Ryan’s love, compassion and acceptance of all people was beautiful.  I have so many stories and beautiful memories of his love for others and I wish I could hear all the memories each of you have. I think when I say “Ryan never met a stranger”, you know what I mean?   From the time he was a baby, he had a magnetic smile, beautiful blue eyes, a kind heart and the love of hugging others.

When Ryan was in first or second grade, he had a friend from SACC (his summer daycare) Chaz.  Chaz was picked on by some of the kids. I think Chaz was 14, and he had Down’s Syndrome.  Ryan defended Chaz ferociously on the playground.  Ryan stood up to boys that were much older and more than twice his size.  Chaz would tell me that Ryan was his best friend and that he protected him from the “mean boys”.  Here was this little boy and this big boy, and they adored one another.  It was a beautiful, innocent and loving friendship.   Ryan respected Chaz and saw his beauty.   

I have a memory of bringing Ryan and Chaz to a basketball game at the Capital Center.  On the way home the Whitney Houston song “I Will Always Love You”, came on and Chaz sang, no he BELTED out,   that entire song to Ryan (Could this have been the seed that was planted in Ryan’s love of singing with his heart and soul to Karaoke songs? I am sure a lot of people here could share some Karaoke or dance stores?).  

All the people who are here physically with us, the friends and family he loved that have passed on, to the people who are with him in spirit from around the world.  His unconditional love of others was like ripples on the water that spread out and I hope that the one lesson anyone who was touched by Ryan will be, not only to love others unconditionally, but to love yourself unconditionally.  

We are all collectively dealing with a Tsunami of grief.  The best gift you can give to me as his mother is to take care of yourself, take care of others.  Reach out to others when the world seems like too much.  Be kind, oh be so kind.  Feel your emotions, and if they are too much for you to handle alone seek professional help. The world can seem overwhelming at times.  The world seems overwhelming to me right now.  What can you do for me?  Reach out to people and love them for who they are, and if you want to be like Ryan find a perfect stranger!   Walk up and give them a hug!  Give them a REAL RYAN HUG.  Hold onto them tight!