“Joy multiplies when it is shared among friends, but grief diminishes with every division. That is life.” — R.A. Salvatore

Despite the difficultly of the day and perhaps the upcoming Christmas season, we are doing okay. There were definite moments when we cried. Seconds of manic frenzy where we tried to find distractions. But our friends, true to form, wrapped us in love. We read every message and every post. We got ourselves lost in the humanity that was gifted to us by collective strangers.

Grief is still visible but if that is wholly what we concentrate on, then all is lost.

So today I took stock. I looked around at this community, my friends and family and found a peaceful surrender.

Thank you to everyone for their kindness, their gifts, their love and their overwhelming support.

Given the opportunity, you sought to spread goodwill and Christmas cheer.

It reminds me why I love this season.

I want to continue what you all have started.

Let’s shower others that find themselves, during the holiday season, lonely, grief stricken, and financially strapped with the gifts that we have so readily shared with each other.

In Ryan’s name, I want love to be his lasting legacy