feel and I pray that you feel God's arms wrapped tightly around you all - and you know that he is also embracing Ryan. God bless you. My thoughts and prayers continue to be lifted for you and your family. Cara Chitwood

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Jenn and Chris. I can only imagine the sadness you feel. What a wonderful boy you were blessed with.
Angie Stonner

sma1mom said...

My heart just breaks for your family. I know there are no words that will help. Please know we are praying for you.
Kristin, Dan, Peyton and angel Cole

ExtraordinaryMommy said...

Jenn and Chris - I wish I had words that could decrease your suffering by even an ounce. Ryan was this gorgeous angel - this beautifully spirited child who brought you so much joy in such a short period of time. It isn't fair. I am so very, very sorry.

I will be thinking of you and Charlotte and praying, sending you love and hoping that the support and love from family and friends provides some comfort.

xoxo Danielle

Ellen said...

My prayers go out to you.

Along the way said...

My prayers are with your family during this time. I have worked with Charlotte at Good Shephered before.

Michelle Garten said...

As I see todays post it brings tears to my eyes and an emptiness to my heart. You gave Ryan all he needed to be comfortable...Love. He is now your Angel in heaven to watch over all of you. You are a strong family and may you rely on that to get you through this. My thoughts & prayers are with you all. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious baby boy.
Michelle Garten CT

My Trendy Tykes said...

What a sweet lil angel....

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will definitely be in my prayers tonight.

Kellee said...

Thinking of your family today. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

I have stumbled upon your blog from the Extraordinary Mom blog. I am so sorry for your loss and I am praying for Ryan and your family. May Ryan look upon all of you from Heaven! Stay strong! carla

moosh in indy. said...

I'm so deeply sorry for your loss.

Mandi said...

I was introduced to your family by Danielle (Extraordinary Mommy), and I am so glad that she helped to bring a little more awareness to SMA. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will continue to send thoughts and prayers your way.

God bless you and your family, and little Ryan who now rests peacefully.

Stephanie Wilson she/her @babysteph said...

I am so so sorry. Praying for peace in your hearts, what a precious angel.

Stephanie

Anonymous said...

My prayers go out to your family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You now have a special guardian angel to forever look over your family.
What a beautiful picture of him also...he has such wise eyes.
Please know I will continue to pray for your healing.

Anonymous said...

I am visiting and commenting for the first time today - a sad moment indeed. I am so sorry for your loss.

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

I can't even begin to find words for your grief...so I won't. Just know there are strangers praying in NC.

Fred and Sherry Zarf said...

We are thinking of your family and praying for you. God has taken Ryan into his arms where he will continue to look down on your family and smile as he has the stongest and most loving family ever known.

Momo Fali said...

I am so sorry. My family will pray for yours to have the strength to get through this difficult time.

Andrea @ MommySnacks.net said...

I'm so sorry for this heart-wrenching loss. You will be in our prayers. Words cannot express my deepest sympathies for you.

Anonymous said...

I know that no words I say can make you feel better. I am deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family are experiencing. I found your website last week and have checking in everyday since. I have and will continue to pray for your family. God Bless.

Marinka said...

I am so, so sorry. You're all in my prayers and thoughts.

Lindsey said...

Chris, Jenn, and Charlotte~

We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying your family. If you need anything please let us know!

Love The Tiemeyer Family

Carol Finkenstadt said...

Jenn and Chris,

I've been following your journey with Ryan the past three months on your blog, ever since Ryan went in the hospital back at the beginning of May.

The couple of times I saw you with him at church I was always amazed at what a sweet child he was.

I am so sorry for your loss. We'll be praying for you.

Unknown said...

Fred and Sherry have kept us up to date with the challenges you have faced. We count our blessings and trust in God's wisdom, not knowing the answers to why things happen, but knowing there is a purpose.

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers

Fred and Karen Zarf

Maria Melee said...

Sending love and peace to you. Thank you for sharing his beautiful journey with us.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.
You and your family are in my thoughts.

Our sons celebrated the same birthday.

Anonymous said...

Jenn, Chris & Charlotte,

We have been praying for you and are saddened by the news of Ryan's passing. We believe he has gone to Heaven where he feels no pain and can watch over you.

May you find comfort in all the good times and great pictures you have to remember Ryan by.

With love, Lorelei, Barbara, and Brian Cioffi

Shannon said...

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Anonymous said...

You don't know me, but Jamie Auping sent an email a few months back asking for prayers for her amazing friend and family. Since then, I have followed your story and have been amazed and moved by your strength and love. Although you may not feel that way now, know your family has touched many lives. May God's peace be with you now.

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Your joyful faith shines through in your actions and writings and you are a wonderful witness for Christ. We've fallen in love with little Ryan, too, through your blogs and have touched many others.

"and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Kathy & Mike Williams

Anonymous said...

Jenn and Chris,


I don't have the words to describe my sadness for you and your family. I am glad to have met Ryan--a very handsome and spirited boy. He will always be a treasure, loved by many.


Dave Stonner

Zann said...

Chris, Jenn and Charlotte,
I feel blessed to have been able to follow Ryan's journey through your thoughtful loving words each day. It is clear that Ryan had the love of many people surrounding him. I'm sure he felt each prayer and loving wish wash over him each day.

God loves you and loves your angel Ryan. He has made it possible for you to be with Ryan again someday. You will hold that loving boy in your arms again soon.

I will continue to pray for you that peace and comfort will be blessed upon your sweet family.

Alex Erb

Kristi_Zehr said...

Hawn Family,

I have only known you through your blog and Caring Bridge site. Even though we have never met, my heart is heavy and the tears are flowing over the loss of your precious son. He is truly an Angel now! I pray God helps your through this time. I have seen your strength and Faith in this and I know you will be ok. My love and prayers are with you all.

Kristi Zehr

Michelle Begley said...

What a precious angel you have looking down on you all. You all are an amazing family and stay strong for one another. Ryan is breathing easy in the arms of the one true father now. What a blessing to know who he is with and that one day you too will reunite.

Brian said...

We are so sad with you over your loss. Your hearts must be breaking today and we will hold you up in prayer.

With love,
Brian and Rebekah Rages

Joni Sampel said...

Oh Jennifer and Chris... I'm so so very sorry to hear this, as I know you are. Losing a child is the one thing a parent should never have to endure. I know the pain you are suffering all to well, and my heart goes out to you and to Charlotte. The days ahead will most definitely be trying ones both emotionally, physically and even spiritually. There were times I would scream and ask why this had to happen, and during those times I believe God held me closer and let me scream and cry, all while he held on to me. I know you are both firm believers in faith, that is why I say this to you. God is holding you, remember that. Let your family and friends do the same.

Jenn if you ever need to talk to another mom who understands email me anytime.. You both are in our thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Behold, I make all things new.

I know the Lord will be with your family during this time.

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I am so sorry for your loss, may Jesus be near to your family as you mourn, cry and miss your son. Strangers are crying with you.

melissa

JenniferSaake.blogspot.com said...

I only heard of your story this morning via twitter. My heart aches for you in the death of your sweet boy. I know you may not be ready to read it for a while, but a book that was a huge blessing to me was Kathe Wunnenberg's Grieving the Child I Never Knew, a devotional journal through infant loss.
With many prayers,
Jenni Saake
co-founder, Hannah's Prayer Ministries, Christian support for infertility, pregnancy loss and infant death www.hannah.org

Sarah said...

Jenn, Chris, and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a special little guy Ryan was. He was so lucky to have this family-even for such a brief time. Your pain must be unbearable right now, but know that God is there holding your hand. We love you all so much and are lifting you up in prayer.

Praise God that his little body is now perfect. What a treasure God now has in Heaven with Him.

--Mike & Sarah

Amanda said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear this! :*( I hope that God will embrace you with his love during this time and that you will feel peace.... hugs and prayers

Bridget said...

Hawn Family: My heart aches for you and for your loss. Ryan is now in the hands of God and is at peace.

Anonymous said...

I know this just happened and there is a lot for you to worry about, but is there a memorial fund, or charity or research fund that you would like people to contribute to?

The Frost's said...

Chris, Jenn and Charlotte,

We are so sorry, so sad today for you all. We hope you will find solace and strength through the love and prayers of all these people who so care about you and through God, who has lifted Ryan up to heaven, where he will suffer no more.

I composed a dedication to Ryan on our blog, so that all of those who read ours can know Ryan as well and spread awareness of SMA and the quest for treatment and cure across the blogosphere.

Our hearts and prayers are with you guys today. We wish you peace and comfort.

Tyler, Emmy, Aidan and Ethan

Boomerloomer said...

To Chris, Jenn, Charlotte, and your families...Even though we live far away, we feel have been with you (through your blogs) every step along this very painful journey, and now feel the deep sadness of your loss. Baby Ryan is Home with God and the angels now, but he will always be with us as well. May you all feel the abundant love and sympathy your extended family and 'community' feel for you now.
With all our heartfelt tears, prayers and love...Uncle Rich, Aunt Kathleen, Alyssa and Jameson

Stephanie said...

Jennifer I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Although we don't know each other we are cousins, I am your Grandma Pauline's Niece from her sister Mary Sue, and word has traveled through the Rickerson family today of your great loss. We are all very saddened for you and your family and hope that you will be comforted a small amount by the knowledge that we are all thinking of you.

Stephanie McAdam

T said...

My deepest sympathies to your family. Your loss is one no one should have to go through.My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Nancy Keller said...

Jenn and Chris,

My heart is breaking for you this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you and with Charlotte during this most difficult time.

Your sweet baby is now at peace and in the arms of Jesus.

LYNZ said...

What a sweet angel...sleeping contently in the arms of Jesus himself tonight...my thoughts are with you all.

Anonymous said...

My heart is so saddened for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Jenn and Chris-
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss this morning. Ryan is with the Lord now, playing with the other children in heaven, and isn't suffering anymore. Ryan will see you both again someday, and he will keep watch over your family. I pray that the Lord and His angels are with you as you get through this loss. Love you guys-
Megan Oliver

Brad and Jamie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Brad and Jamie said...

We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Take comfort knowing that Ryan is at peace now. There is a new angel in Heaven that will always be watching over you.

Toni Wozniak and family

William, Megan and Avery said...

My heart sank and my eyes filled with tears as soon as your blog loaded on my computer screen.

Your family has always held a special place in my heart, and I've thought about you often over the past few years. I've referred parents of kids newly diagnosed with SMA to your blog.

I've always admired your strength and faith through your battles with Charlotte, and now Ryan. You haven't lost. You fought valiantly for your little boy, and sometimes that means letting him go to heaven, where he's no longer hurting.

You'll see him again one day. And I look forward to meeting him too. Such a sweet spirit.

We will continue to pray. And fight for other kids like Ryan.

Megan

Aunt Marla said...

Praying for you and your family until I can see you. Aunt Marla

fidget said...

my deepest and sincerest sympathies and prayers. May the comfort of friends and family surround you and help ease the pain. You all are in my prayers

Anonymous said...

I don't know what to say as I know there's nothing that could be said to make the pain and sadness go away. Your family will be in our thoughts.

Eric & Nancy Childrey

Melissa5285 said...

As I look at this beautiful baby's face I sit and let the tears roll down my cheeks for I understand the pain of losing a child. My baby boy Hayden passed into the arms of Jesus 4 years ago now. May you always feel His presence and find peace from this raw pain you are experiencing. Time will ease this immense hurt and one day you will be handed your precious son again. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

melissa said...

I am so sorry to hear that Ryan has lost his battle. I am a respiratory therapist at Cardinal Glennon. I was truly touched by your story. I have a 6 month old named Ryan born 3 days after your Ryan. Now when I look at him I am going to have a greater appreciation for him then I already do (Is that possible?) If you need to talk to someone I am hear. I may not be able to relate to your situation but I can offer a shoulder for you to cry on.

Anonymous said...

To the family,
I am very sorry for your loss. Most people say he was a great kid I have been reading. He was very cute and looked to be very loved. I am sure he is in a better place looking down after all of you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you are dealing with the grieving process. God bless each and every one of you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sad to hear about Ryan's passing. I feel truely blessed to have been able to attend the trivia night and see the wonderful videos and photos of Ryan and his family. It was inspirational to see the amount of love that night; it was as if the love was actually palpable! I hope you can continue to feel that love around you-even through your grief.

your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Kaylan

Unknown said...

We have prayed for baby Ryan and your family every night. I am so sorry about your loss but I know Jesus has his arms wrapped around him right now and he feels no pain now. Jen, you and Chris and have an inspiration to many people,and your faith is a testimony to so many people. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Angie Ratliff

Anonymous said...

God Bless your beautiful family. You are an inspiration with your positive outlook and attitudes. No doubt Ryan had fantastic parents that made his life here full of happiness and joy.

God's peace be with you at this time & always.

Shauna said...

I am so sorry for your loss. We do not know each other but I came across your blog via @extraordmommy on twitter. I have spent the last two hours reading your life and my heart is breaking for you. Please know that your family is in my prayers.

Laura said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss. I can't possibly begin to imagine what you're going through. I do know that Ryan had the most amazing, loving, and caring parents that anyone could ever hope for and you both were amazingly strong in providing him all of the comfort that you possibly could. Ryan is a precious angel who will be remembered forever by the thousands of lives that he has touched. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. We're just down the road.

Laura Powers

Anonymous said...

It just began to rain extremely hard here and I honestly believe that it is all the tears that have been shed for your special boy. I hope you know that you made his life on this Earth amazing and he left you knowing that he was loved. Hug Charlotte and cherish every moment you had with Ryan

Anonymous said...

Jenn, Chris & Charlotte,
I don't have the words to express how sorry we are for the loss of little Ryan. I can't imagine the pain you are feeling, but we are here for you and we hurt with you. I'm trying to remind myself that Ryan is healthy and happy in the arms of Jesus. You were wonderful parents to him and God gave him to you for a reason. You are so inspiring to others and have touched so many lives. His short little life made a difference and we've all been privileged to read your eloquent words describing his life.

We love you,
Nancy, Dave and Family

Unknown said...

Thinking and praying for you....

Anonymous said...

Jenn, we were so very, very sorry to hear about Ryan. Our hearts and prayers are with you, Chris and Charlotte.

Jennifer, Brian, Tyler & Clayton

The Eberts said...

Jenn, Chris and Charlotte:

I'm am truly sorry for your loss. Your family and Ryan, in just his short 6 months with us, have touched so many people. More than you will ever know. I just want to let you know that there are so many prayers being said for your family, from people you know and people you've never met. I thank God that he gave Ryan to your family to love and care for until he was called home. You guys are the most incredible parents I've ever known.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Andrea Ebert

Meghan Gray said...

Dear Chris, Jenn, and Charlotte,

We are so, so sorry for your loss! We are lucky to have been able to meet Ryan; even only briefly, we knew how precious he was. We pray God's peace and healing will surround you and uphold you.

We love you!
Meghan & Jayson

Laura Davidson said...

Chris, Jenny, and Charlotte

We love you all so very much, and are always thinking of you. We loved Ryan so much, and are going to miss him dearly. He was such a sweet angel, and now is an angel in heaven. May God grant you peace and comfort, and please know how much we love you all. Thank you so much for singing the lullaby to Ryan...after we talked about you adding it to your play list, I had the song stuck in my head all night, and was actually singing it as I fell asleep last night. It has always reminded me of Ryan, and now it has even more sentimental value to it than ever before. We love you all so very much, and wish we could be there to give you hugs and kisses. Sending all our love from over the pond. xxxooo

Love, Matt and Laura

Anonymous said...

Jenn and Chris... I pray for peace for your whole family. You all are truly amazing in your faith, your love and your dedication to have such beautiful memories for all of us to hold onto. I will continue to pray for you and all your family as you make it through yet another tough week. God bless you all!

Anonymous said...

All of my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Heaven is such a better place now with it's newest, sweetest angel. Love and peace,
Kathy L.

Anonymous said...

I do not know your family but my heart wrenches with the enormous pain you must be feeling. I have a little boy that is just 4 days older than your sweet angel and looking at Ryan's photos I see that they have the same toys, clothes, and sweet baby face.
Please find comfort in the fact that God has a tremendous plan for your family and is doing a mighty work through your precious little boy. I pray love and peace for all of you during this difficulty. Jesus will keep you strong!

Melissa said...

I just recently found your blog and have been praying for your family. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

Melissa

Carrie Horning said...

Jen,
I can't imagine your world right now. I cry tears for your pain but smile for a baby at peace. All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

barnesquads said...

Prayers are with you and your family. Just last night the quads learned to pray for Ryan after I showed his picture from the blog.
My heart aches for all of you. Thanks for sharing Ryan with us.
The Barnes Family

casual friday every day said...

I don't even know what to say. My heart is burning with pain for you right now.

I pray for you all...

Nell

Lindsay Faust said...

Jenn, Chris, Charlotte, and the rest of the family,
We love you all so much!!! Just like everyone else, there are no words to describe how sad we are for you. Praise God Ryan is no longer struggling or in pain, but he's going to be missed so much. I have my friends, church and family praying for you.

Love always,
Lindsay, Steve, Aaron & Natalie Faust

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious baby. May God comfort you in this time of loss. You don't know me but I have been a continuous reader of your beautiful blog. I will be praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads his white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. He is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch him until at length he hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: "There, he is gone."

Gone from my sight. That is all. He is just as large in mast and hull and spar as he was when he left my side and he is just as able to bear his load of living freight to his destined port.

His diminished size is in me, not in him. And just at the moment when someone at my side says: "There, he is gone." there are other eyes watching him coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here he comes!"

And that is dying.

~Henry Van Dyke

Jenn, Chris and Charlotte,

I am so sorry. Ryan felt your love every single day. He is now a beautiful Angel. Your faith has brought you to this place with such grace and I know it will continue to provide you with the peace of heart you will need to carry on.

Anonymous said...

Jenn, Chris & Charlotte
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ryan was truly blessed to have such a wonderful family to be a part of. You all now have a guardian angel watching over you. Find peace in knowing Ryan is in a better place now and has touched the lives of so many people in his short life. You are both such an inspiration to so many people. My heart aches for you both, and I will continue to pray that your faith will help you through these most difficult time.
Andrea Manasco

Jody Saso said...

Sending you love, strength, peace, and a mountain of prayers.
Your neighbors, The Sasos

amyfish said...

Jenn, our hearts are grieving with you and your family. We are praying that God grant you comfort and peace and that in time, healing too. We are asking God on your behalf to heal your hearts. We love you all and will continue to pray.

Bosco's Mom said...

My heart breaks for you. How lucky to have had such a precious boy, and how heart-rending to lose him. He touched so many hearts in his short life and the strength of your family and your faith is such an inspriration. I have prayed for you and will continue to pray that you find solace and peace.
-Kristin (Vogel) Little

Anonymous said...

Jen and Chris,

I check your blog every couple of days to see how things are going and I was very sad to see today's entry. I never fail to be impressed with your ability to express your complex feelings surrounding this devastating set of circumstances and your unwavering faith. May you find some measure of peace that Ryan is with God now, suffering no longer, and may your memories of your time with him last a lifetime.

Christy Morgan

Anonymous said...

Jenn,
My heart aches for you and all your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that Ryan is at peace, and for peace for all of you! You and Chris have really shown what unbelievable parents you are, especially when faced with such challenge...you should be so proud, and we are all so lucky to know you! May God bless you, Chris, Charlotte, Ryan, and all your loved ones.
Love, Barb V.

Stacie Hanson said...

I have struggled today to find the right words to let you know how sorry I am..I have no idea the emotions you must be feeling. My heart aches for you. God is surrounding you with his love and He will carry you through this. I pray that He continues to bring you strength, comfort and peace.

Ryan was a sweet and wonderful little boy. He has touched more lives that I could every imagine. You both are such amazing parents and I feel so blessed to know you. Thank you for letting us be a part of this journey.

You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Love to you all.

Jay Hamre said...

Jennifer and Chris,

What an awesome testimony you guys have. I cannot imagine the anguish that you must feel in the "flesh", but I am so joyful that you have the assurance of Ryan's final resting place and understand the grander scope of our limited life of stewardship on this earth. May the Lord richly bless your family (of four) and continue to strengthen you in your faith.

God's speed,

The Hamre family

Anonymous said...

You have given your son such a full life of love; thank you for sharing your journey and strength during this trying time- you and your family are an inspiration.

McCammons said...

My thoughts are with you and your family during this time. Many prayers for peace and knowing that your son is now with our Father and in no further pain. God Bless you and your family for staying within your faith during this trying time. It's Faith and the Father that will bring you through!

SeekerofGrace said...

Prayers to your family. I am so sorry you had to endure this. There is another angel in heaven...

Anonymous said...

Look at those wise, beautiful eyes. One of God's greatest gifts to you has been Ryan and the looks you shared with your beautiful boy. I am certain he knew he was so very loved. That picture is almost surreal, he is so peaceful. Knowing. Letting you know, 'it will be okay.'