Today is one of my favorite days of the whole year, because
today is the day I get to celebrate Ryan’s life!
Each
year, on his birthday blog post, I love honoring something about him that has
seemed especially meaningful over the year he just lived. This year, I want to
celebrate that Ryan is a rock for so many people. I love so many things
about him. He’s funny, he’s organized, he’s loyal, he’s a fantastic listener,
he gives great advice, he’s hot 😊, and he’s persistent. (And much more!) But
this year, he’s been a rock, he’s been a rock star, and he just plain rocks…and
I want to celebrate that!
Also,
this is a long post, and I offer zero apologies for that. He’s worth every
part of the scroll!
He came with me to all my speaking engagements last year and prayed for me,
ran my slides, and boosted me when I felt discouraged or pelted by the enemy.
He has been a huge support and encouragement to my parents this year as
they’ve moved and worked to settle into a whole new life. He’s answered
questions, he checks on them every single day, he encourages them, and he’s
solved more problems than I am sure I even know!
He’s shown love to our godson and his mom, called to check on them, answered
questions for them, and played a lot of fun games (because he never runs out of
energy)!
He did SO much heavy lifting regarding Mom and Dad’s move. He hefted
furniture, drove moving trucks, hefted more furniture, moved things around, and
made sure everything landed where it was supposed to go.
He has encouraged all of us in boot camp and spurred us on to keep going when
we wanted to quit (or cry) (or both).
He is solidly fun at work, and I am confident his coworkers have a far more
entertaining time with Ryan on staff than they would ever have if he didn’t
work there!
He’s the best garage sale partner ever and handles all the scary negotiations
and makes change like a champ.
He is always up for a culinary adventure and isn’t afraid to try making
something new. (And he’s really a fantastic cook!)
He’s a rock star of a date. I love the way he makes time in the busyness to
spend time with me!
Anyone who will jump in and help photograph a wedding? Rock star!!
He has pitched in to do heavy lifting at the church anytime
there’s a project that needs tended to.
He’s my rock on the road and always does the driving so I can enjoy being a
passenger. I appreciate that.
Best vacation partner ever! He’s always up for a fun adventure and makes sure
we get to make solid memories for the future!
Need I say more about the rock he was for me on THIS day?
He’s a rock-solid prayer warrior, and I sure am grateful for it. He’s the
kind of guy you can call anytime, and he will stop and pray!
Ryan’s a rock in learning new adventures and helping me feel more at ease tackling
them, too!
He’s become a rock in learning all the finer points of being a pontoon
captain! I love (and miss) our sunset cruises. Let’s bring those back!
When Mom had her heart attack last year, he was a rock for ALL of us. He
showed up, visited, helped interpret all the medical speak, and was a comfort
for everyone.
He’s always been a rockstar barefoot skier, and it turns out he hasn’t lost
his skills, even after about a decade away from it!
He’s done an AMAZING job making our home look nice – always tackling projects
in the fullest way!
He’s always willing to help out others – with whatever projects they need done.
He can do just about anything!
When we found out there was a need in kids ministry at church, he was the
first to say we should jump in and do it until someone was hired. And he did a
GREAT job with those kids!
He is completely invested in the future of our church and the people in it
and spends time being present for everything.
He goes above and beyond for the residents at work, and they are so sweet to
recognize him and thank him for being who he is.
Nothing intimidates him, and he will YouTube his way through any project.
Last year he taught himself to rebuild a boat trailer!
He’s always looking out for kids and encouraging them to be brave and try new
things.
He is a rockstar date-planner and always finds fun things for us to do.
He is a rock for groups that depend on him to encourage them – like the Swiss
Village Singers!
He’s the safest place to be after a rough day.
I know that most husbands hate family picture day, but he rocks it. Makes it
easy. Makes it fun. Smiles big. 😊
He rocks a Halloween costume, doesn’t he?
He was 100% my rock when we had to say goodbye to our Braeya Jo last fall. My
goodness. Everyone needs a Ryan when they’re grieving.
He is doing an AMAZING job in his new role at work. I am so proud of him!
He’s a rockstar for accompanying me on adventures that mean so much to my
heart – like visiting 9/11 memorials in freezing, icy weather.
He’s the best kind of friend, always supporting people in their passions!
He stood right beside me as I waited for news of my new job. He spoke truth over
me when I started to doubt myself. He bought me Blizzards when that was what a
couple of hard days needed. And he let me cry, because that solves most confusion.
And then he celebrated with me in the moment I found out I got the job.
He rocks at having fun. Always.
He also rocks as a gameshow contestant…MUCH more than I do.
He’s the BEST barista. He can make anything.
He is a rock when it comes to keeping me safe – even getting up at 2 a.m. to
drive to Cleveland with me so I didn’t have to be in the city alone in the
predawn hours!
He is also a rock at keeping us safe in storms, one eye to the sky, and the other
to documentation!
He has supported me every step of the way with my ministry journey, even accompanying me to interview meetings!
