Ellie and our neighbor Rachel are playing in the family room. I was down there picking up when I listened in on their conversation. Rachel was saying that she doesn't know one of her grandpas because he died when she was a baby. Ellie just very matter of fact responds with " That's what's going to happen to my kids. They won't meet their grandpa until they die." It's strange but kind of true. They won't know Ryan on this earth. I just had the happy thought though that he is already getting to know them. Maybe he's helping preselect them so I'll have all wonderful grandkids. Pick some good ones babe!

Bedtime is the time that the kids are the most likely to make a comment about Ryan. Tonight at bedtime Clara was trying to extend our goodnight as long as possible. She kept calling me back to her bedside. On the third time she said

"When Dad comes back alive, in heaven, and then we will go pick him up, and then he will come and pop our toes and throw Hazel in the air."

My response "Clara, Dad is not going to come back alive for a llllllloooonnnnggg time. Until the resurrection. But when the resurrection come, then yes we will see Dad."

Her comments are always so sweet and innocent. I just love her

You Will Be Missed But Never Forgotten

Your face always carried a smile

and you were quick to go the extra mile.

Childhood memories stroll through my mind

they will never be left behind.

Woofle ball at Grandma's house

or singing tiny bubbles on our way to see Mickey Mouse.

Easter egg hunts and Christmas surprises hidden around

were always quick to be found.

Sleepovers at Grandma's when we'd stay up late.

Grandpa's french toast was always first rate.

Scratching each others backs

and sneaking upstairs to steal Grandma's snacks.

Snowbird once a year

we sat on the deck and looked for deer.

The game room and the pool

always under Grandma's rule.

The memories have no end

one thing you did best was be a friend.

Always living life to the max

making your own tracks.

You've always been a leader of greatness and love

and now you're amongst the angles above.

You will always remain our daredevil in the sky

watching over us, dear Ry.

Til we meet again...I love you to the moon and back.

Ryan's cousin Charity Hill Bish wrote this poem and read it at the graveside. She then gave everyone a copy for Christmas.

Dear Dad

I miss you a lot especially when I think of Christmas. I miss you soooooooooooooooo much.

Picture on left: thinking about Christmas so it makes me cry.

Picture on right: Thinking about Christmas, crying, and running away from Clara.

I was missing Dad at school so I made this card. It helped me feel better.

Merry Christmas

Happy Christmas Dad
I love you and you love me that's why I feel so sad sometimes. I love "you" more than you love me.

I made this card at school. We were supposed to make a Christmas card, so I made one for Dad.