September 5, 2012
Ryder's Celebration of Life. Ryder would have been 3 years old. He celebrated in Heaven this year. I'm sure he partied with us at the Wright House as well :) Jen made sure all of my dreams of the celebration came true...Wright House, butterflies, colors, montage and dancing. She also made it more memorable and awesome then I could have even imagined!!!! She added a face painter, balloon artist, magician (which turned out to be a little wacko--lol), balloon release, tons and tons and TONS of food, a super fun photo booth, beautiful, large photos of Ryder, a photographer and catering staff (volunteer students from Highland High school!!!) It was so, so, so FUN!!!!
We had HUNDREDS of people join us!!!! Family from Alaska and Ohio joined us. Most of our Arizona family (Uncles, Aunts, cousins and Greats of each, nieces, nephew), A very dear friend from Delaware flew out to be with me. Elementary school friends, high school friends (and a few of their Mom's/family),old roommates, Minder Binder and Jackson's on 3rd peeps, coworkers of Les' and former coworkers of mine (Ty's 1st grade teacher), former students, nursing school friends, Ryder's therapists, Leukodystrophy families and friends, long time family friends & neighbors, Grandma and Nana's friends, Auntie Jen's friends, the boys principal and Noah's K & current teacher, amazing Child Life specialists and of course Doctor Narayanan and his wife attended! There were so, so many people (many surprisingly unexpected guests) from all walks of our life that joined us to celebrate, laugh and cry with us. It was BEAUTIFUL and PERFECT!!!
Tyler and Noah wrote and spoke lovely memories of their brother. Les and I also gave our own memorials of our sweet angel. Chaplain Charlie gave a beautiful speech and Auntie Jen read the legend of the butterfly release. I will post all of our speeches soon for those who couldn't attend.
My talented friend Jocelynn (Wicked Good Cake Company--check it out!!), made the most spectacular 3 layer cake! Jen spent many, many, many hours (with help from Alicia) putting together a beautiful montage with the songs, Forever Young and Here Comes the Sun. She also put together hours of pictures that played inside. Our great friends/family) Mike (& of course Jen), Mike & Holly, Aunt Janet, Kristie and my Mom stayed to help clean up.
This PERFECT day came together in less than 2 weeks! Jen you ROCK, I love you and I appreciate you so very, very much. I'm sure I forgot to mention some of you that also helped, but THANKS from the bottom of my heart to everyone who made this day so special :)
There was a guest book (that fell apart--long annoying story) but it wasn't the final book. If you can please comment on one--or several of these pages I would LOVE to add them to the final copy, even if you have never met Ry or didn't attend the celebration(just leave it in a comment):
1. What Memories do you have of Ryder?
2. Write 1 word to describe Ryder.
3. What memories of Ryder make you smile?
4. What still makes you think of Ryder?
5. What lessons have you learned from Ryder?
6. What do you think Heave is like?
7. What do you think Ryder is doing in Heaven today?
I am so sorry I wasn't able to make it on Wednesday night. Too many things just didn't make it work for me to get there, mostly my headaches. It looks like it was a beautiful evening full of many memories. Although I didn't know Ryder very well he touched my life forever.
ReplyDelete1. My memories of Ryder are watching him come out of music therapy on Wednesdays just as happy and cute as can be.
2. Adorable
3.My favorite memory of Ryder would have to be the day he showed up for music therapy wearing his bike helmet which Lauren had explained he wanted to wear and refused to take off. He was so stinkin' cute.
4. Seth makes me think of Ryder on a daily basis. While I love all my boys so much the last few weeks have made me snuggle even more with Seth and just love on him so much. Also anything D-Backs.
5. Probably to just love on my boys even more than I normally do.
6. Heaven is a beautiful place where there is no more pain, sorrow, etc. full of love and songs for Jesus.
7. Ryder is probably running around with other children singing, playing and just being loved.
Wow! Sarah, That day that Ryder wore his helmet to music therapy was the BEST session we had together we were singing and he was making all of his animal sounds, we made up a song about throwing the basketball into the drum and he laughed and laughed. It is a sound that will stay with me forever!
ReplyDeleteDenise, my heart breaks for your family, and I can imagine no greater loss than that of a child. I thank you for sharing him with me even for such a brief time.
Heaven - Ryder has no more pain or sorrow but is fully whole and healed, he can run (he is too busy to walk anyway) and he can fly with angels wings and bringing the angels to surround your family right now.
I thank you for sharing Ryder's story and your family's journey with us. I pray for healing but I hope you will keep writing. I know your words will help others.
You and Les and your boys, and especially Ryder are heroes, you went through a tragedy and you are still able to love each other and to love life.
Much love and Prayers,
Debi
I met Ryder, and your family, a year ago. I came to Chandler Mall to do the walk to raise funds for Ryder. He had a huge bump on his head - he had fallen at home, then fell again at the mall. It wasn't about to stop him, though! He wanted to do whatever his brothers were doing. And he did! Now, I am pretty sure he is playing baseball in heaven, with his helmet on, and having a wonderful time. We will all miss his wonderful smile. Dacia
ReplyDeleteIt was sooo good to see you last week and I was so glad to be able to attend. It felt like no time had passed. Here are my responses:
ReplyDelete1. What Memories do you have of Ryder?
- I was not fortunate enough to meet Ryder, other then when you were pregnant with him :) Through your pictures, updates, and blogs, I feel like I knew him very well!
2. Write 1 word to describe Ryder.
- LOVABLE
3. What memories of Ryder make you smile?
- When you talk about how much he loved baseball
4. What still makes you think of Ryder?
- I think about you and Ryder every day. Normally my only quiet time of the day - driving into work.
5. What lessons have you learned from Ryder?
- That life is a gift and you really do need to spend every minute appreciating what you have; enjoying what you have.
6. What do you think Heave is like?
- I really didn't know the answer to this question until I read that book, 'Heaven is for Real'. That is what I imagine Heaven is like.
7. What do you think Ryder is doing in Heaven today?
- Ryder is watching over you and Les and Noah and Tyler every single day. He is flying with the angels, playing with children, spending time with other relatives that have passed, and last but not least, he is playing some baseball!
Love You,
Kate
Sisters are the best. I adore mine.
ReplyDeleteSo very happy to hear the celebration was wonderful. The photo booth looks FUN! Glad you shared some of them.