Happy Birthday Ryan

Ryan the lion flowers

Ryan we are so blessed to have you in our lives.  We hope you had the best birthday in heaven.  We were thinking of you all day.  In your memory we did many acts of kindness, I'm sure you were watching from up above.  We love and miss you.  You are forever in our hearts.  

To start my day I woke up early and made Dana's lunch.  I told Dana that was my first act of kindness.  For my next act of kindness, I stopped by the local Starbucks and put money on a gift card.  I asked the cashier to use the gift card to pay for people's orders.  Then I went to the cemetery and placed a cute little dog and balloon for Jose who is Ryan's neighbor.  They share the same birthday. 

The little blue dog I gave to Ryan's friend

 After that I came home and baked cupcakes to share with all my neighbors.  I put them in a box decorated with ribbon and a card that read: This act of kindness was done in loving memory of Ryan J. Peterson on his first birthday.  Yes, Dana even helped me with the boxes and cupcakes.  Earlier, the neighbors brought over a small cake with one candle.  

This is the cake Dana and I shared

When Dana got home from work we took the cake over to the cemetery.  We lit the candle, sang happy birthday, and made a wish.  Then we sat there enjoying every bite of Ryan's cake.  I thought I would be sobbing but I actually felt good and happy that we did it.  I never thought we would be singing happy birthday at the cemetery but this is our life.  Even though today was very emotional it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be.  I was glad I was home to cry when I wanted to cry and not have to explain my tears to anyone.  The worst was leading up to today.  Last night I couldn't help but replaying everything in my mind leading up to his birth.  When he was born there was hope that he would make it.  Now it's harder to deal with because I know exactly what's going to happen in sixteen days.  Now I truly understand why our lives are better left to chance.  

I can't thank everyone enough for participating in Ryan's birthday celebration.  Your thoughts and kind words have made this day pass gently and with great memories.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

I forgot to mention Dana's act of kindness.  He paid for his buddy, who lost his job, to go golfing.  They had a great time and even encountered a coyote on the golf course.

Lisa