Never forget

One of my fears is that I'll start to forget. Probably not now, but 10 years down the road I want all the memories to remain just as strong in my mind. By sharing my stories and memories, Ryan can live each day.

On Friday I told my students the story of Ryan's visit to Annapolis and how the night eventually led to Me, Ryan, Bud, and Zelezen running as fast as we could from these huge guys. Long story but my kids laughed and laughed when they heard the story. There was never a dull moment with my brother and he lived 100 years in his 29 years. It puts me at ease recalling times when Ryan said he did so many things in his short life, things that others don't even experience over an entire lifetime. Ryan got the most out of his life and I honestly don't think we should look at it as being cut short.

I'm looking at this pic I just found of Ryan in the basement playing on his slot machine. I remember this night as if it were yesterday. I came home from Baltimore from the weekend and Ryan and I spent hours working on his myspace page, adding pictures and quotes and information about him. He was playing with the slot machine and its' crazy, zany carnival-sounding music like a big dork :-P I taped him and was laughing SO HARD. He was always a trip. Bopping his head all around. Wearing his college shirt I got him. I gave it to him because one time I went to visit him he leaned over and looked at me so sincere and said "So how's scollage?!!?" I said you mean college?!?! Haha. A few years later telling this story I spit out the hot chocolate in my mouth.

I have so many fun and funny memories with Ryan. I never want to forget. They say that the heart that truly loves never forgets.

Thinking of him,
Lynds