In Memory of Ryan

Today marks the three year anniversary of the death of my good friend and brother, Ryan Ruland.

All day my thoughts have been filled with Rulie. I’ve re-lived hours of conversation between us, wishing that we could still be talking and missing his keen insights and wise observations.

I’ve been remembering how he always managed to make me smile and could usually reduce me to tears of laughter when we got wound up. Wherever we went together, we always wore the same happy, mischievous grins.

Most of all, I remember how comfortable we were together, how we always understood each other even when we didn’t completely agree, and how we shared a mutual respect that was the foundation of a lifelong friendship. One that was too short.

I wish that Ryan and I were still playing Dungeons & Dragons with Freddy Detrow and the others in a our little gaming group. I loved his stories and his music and they often echo in my mind.

Rulie inspired me to be a better person and helped me to understand the Mysteries of the Universe. We were both Seekers of Enlightenment and together we evolved.

Every day I remember Ryan and I often find myself hearing his voice, remembering things he said or just knowing exactly what he would say. He is still a part of me and he still guides me. I can only be grateful for the time we had together on this Mortal Plane and rejoice in the knowledge that we will meet again on the next Plane.

I miss you, Rulie, but I’m carrying on for both of us, telling people about the things we learned together. I know that’s what you want.

See you on the other side, Brother.