In Memory of Ryan

12/7/87 - 2/23/93

You can read Ryan's story here

A LAST GOODBYE TO RYAN
By Kenneth Wallace

At a time like this we ask ourselves why? We try to find a reason, we search for some logical answer, we grasp at straws to try to put some reason to this so we can lessen our pain. But there are no reasons in this world that would ever explain Ryan being taken away from us. The wisest men on earth can talk for hours or days to explain this, but to no avail. The answer to Ryan’s leaving us is not of this world. Perhaps some day when we join Ryan this will make sense to us; till then we can only comfort ourselves with our memories of Ryan.

Who was Ryan Zarlenga? This little 5 year old bundle of love. This angel we were privileged to know, if only for such a short time. I think Ryan was put on this Earth to be our teacher. What can a little guy like him teach us big grown-ups?

To begin with, right from the day of his birth he taught a young couple, Joel and Tina, what real love is. The kind of special love that parents can only learn with their first born child. The total unselfish love that a new born baby causes to happen by just being there.

But Ryan didn’t stop there. He taught his grandparents, his aunts and uncles, and everyone who came near this beautiful baby his special brand of unselfish love.

As Ryan grew up, his ability to love people, and get love back from people, grew much faster than his physical size would ever grow.

Ryan was the picture of pure love and kindness. With his first words of Momma and Daddy, he learned to say “I Love You.” He had a gentle nature, and was always a quiet, well-behaved little man.

As soon as he could hold a crayon, he would make maps to we could always find our way to him. He carved those maps into our hearts, so we will always be able to find him.

We will forever treasure the pictures he made for us, that he always signed, “Love Ryan,” because those pictures are drawn in our hearts and our minds and will never fade.

Ryan was a teacher to be sure. He taught a grandfather what real love was all about; because of his sweetness he taught everyone who came near him his own unique brand of love. He even taught his preschool teacher the special love he alone possessed. She would even ask Tina and Joel if Ryan could come to preschool on his non-preschool days because he was such a calming influence on the rest of his schoolmates.

One of his joking names he gave himself was “School Boy Floyd.” He may not have realized it, but he was far more than a school boy. He was the brightest professor to ever walk the Earth. In Ryan’s 5 short years he has given all of us a lifetime of memories to cherish.

In this time of grief, we have to remember Ryan the teacher of love, and be thankful that we were allowed to come near this beautiful spirit. It would be a terrible disservice to Ryan’s memory is we allow anger and bitterness to cloud our memories of him. We will never understand why he was taken away from us, unless there is some special place that needs a teacher of love.

A tender loving bear hug to the most beautiful person
I will ever know!

From a Grandpa with a broken heart.

Comments

[carrie]

*hugs* i'm just a casual reader of your blog and my heart breaks for you and your family today. What a wonderful boy Ryan sounds like..i shed several tears while reading this wonderful tribute to him. Know that there are strangers out there giving you virtual hugs all day long.

[Laura]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.

[Beth]

Thinking of you today and glad that you could share this difficult day close with those you love.

[Diane A]

I came across this today. I can't imagine the loss you have gone through. And also receiving such an amazing gift and teacher in Ryan. Many blessings to you and your family.
Love & Light-
Diane A

Daily Word — Saturday, February 23, 2008

THANK YOU, GOD
Thank You, God, for Your presence of love, life, and light.
Thank You, God, for Your presence of love that prospers and blesses me so richly. Turning within in moments of conscious connection with You, I know that all things are possible. Your love attracts all that I need to be prosperous, fulfilled, and happy.
Thank You, God, for Your presence of life within that heals and strengthens me so completely. As I affirm wholeness, I align my body and mind with healing life that renews and restores me.
Thank You, God, for Your presence of light that guides me in all that I do. Filled with the divine light of inspiration, I know which actions to take, and I am led to connect with people who will support my ongoing spiritual awakening. And I know when to listen and pray in simple gratitude.

[Lida]

Sending you hugs on this difficult day.

[Elissa]

Thinking of you and your family...God bless.

[Linda]

Sending out hugs to you and your family.

[Toni]

What a difficult experience for all of you...sending (((hugs)))

[Aimeslee]

{{{hugs}}}

[isabel]

all my thoughts ... the story of your so cute boy makes me cry...

amitiés

[OHN]

I had no idea. I had never clicked on the link to Ryan's story. What a precious little boy. You are in my heart tonight.

[Penny]

Ryan's short time here gave a big amount of forever love of his parents and grandparents and so many who know his family by them sharing his life and placing in our hearts and minds to do something "nice" for someone else no matter how big or small. Happy Birthday Ryan!

[Dena Simoneaux]

Tina, I am so incredibly sorry! I cannot not even fathom the pain and grief of losing a child! What a sweet little soul he was, I can tell from the stories your father wrote and from your write upon him as well. My heart goes out to you and prayers too! i think you told me your father passed as well, he is there with Ryan to take care of him and your brother too! Ryan is taken care of by them as well as by god. Children are special in Heaven and all of them are watching over you, I am sure!

Dena :)