Thursday, November 3, 2011

What I Want for Ryann's Birthday

This is a heads-up to everyone.

I'm going to ask for something specific from you as a gift to us on Ryann's birthday.

Tomorrow I want to see this comments section flooded with an influx of stories that you have of Ryann, be it photos or memories or general reactions. I want to know how Ryann touched you. This is the best present that I can think of. This is what I want for her birthday.



40 comments:

  1. I never had the opportunity to meet Ryann, but I most certainly celebrated in her birth. It was evident to anyone who knew Jared or Damie that Ryann was the light in their lives, and every day that she was a part of their added even more blessings to their lives, from the moment they knew their family would be increasing by one more. She was an angel on earth, here to bless everyone she met, but most especially Jared and Damie, for I know that even now, she is looking upon you, and blessing each day you have together.

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  2. Hi Damie!
    I always enjoy reading your blog and your posts always touch my heart. I only ever met Ryann once myself, but I saw her several times when I was playing violin at Assumption Church. In all my memories of seeing her there, she was always smiling and happy, even when being passed from person to person. I was always impressed that she never seemed to mind being held by people other than her parents and was still smiley. She seemed to spread a lot of joy and happiness in her 18 months. Even for people like myself who barely knew her, she is not forgotten. Hugs to you and Jared from Bryan and I on this special day.

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  3. I have never met you, nor Ryann. I knew her from a mutual friend Becky. I watched her grow up it seemed through pictures. I marveled at how beautiful of a child she was. She touched my heart through pictures and a few posts that I had read early on through your blog. I wish I could share a better memory of her with you. What a blessing she was. I pray for you and your family often and look forward to the time that we can see that smiling face again.

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  4. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ryann in person. I only met you once. Remember when we went out to Becky's to look through baby girl clothes with Adina? I thought you were such a neat girl and would make such a good mama. I enjoyed watching Ryann grow through photos, and always just smiled at what a beautiful girl she was.

    Though I don't have a story about her, I can say that she has touched my life and made me so thankful everyday for my blessings.

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  5. (For the record I almost failed writing class, yes, yes, the one with Chris Blake.)

    Damie, Jared, I never met Ryann.

    So I never got the chance to hear her giggle, or laugh, or chatter in person. I never babysat for you. In fact, I'm rather oblivious and only realized you had a child as a sidenote. Since I was wrapped up in my own little world.

    And for that reason, I can't tell you of cute things that happened, days spent, first reactions. Or anything like that involving her & myself.

    But What I do know is this. As much as you feel blessed to have had such a wonderful daughter in your life, she was blessed trice-over to have parents like you. Parents who can laugh, who can cry, who can care, who love God and showed God's love to her. I can tell from the pictures and videos that Ryann was a happy and determined child. A joy to be around, a sunbeam. (A little monster at times? But always beloved).

    Your refusal to let your daughter and her memory fade into oblivion, while determined to live life fully, is something of which legends could be made. It tells me that your daughter wasn't just some child to you, but a bright individual to you. The fact that you are willing to remind yourself and face that things are different, because you refuse to forget Ryann, shows. God be with you as you build your own Taj Ryann.

    Oh, and happy Birthday Ryann, happy celebration of the day your parents began to realize the depth & width & height & wonder of God's love and how amazing it was that we, as humans, could experience just a particle of that amazingness. After reading what others have said, it is with certainty that I can declare that the world is better because of you.

    Nate sends a hug your way.

    Yours,

    Laura Z Shepherd

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  6. So, I'm not a baby person exactly. They seem fragile and make me kind of nervous. I do a lot better once they're to a verbal communication phase.
    We were in town for Christmas and Ryann was just over a year old - much more grown up than the almost newborn I'd met before, but still a baby in my book. You guys walked over to Judy's for lunch and I remember opening the door and Ryann practically jumped into my arms. She didn't give me time to get nervous. She was confident, even if I wasn't, which helped me relax and enjoy getting to know this new little cousin. I felt very special. It was a fun watching her meet all the people and crawl up and down the steps and just revel in these new surroundings. She made the most of every moment.
    Whenever I came by your place during the rest of that trip, she was down for a nap or asleep for the night. So today, I am still looking forward to the next time I get to smile with her, and in the meantime, I am trying to embrace life like I think she would.

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  7. Miss Ryann was such a dare devil! It was fun watching her try so hard to stand up or crawl or do whatever Kayla and Chloe were doing. I remember when I watched her that she use to terrify me. I was sure I would have to explain the bruise and goose eggs on her head from falling on my floor for the 100th time but Ryann was such a strong little bugger and it really didn't stop her! She kept trying to stand on the hard tile floor! Silly child scared me!

    I also remember Chloe, Kayla, and Ryann playing together many times. Halloween last year, Ryann's birthday party, the girls birthday parties. I loved that there were other little girls for Chloe to play with. Ryann was/is a dare devil and I will always remember her tenaciousness of doing everything!

    I'm praying for you both and miss you both! God be with you today and hold you in his arms tightly! I know he's holding her in heaven right now giving her hugs and kisses for all her friends and family. Especially mommy and daddy! Love you both!

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  8. I don't know you or Ryann, just have some mutual friends and stumbled upon your story and your blog. My heart broke in a million pieces for you.

    I won't forget her. Every child, no matter the number of days spent, changes the world.

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  9. One of the things I looked forward to about you and Jared moving to Lincoln was meeting the Small One I had seen grow – literally and figuratively – through pictures you and your mom posted. Sadly, I didn’t get to meet Ryann. I remember checking my Facebook account before leaving for the Cat House that Sunday morning and seeing your mom’s post about Ryann being sick and offering up a short prayer. I checked FB again when I got home 3 hrs later to read that she had passed. I remember being in shock for a few minutes and then crying for a friend had not seen in years and a Small One I would never get to meet. I remember thinking it was too fast. And wrong.
    I then called my fiancĂ©/husbandy type person. We were going through an odd time where it seemed like 4 years worth of fights, arguments, and problems were boiling out of nowhere in a few short weeks. Words had been said. We both got hurt. And we hadn’t spoken in a week. After 4 years of telling each other daily that we loved each other, we had walked away silent and angry. I broke the silence to tell him I loved him, even when hurt, even when angry. And that I did not want to live with the regret of not telling him that. Your little girl taught me that things can happen way too fast and no matter how much planning we do, not matter how much we spin our wheels, we only get today. We only get now. She taught me to use the now, to try not live so much in the future – always reaching for the next goal – only to miss the now. And to try to live my life without regrets. She was not here long but she lived a full life and she filled yours, your families, and your friend’s lives. Thank you for that.
    Know that you are loved and the prayers of comfort and peace are said for you as well as prayers of memory and blessing for your futures.

    - Malisa McCown

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  10. Ryann brought 18 months of joy...you had no worries about her at all which made the joy so much bigger. Imagine if you knew she had this problem all along? You would stress over more than necessary, but instead you just cherished every moment loving her and caring for her as only parents can. She left quicker than she came and her life was way too short but at least you know she is in heaven looking down on you waiting for you to join her :) Im sure God has taught her how to talk and swing and get herself dressed. Im sure she is excited to show you everything you will be so proud of her for. She is here in spirit and she is happy with how you have handled her passing. She is never forgotten by anyone <3

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  11. I never got the pleasure of meeting her in person, but I feel like I was able to watch Ryann grow up through the pictures and videos you posted on Facebook. I remember how surprised I was when you posted that she was already sleeping through the night. I remember praying that my husband would be as excited about our children as Jared was before she was born. I remember asking God to help us enjoy our children as much as you two did, to not let work, busy-ness, or our prior commitments get in the way of spending as much quality time as we could. I remember thinking how much I loved her name, her smile, her happy demeanor. I can't wait to meet her someday and see you all together, your beautiful family. We are thinking of you today. Happy birthday, little Ryann. You are loved and greatly missed. -- Patty (McGuire) Gomez

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  12. I met Ryann once and what a delight she was! I got the opportunity of being able to watch over her while you, Damie, thankfully played the piano for the Graduate Studies Christmas Party last year. Ryann had lots of energy and smiles galore! She played the game with me where she would drop the keys on the floor knowing I would pick them up for her each time. She was a precious little one! I hope you and your husband have a blessed day as you remember your precious little one.

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  13. Before ever meeting Ryann, I remember Damie talking about her at baby showers and telling funny stories of the little new things Ryann was doing as she was growing up and it was making me look forward to being a parent myself (I was pregnant at the time). And then actually getting to see this little girl who I'd heard such cute stories about was that much more fun! Seeing her on campus at WWU or at the Farmer's Market dancing and eating a gyro with her Dad. She was such a happy, lovable, bright little girl. She had a special look in her eye like she knew more than people thought she did, wiser, smarter, just all around brighter... :) What a beautiful child and what a beautiful memory I have of her. Blessings for you and your family today on Ryann's birthday- may you find laughter and joy as you read through these comments and find peace in God. Big hugs to you both!

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  14. I only had a chance to see Ryann a few times after she moved to Lincoln. The first couple of times, I was working with Damie and Jared & Ryann had stopped by to say hi or go to lunch with her. She was still shy but I could tell there was a sparkle in her eye. After seeing some of her daredevil pictures, I now know why! :)

    I feel blessed to have known her for the very short time I did and profoundly sad for the same fact as well. I believe she would have been so much fun to play with! Thank you for introducing me to your precious daughter!

    Happy Birthday Ryann!! You are loved and missed tremendously!

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  15. One of my most precious memories of Ryann is of those first moments I spent with her on the day she was born. Mom and I arrived in Walla Walla just in time to see you pregnant for one day, and urge you to rest and save up your energy (which you did not do, for shame). I felt so proud of you and Jared during your labor, watching you push so strongly (sounds creepy but it wasn't). Having that experience, being able to share in that, was such a privilege and gift. My love for my little niece is and always will be completely bound up with my love for my sister and brother. When I looked at her beautiful face, I saw your faces, and when I look at your faces, I see hers, and always will.

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  16. When Ryann was a little baby...maybe 6 or 9 months old...@Jared Hiscock and Will Van Kley decided to take a spontaneous drive to the Tri-Cities with their three girls in tow! My two girls entertained Ryann the whole way by grabbing her toes and yelling "foot!" For some reason this cracked Ryann up and kept her happy. Now, "Foot!" is what we all say in our house when someone needs a laugh. :) I think Ryann taught Lydia and Charlotte to love babies and be the great big sisters they are now.
    - Anne Van Kley

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  17. I remember holding Ryann while you and Jared Hiscock were singing/playing special music in church. She was a pretty new little baby at that time. She was a little bit uncomfortable with me...tense and squirmy, so we were way back in the church hallway. But as soon as Jared's voice started singing, her breath got so even and relaxed. I could tell she was used to his voice and recognized it, even though she was so little!
    - Anne Van Kley

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  18. I don't know you guys, but I was a total Ryann stalker at church. I told my husband that she was the prettiest baby that I'd ever seen and I always tried to get a smile from her. She was very obliging. Once I went to the gym to walk on the treadmill and her stroller was parked between the treadmills and she smiled at me the whole time. I tripped more than usual because she was so delightfully distracting. My thoughts and prayers are with you often and today especially.

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  19. Her smile made me smile. I saw her periodically in the library when Jared would come by with Ryann during the lunch hour or at other random times throughout the day. I remember telling you several times, "She's BEAUtiful." I couldn't get over her brilliant eyes and shiny hair, how she struggled to walk up and down the steps in the entryway of the library on her short little legs, or her wonderment about the world...but the thing that made me smile most was to see her smile. :)

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  20. I never got a chance to meet Ryann, but if she was anything like you and your sis, she was a joy!! I don't think I ever saw either of you without a smile on your faces. And you were like my sisters and I, always carrying around some inner secret between you...lol!! And I'm sure if you are anything like me with my girls, Ryann was your very best little friend. I remember when I first friended you on FB getting all excited because you had a little girl the same age as mine. What a little blessing!! I'm glad I have gotten to know her a little through all of the stories I have heard. She was gorgeous and you will never forget her. I can't wait till Jesus comes and you can see her again!! Happy Birthday Ryann!

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  21. I wish we could have met Ryann in person myself, but I always looked forward to when you would post pictures and stories and laugh at the same and different things she'd be doing than our Boo, who's just a few months older. (especially since she was the closest in age to him than anyone I knew) It really shook me up the day she died and I still can't imagine the pain you must still be going through. I pray and think of you two very often, and I read your blog faithfully :D Love and prayers cousin!
    -Katrina

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  22. I rememer last year at the St. Clairs house. I went there for Thanksgiving dinner. I have never met Ryann before that day. But she the cutest little girl. I was sitting on the couch and she just climbed into my lap. She was a friendly little girl. She was also a daredevil, I remember how she try to just down some stairs. Ryann and your family made that Thanksgiving a memorable one.

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  23. I want to read these comments, but I read Kristin's and started crying, so I'll wait until I'm somewhere private to read the rest. :)

    The winter before you left Walla Walla I talked you and Jared and Jason into doing a mini Christmas music performance with me for some old people at the Village Church Youth Center. We got together and pulled out some simple things, including piano solos, vocal duets and solos, and clarinet solos, and had a blast entertaining those elderly folks.

    During the performance, however, we had to tag-team taking care of Kayla and Ryann, who were giddy and happy chasing each other around the room. Because the floor was a gym floor, however, every time they left the carpeted corner and stepped onto the wooden floor the pounding and hammering of toddler feet echoed throughout the entire gymnasium. I remember seeing the older folks craning their necks trying to see what the raucous was, and smiling with sparkles in their eyes when they spotted the two silly little girls giggling in the corner. And every time Ryann noticed someone looking at her, she squealed and ran faster and harder, grinning the entire time.

    When we finished the "concert" there was no end to the comments from attendees about the adorable girlies who were secondary (oh, who are we kidding? PRIMARY) entertainment during our music.

    I miss that girlie...I miss her smile, her laugh, her squeals, her giggles, her crazy daredevil behaviour...all of it. I even miss her hilariously too-big socks that never stayed on her feet. I miss her and Kayla swapping shoes every time they got together. I miss the hilarious looks Kayla would give Ryann when Ryann leaned on her, fell on her, climbed on her, or otherwise came into unexpected physical contact with her. I miss the two of them sitting in the same chair, reading Pooh books together. I miss them plopped in a laundry basket, fighting over who got to straighten their legs and who had to squish into the corner. I miss going shopping with you and Ryann and Kayla and being sorely tempted to buy everything you did so that our girlies could be matching - in style.

    I remember this and many other things today, on Ryann's birthday. Her special day is on my calendar and it will remain there forever, and I will always celebrate her life and remember that adorable girlie.

    Happy birthday, sweet girl...we miss you.

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  24. I remember when Ryann was tiny and Jared would bring her to staff meetings at the church. Most of the time she slept. Occasionally she would wake up, look around and keep us entranced with her cooing and bright eyes. Praying for you today.

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  25. I, like some others, mostly knew Ryann through facebook. There, I got to know a very colorful little girl who seemed to revel in every moment (or, at least, every moment a camera was pointed at her!) That she would do so seems natural, as it was obvious that her parents were reveling in her every movement. This child, for her too-brief time here, had the privilege of being truly celebrated and loved.

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  26. I remember coming back from a year away from WWU and being surprised to discover that Damie was very much pregnant, evident not only by the obvious size of her stomach, but also by the glow both she and Jared seemed to have. I think Ryann inherited her dare devil attitude from her mother, because I remember going bowling with her when she must have been just a few short weeks away from giving birth to Ryann.


    After she was born, I think the first time I met her was when those proud parents brought her to church. Later I spent more time with her at her baby shower, hanging out at Jared and Damie's apartment, trying to entertain her in the classes Jared and I shared, or going on walks or to the gym with Damie. Of course, she was always the object of everyone's attention in every room she went in, not only for her winning smile (hamming it up especially when anyone was looking or had a camera), but also for her stellar personality that everyone remembers.

    One of the last times I spent quality time with Ryann was when my fiancee and I baby-sat her before Jared and Damie moved to Nebraska. I remember warning Damie that I didn't really have much experience baby-sitting, but she didn't seem to mind, and before I knew it, there Jon and I were, trying to figure out what to do with this adorable girl. It went fine, of course, and I remember thinking afterwards and talking with Jon, "well, if our kids are as easy going and happy and adorable as Ryann, maybe being a parent won't be as scary after all!" :)

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  27. We don't know each other and I was never lucky enough to meet your beautiful Ryann. I came across your story and blog shortly after your life turned upside down. As a mom, my heart broke for you and your husband. Since then, I've found myself "checking up" on you to see how you are doing. I have prayed for you both to find peace and cried countless times for your loss. I don't know if it is creepy or comforting for you to know how much a complete stranger cares for your family, but it's true. I hope to someday meet all three of you (and any future siblings of Ryann's) when Jesus returns to take us all home with Him. I can't wait to see your beautiful girl back in your arms where she belongs.

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  28. I have many special memories of Ryann. I will always remember meeting up with Jared, Noel, and Andrew right after she was born. Jared was incredibly tired, but his pride in his new daughter almost hid his exhaustion. Afterwards I was able to see Ryann almost every day. At first we would see her at church or when we visited the apartment. Then after a little while she started coming to class with Jared, and you couldn't have asked for a more well-behaved student :)

    But as Kathleen said, the moment I remember the most was when we were asked to babysit. I remember talking with Kathleen on the drive to Milton-Freewater about what we were going to do to entertain her. How can you keep a baby interested for a couple hours? What if she got bored and started to cry? Of course, as we soon discovered we had nothing to worry about. Ryann probably entertained us more than we entertained her. Banging blocks together to make a cracking sound, running after her as she made a break for the laundry room, rolling a ball to her and watching her handle it and roll it back (sometimes), and all of a sudden it was time for Mommy and Daddy to come home. Spending time with Ryann was such a pure and uplifting experience, and I can't wait to do it again.

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  29. I remember practicing with Jared with Ryann around.

    The very first day we practiced Ryann was perfectly fine until I started playing the Oboe, at which point she started crying. So we stopped, and Jared calmed her down. After she was fine we started practicing again, and as soon as I came in Ryann started crying again.

    After some scientific experimentation, we soon figured out that the sound of the oboe was what made her cry. We thus completed that practice, and a few others, with Ryann just outside the door, within Jared's protective watchful gaze. Other times Ryann would be babysat by someone in the music office.

    A month or so later, we tried again, and this time Ryann didn't cry. We had trained her to enjoy (well, tolerate) the sound of the oboe! I was quite proud of that.

    I told Jared that this signified that Ryann would be an oboist one day. Perhaps she still will.

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  30. I first heard about Ryann from Kathleen. Whenever she talked about her, Kathleen's face would light up and she'd smile and tell me about how cute Ryann was or how good she was or how she went everywhere with Damie and Jared....even to class with Jared. How everyone got to take turns holding her, even the professor. I could tell she was impressed with her. And then...I got to meet little Miss Ryann last Christmas. Julie and I know how special Jared and Damie are to Kathleen and Jon and so we invited them to join us in Leavenworth. We went on sleigh ride and it was bitter cold. Damie had Ryann bundled up but her little cheeks were rosy and she never once complained. Such a trooper. I remember watching her while her mom and dad went snowmobiling and she was sooo good to be with a stranger. We read the same books, over and over again. Then, she'd put them in her diaper bag and pull them out again like we hadn't even looked at them yet and was just as interested the seventh time as the first time. You were blessed and will be again someday soon. And as someone said in an earlier post, how fortunate you didn't know what was wrong sooner. It would have taken so much joy away from your time with her. You have many wonderful memories and some soon to make. I hope you give yourselves credit for the amazing job you did with your little one. You have so many wonderful comments to read because you two, did an awesome job, even in a short time.

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  31. I so wish I had the privilege of knowing Ryann. I love the stories about her. What spunk and personality! It's wonderful how many lives she touched. I'm looking forward to the day when the angels place her back into the loving arms of her Mama.

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  32. Dear Damie and Jared.
    I sit here crying, thinking of that little girl, so full of life, so unaware of the dangers she so rapidly passed by. I saw in her, you Damie, without the restraint of Mom. I saw a future life intensely lived, full throttle in everything, higher highs, harder falls. I saw a future lived to the fullest. That future is not gone, it is just postponed. That life can and will be lived out where there are "no more tears" no more accidents, no more bad things to happen. We do have this hope, an eternity together in perfect happiness. Paul said "Think on these things"

    Love Dad

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  33. I worked in the social work department at Walla Walla so I often saw Damie and/or Jared walking to campus pushing the stroller with little Ryann in it. I always thought it was so cool that you brought Ryann everywhere with you.

    Landon had several classes with Jared so I heard many fun and sweet stories about Ryann in class. Such as how Stevonavic would hold Ryann during class and how she was always so sweet and well behaved. Landon said he never heard her cry in class. I loved how Jared carried Ryann across the stage at graduation, it was appropriate considering all the classes she attended, and her little hat was so adorable.

    I added Jared and Damie as friend's on Facebook shortly after Ryann was born and I loved watching her grow through the fun and sweet pictures. Damie's brief and often humorous status updates about Ryann always brought a smile to my face. ("The end.") She was such an adorable baby, based off all the stories I heard about her and cute pictures on facebook I thought Ryann was surely the cutest, sweetest, most well mannered baby ever.

    Ryann touched my life from a distance. Through other's stories of her and photos on facebook but I still felt I knew her and loved her. She stole her my heart, even from afar.

    Damie and Jared, I think of you both truly all the time and my heart goes out to you. You are both such amazing people and I admire your strength, authenticity and love.

    Kate S.

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  34. I only meet Ryan a handful of times at the theater, but her daddy was SO proud! Every night he would have stories of Ryann and I would share stories of when my kids were that age. I think of you both everyday. They say time heals all wounds, but I'm sure who ever said that was never a parent. I'm amazed at your strength and hope that life will once again bring you as much joy as Ryann did.

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  35. When I think of you two I think of Ryann. I remember her as a regular in the library, just visiting Mommy or sitting in on a meeting until Daddy arrived. I don't ever remember her crying, even when she was tiny. You were terrific parents and gave her a wonderful life filled with love and laughter. Yes, it was too short so I'm thankful for the promise of eternity. It is so good that you keep these memories alive and sing of good times!

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  36. I met Ryann only three times in person. The first time was at a Barbeque in the Hiscock back yard in Walla Walla. I was SO excited to hold the cute little baby with dark blue eyes! The thing was, her idea of being held was to try to stand and then topple over. She was quite the wiggle worm.

    The second time I saw Ryann was at the Corder/Sandvik wedding. I was flattered that Jared and Damie had decided to dress her in an outfit I had given them. The gift had been my first ever purchase at the Gymboree.

    The third time I met Ryann was when the little family stopped by our apartment in Eugene for lunch. Ryann was very much aware of her surroundings and what her parents were saying to her. She seemed interested in my meal preparations, so I showed her the salad mix and explained what I was doing, and she listened with keen interest. I remember her demanding my attention once during the meal by patting both of her hands on my lap. John later told me he was a bit jealous that "she had taken to me" more than to him.

    So you see, although I met Ryann only three times, I treasure the little details of the memories I have of a happy little girl with dark blue eyes.

    Bethany F.

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  37. I didn't really get to know Ryann until last Christmas. But Jared and Damie are good friends with our son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Kathleen Campbell. Just as their new romance was blossoming, baby Ryann came into this world. I recall Jon talking about a baby shower, and when Ryann was born. Months later he and Kathleen offered to babysit Ryann. Scared them to death, as they never had babysat before. But Ryann was easy, and so fun. Jon actually spoke of playing with her that time, in one of his sermons, entitled "Baby Talk". Mary Lou mentioned our fun Christmas time together with Ryann, Damie, and Jared in Leavenworth. It was soooo cold on that sleigh ride! But little Ryann was all bundled up, snuggled in their laps, and didn't let out a peep of complaint! Yes, we had fun watching her for a while, while her parents went out snow mobiling with our kids. My husband, Terry and I took her into the Christmas store there. She was in the backpack on his back. She sure liked the lights and all the decorationis. And Terry sure like playing grandpa! That was such a fun time and I was so glad to get to know little Ryann. I feel very priveledged. Clear across the country, as news hit about what happended to her, our hearts broke, and the tears sure fell. They continue to fall, as I think of you Damie and Jared, going on with your lives, but missing her oh so much. Sin, and death suck! Can't wait for Heaven, when she will be placed in your loving arms again. I want to be there to see the joy! You both were, and will be again, amazing parents. You filled her life with security, love, joy, music, and lots of books! I still love the picture of her perched on the top of your red couch, reading a book. Happy Birthday Ryann! You were and are so loved. See you soon!

    Julie Campbell

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  38. As far as I know, I have never met you, Damie, or Jared, and I missed out on the chance to meet your beautiful Ryann, also. But Becky is a mutual friend, and through her Facebook page, I feel like I "got to know her" Ryann. I loved the stories and picture of her and Kayla and all their adventures. "Double Trouble" is what I always thought, and I would always think how special it was and how lucky they were to have a best friend so young. I remember imagining a few times their life as teenagers and beyond sharing stories and life and hurts and joys. And I, along with the rest of the Walla Walla community and beyond, was sick when I heard the news that Ryann was gone, and I watched from a distance while so many of our mutual friends mourned with you. And even though I wasn't personally attached to you, I mourned, too. I am so glad you still share stories and pictures on this blog. I love to read your posts. And now that I am pregnant myself, your story is even more touching and amazing to me. You and Jared inspire me with your strength and love and your "togetherness" through all this. God Bless. And Happy Birthday to your little angel.

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  39. I am Becky's aunt and have come to know you and your tragic loss through pictures of Kayla and Ryann. I have shed many tears for you reading these blogs and before. I can't even imagine your pain and courage as well. I love the comment by "Dad" to think of the things that Paul mentions. Heaven will be wonderful! Love and Prayers,Laura Frey

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  40. Damie and Jared,

    I never had the opportunity to meet Ryann but was somehow touched by her sweetness in the awesome pictures that you always posted on facebook! I remember the day she was born and seeing all the posts on their about how excited you all were:-) I have prayed for you a lot since that terrible day in May and I want you to know that you remain in my prayers. Damie - I haven't seen you in a long time but I always felt a special connection to you as a friend. You are a very strong woman and you loved Ryann dearly through life and death - that was very evident. I pray that God instills in me the same kind of love for my children someday - I will always look up to you for how you raised her and handled losing her. You will see her again! And then we'll all get to meet her.

    Love and prayers, LaRee (Wyatt) Colburn.

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