This is such a tragic situation. There are so many of us that were touched by Ryan in some way or another and all of us will be affected by this in some aspect.
For those of us who were just his fans: We all saw a kid that represented everything that we think is good and special about college basketball. He brought a heart and hustle to the game that many of us grew up seeing in the players that became our heroes and idols and he represented what we love about the game itself. Seeing that again, at SC, stirred something in us that we all took pride in. Ryan represented innocence and joy and the potential to be a part of something very, very special. Like many of you, I feel very blessed to have been a part of what Ryan brought to SC basketball. It was an honor to watch you work your magic, Ryan. Thank you. Thank you.
For Ryans coaches: In a time when kids are growing up with little discipline and respect for themselves, much less others, Ryan must have been a breath of fresh air to coach. You, too, must be reminded of what you love some much about the game of basketball and the reward of teaching it. You have a special gift that you must continue to share with every kid that walks into your gym. You never know who the next one might be.
For Ryans teammates and friends: It is evident by all that we are reading that you respected and loved Ryan, like a brother. Always aspire to represent, in yourselves, those qualities you saw in him and that you admired so much. Keep his light burning in yourselves and take it with you throughout your lives. You all were touched by someone very special. He will always be your brother.
For Ryan's mother: To read about Ryan's love and respect for his Mother is truly touching. Though she must be suffering a pain that most of us could never imagine, I pray that one day that pain will be lifted and she will be left with peace and pride in who she raised her son to be. Those of us, who are parents, say a special prayer for her. No parent should have to go through this alone.
We always think this will happen to someone else, but not to us. Today it has happened to us. The pain that we all are feeling and the emotion that this has stirred in us illustrates the degree to which Ryan's spirit and character touched us all on some level.
It is truly a sad day when something like this happens and that our children are growing up in a world where we have to remind them every time they walk out the door to be careful, and that we love them, and then send them on their way with a prayer that they make it home safely. Unfortunately, sometimes they don't. And for what? How have we gotten to such a time that human life is so unappreciated by some many? This guy that took Ryan is just a kid himself. Another mother's child. Another mother in pain. Another future lost. We should not forget that, no matter how angry we might be.
If there is any good salvageable from this tragedy, and right now that seems impossible to imagine, let it be that we are all now connected by Ryan's spirit and that we all have been so moved by the example of his life.
Registered Member
Posts: 25
5/15/06 12:00 am
Re
For those of us who were just his fans: We all saw a kid that represented everything that we think is good and special about college basketball. He brought a heart and hustle to the game that many of us grew up seeing in the players that became our heroes and idols and he represented what we love about the game itself. Seeing that again, at SC, stirred something in us that we all took pride in. Ryan represented innocence and joy and the potential to be a part of something very, very special. Like many of you, I feel very blessed to have been a part of what Ryan brought to SC basketball. It was an honor to watch you work your magic, Ryan. Thank you. Thank you.
For Ryans coaches: In a time when kids are growing up with little discipline and respect for themselves, much less others, Ryan must have been a breath of fresh air to coach. You, too, must be reminded of what you love some much about the game of basketball and the reward of teaching it. You have a special gift that you must continue to share with every kid that walks into your gym. You never know who the next one might be.
For Ryans teammates and friends: It is evident by all that we are reading that you respected and loved Ryan, like a brother. Always aspire to represent, in yourselves, those qualities you saw in him and that you admired so much. Keep his light burning in yourselves and take it with you throughout your lives. You all were touched by someone very special. He will always be your brother.
For Ryan's mother: To read about Ryan's love and respect for his Mother is truly touching. Though she must be suffering a pain that most of us could never imagine, I pray that one day that pain will be lifted and she will be left with peace and pride in who she raised her son to be. Those of us, who are parents, say a special prayer for her. No parent should have to go through this alone.
We always think this will happen to someone else, but not to us. Today it has happened to us. The pain that we all are feeling and the emotion that this has stirred in us illustrates the degree to which Ryan's spirit and character touched us all on some level.
It is truly a sad day when something like this happens and that our children are growing up in a world where we have to remind them every time they walk out the door to be careful, and that we love them, and then send them on their way with a prayer that they make it home safely. Unfortunately, sometimes they don't. And for what? How have we gotten to such a time that human life is so unappreciated by some many? This guy that took Ryan is just a kid himself. Another mother's child. Another mother in pain. Another future lost. We should not forget that, no matter how angry we might be.
If there is any good salvageable from this tragedy, and right now that seems impossible to imagine, let it be that we are all now connected by Ryan's spirit and that we all have been so moved by the example of his life.
Registered Member
Posts: 25
5/15/06 12:00 am
Re
