Reflection

So, as many of you know, our friend Ryan David Gann passed away last night, due to in part to a heart issue. It is apparent now that this sudden death has hit a lot of us really hard, myself included. Since last night, I have been doing a lot of thinking, both about Ryan, and just about life in general.

I have known Ryan since the 5th grade, and I remember him specifically from that year, because he was one of the few people who taught me how to play Bump, the game with the basketball, and a long line of people...and yeah gosh I don't even know, it has been so long. But it is just interesting for me to look back at that now; you see, in 5th grade I was the new kid, and I didn't have a lot of friends, which is actually the understatement of the year. I really didn't think about how big of a deal that was for me until now, him being there to teach me when I had no one else, so that I could feel welcome at least in one aspect of school. It's the little things people do for other people that matter the most. I didn't see Ryan again after that year until Freshman year of high school, where we would then both be in choir together for the next couple of years. Man, what a trooper. There were NOT a lot of boys in that choir, which is the OTHER understatement of the year, so yeah the guys kind of had to step up. Seriously. He always had such a happy attitude, and I loved talking to him, just about whatever. What a great guy. Anyway, the point of this blog was not to reminice, or to talk about me. Well, sort of to reminice, but yeah.

What I really wanted to say was, that if Ryan's death has taught me anything, it has taught me that life is short. It's really freaking short, and too short for some. This might sound corny and cliche and stupid, but I know now, that it's really important to tell those you love that you love them; that you love them with your whole heart, and never want to live without them. If someone has touched or changed your life in a positive way, tell them, and thank them! Take the time to say hi to an old friend you haven't seen for awhile, prioritize your life, live in the moment, be courageous, and "do one thing that scares you each day." Someone very important to me told me that not too long ago, and now I understand why, and I know that she was right.  Don't keep anyone in your life who tears you down, or who tells you that you can't be whoever you want to be. Be strong, be yourself, and love with your whole heart.

We will always miss and love you Ryan. You have touched lives, and I hope that, wherever you are now, you are happy, smiling, and free of any pain. And I hope you know how great of a person you were.

R.I.P

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