December 10. 2010
2010 is drawing to a close as I sit writing this letter. Each of you, who is reading this, has been an important part of our life journey. We hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas season and a New Year filled with the love and support of those you cherish in your lives.
As most of you know we lost our son, Ryan, the day after Easter this year when he took his own life. Understandably, this has been the most difficult circumstance our family has ever had to endure. People have told us our grieving process is a journey much like going through a tunnel but there is light on the other side. Through all the tears and emptiness we have had the blessings of family and friends to help us get through each day. Ron and I are fortunate to have Cameron's family, Tanner, and Natalie near so we can enjoy our children and beautiful grandkids often. Dorothy and Lis, Ryan's wife and daughter are a few hours away, but we get to see them frequently.
Ryan shared his faith with us last year through a song, 'What Faith Can Do' by Kutless. It is an amazing song of hope and knowing Ry's faith as well as our faith have been the hope that we cling to for strength and peace. Please keep each of us in your prayers as we adjust to the loss of a father, husband, brother, son, and friend that each of us loved so deeply.
There is a memorial page on Facebook, In Loving Memory of Ryan Barber, with incredible stories of his reaching out, encouraging, and inspiring others. What a gift this will be for his daughter to see her Daddy through the eyes of all the people whose lives he touched.
A year ago, Ryan spent the day of Christmas baking every kind of cookies and running around his apartment building sharing with those who were alone on Christmas. His legacy was his loving and generous spirit. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten. This year, we hope each of you has others to share your day with and wish you would enjoy a few homemade cookies for Ryan and our family.
Proverbs 11:25
He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Merry Christmas
with Love,
Ron, Barbara
and family
12-9-2010
12-9-2010
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