Today is a sad day. We've just received news that Ryan Allen has passed away. John and I had the opportunity to meet Ryan through our friend, Justin. Justin and Ryan are the best of friends-our prayers are with Justin, the Allen family, Ryan's wife, Summer, who we hadn't had the chance to meet yet, and of course, all the extended family. Ryan, who was only 29, lost his fight to cancer early this morning.
I've met Ryan only twice, both times in a social setting. The last time we had the opportunity to hang out, was about 7 weeks ago. We had the most perfect day, in the sun, on the IU campus, at the Dave Matthews/Tim Reynolds show. Barack gave away free tickets and we scored 4 of them. This day could not have been more beautiful--the sun was so bright, not a cloud in the sky, and here we were at IU--enjoying the music in the parking lot. We had a case of wine from Oliver Winery, because no one had thought to buy any beers, since we are so old!, (And, it was a Sunday, so all liquor stores were closed). We tailgated with all the college kids, snooty style. Who drinks red wine before a concert? Apparently, anyone over 30.
I didn't know at the time Ryan was as sick as he was. I knew he had cancer at one point, but didn't realize the extent of it. He was so gracious, so fun-loving. When we pulled up, he had a towel over his arm, and a bottle of wine laying over it, and said, "Mr. & Mrs. Albrecht, may I offer you a fine plastic glass of Merlot?" in his best snooty voice. And, that's how we spent our afternoon. Tailgating with plastic glasses of wine, jammin out to Dave. It was just so much fun..Free, real, funny. I loved every single minute of it. Those days are rare and treasured when they happen.
Justin approached me before the show and was like, do you know Ryan's story? And, he proceeded to tell me that Ryan had cancer, and it was terminal--he had maybe two to three months. Justin then told me how Ryan and Summer were his best friends on this earth. My heart broke for all 3 of them. The wind was practically knocked out of me. I just wanted to cry. I spent the entire length of the show just wondering --Why? Why would God do this? Why would he take such a free-spirited, young, vibrant man, who was just married in October--and allow him to be so ill? I never did get an answer, nor did I expect to right away.
The thing about Ryan, Justin informed me, is that he just had an unbelievable zest, and love for life. That he and Summer were fighters, who never gave up hope. Their story has allowed me to learn to pray on a much deeper level, for people who are really hit hard in life. Hanging out with Ryan that day taught me so many things. You would've never known that this young man knew his days were numbered. I think he is so very strong, and I commend him for living with so much vigor. We don't always know why things happen, nor do we have any control over God's plan for our lives. I hope he knows, that during his short time here, he touched people he barely even knew-on a deep, deep level.
I raise my plastic glass of Merlot to you, Ryan. I hope you will forever enjoy perfect, everlasting, days in the sun. Thank you for making a difference in so many lives.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Doggone Busy!
When I started this blog, I figured I'd post at least once a week for you all to know what was going on...It's more like once a quarter! Lake Austin is growing and changing so fast..we are truly blessed to have him in our lives. He skyrocketed in at lightning s
peed, completely flipping our world upside down, but we are finally beginning to adjust to our new schedule. There isn't one.
He started rice cereal this month, and a bit of veggies and fruit. It's amazing to see him try new things for the very first time. He's never tasted real food until we provided it for him. (If you consider baby food real food). It's awesome-and I love being a mother.
Speaking of mothers-I have a new found respect for all of you out there who manage to make it look easy. I was extra thankful for my mothers on Mother's day, as I am blessed with a Mom, a Stepmother, and a Mother-in-Law, who have all taught me in different ways over the years. Thank you! I couldn't have done anything without you!
John and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. Joy! We really are lucky to
have the kind of marriage and love we have for one another. I thank God every day for bringing him to me. That was one of my wedding vows I had written to him, and I still feel the same way. We recently came across the lyrics to the song Joel wrote and performed for us on our wedding day, and I melted, the same way I did then. Oh, and for those of you who were there for our reception, I thought of all the crazy things that happened that night that made it so special! Polly's dance to "Every little thing she does is Magic" by the Police is forever stored in my memory bank! We had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Miami for Lindsy and Nick's wedding, which was gorgeous, and a great time for us to spend uninterrupted time together.
John is taking his final written exam for the Architecture Boards to become licensed, which are the toughest tests in the series. He'll only have 3 graphic tests left, which won't take nearly as long, since you can't study for them. He's passed every written test he's taken so far. I'm so proud of him. He works incredibly hard every day, in the office, at home, with Lake, on the yard, (his favorite place), so it is hard to find the time to study. Way to go, honey. You can do it!
I'm writing again, and I love it! The flexibility of my work schedule allows me time each day to think about story ideas, and jot down thoughts. It's a perfect reprieve for me. I haven't written this much since I journaled our entire Italy trip. Those were idyllic days. Which, reminds me, I need to finish our Italy book for John and get it published on Shutterfly. If you've never used Shutterfly, check it out. One more thing on our busy list!
As for our social lives, we've recently made the decision to add even more. I know, who knew we had the time? We are hosting growth group (house church) in our home on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. We are looking to grow spiritually with others, so it's a good move for us.
I know a lot of my girlfriends have suffered (suffered is a strong word) since I've had Lake. We never have time to get together the way we used to anymore. I am working toward changing that. You all are such a stronghold in my life, I realize the importance of our friendships and am attempting to plan a girly night very soon. I miss you all. If it takes me 3 days to call you back, I'm so sorry! Happy Anniversary to Jenn and Paul, who share our wedding date, as they bop around Italy.
Oh, and Jackie Cooper is down and out on Delaware Street. If you happen to pop by the house, show him some extra love and affection, as he hasn't been nearly the same since Lake joined our family. We play with him, feed him endless treats, walk him when we can, but something in his eyes hasn't been quite right since the little guy. He loves Lake, as he is constantly by his side, I just feel like he thinks he's been demoted. Which isn't the case. But, we can't really speak doggy language to explain this to him.
That's all for now! Have a GREAT day!
peed, completely flipping our world upside down, but we are finally beginning to adjust to our new schedule. There isn't one.
He started rice cereal this month, and a bit of veggies and fruit. It's amazing to see him try new things for the very first time. He's never tasted real food until we provided it for him. (If you consider baby food real food). It's awesome-and I love being a mother.
Speaking of mothers-I have a new found respect for all of you out there who manage to make it look easy. I was extra thankful for my mothers on Mother's day, as I am blessed with a Mom, a Stepmother, and a Mother-in-Law, who have all taught me in different ways over the years. Thank you! I couldn't have done anything without you!
John and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary this weekend. Joy! We really are lucky to
have the kind of marriage and love we have for one another. I thank God every day for bringing him to me. That was one of my wedding vows I had written to him, and I still feel the same way. We recently came across the lyrics to the song Joel wrote and performed for us on our wedding day, and I melted, the same way I did then. Oh, and for those of you who were there for our reception, I thought of all the crazy things that happened that night that made it so special! Polly's dance to "Every little thing she does is Magic" by the Police is forever stored in my memory bank! We had the opportunity to spend a weekend in Miami for Lindsy and Nick's wedding, which was gorgeous, and a great time for us to spend uninterrupted time together.
John is taking his final written exam for the Architecture Boards to become licensed, which are the toughest tests in the series. He'll only have 3 graphic tests left, which won't take nearly as long, since you can't study for them. He's passed every written test he's taken so far. I'm so proud of him. He works incredibly hard every day, in the office, at home, with Lake, on the yard, (his favorite place), so it is hard to find the time to study. Way to go, honey. You can do it!
I'm writing again, and I love it! The flexibility of my work schedule allows me time each day to think about story ideas, and jot down thoughts. It's a perfect reprieve for me. I haven't written this much since I journaled our entire Italy trip. Those were idyllic days. Which, reminds me, I need to finish our Italy book for John and get it published on Shutterfly. If you've never used Shutterfly, check it out. One more thing on our busy list!As for our social lives, we've recently made the decision to add even more. I know, who knew we had the time? We are hosting growth group (house church) in our home on Thursday evenings at 7 pm. We are looking to grow spiritually with others, so it's a good move for us.
I know a lot of my girlfriends have suffered (suffered is a strong word) since I've had Lake. We never have time to get together the way we used to anymore. I am working toward changing that. You all are such a stronghold in my life, I realize the importance of our friendships and am attempting to plan a girly night very soon. I miss you all. If it takes me 3 days to call you back, I'm so sorry! Happy Anniversary to Jenn and Paul, who share our wedding date, as they bop around Italy.
Oh, and Jackie Cooper is down and out on Delaware Street. If you happen to pop by the house, show him some extra love and affection, as he hasn't been nearly the same since Lake joined our family. We play with him, feed him endless treats, walk him when we can, but something in his eyes hasn't been quite right since the little guy. He loves Lake, as he is constantly by his side, I just feel like he thinks he's been demoted. Which isn't the case. But, we can't really speak doggy language to explain this to him.That's all for now! Have a GREAT day!
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