Ryan reading a verse at the wedding last September
I know that one of the only things that is guaranteed in life is that, eventually, life will be over for everyone. I am acutely aware of this fact; but I always find myself thinking of death as something that only happens to elderly people who have lived long, fulfilling lives. It is always so sad when this is not the case– when young people pass away suddenly. When this happens, my ”everything happens for a reason” theory is thrown out the window because I can’t ever think of a reason why someone young had to go so soon. The truth is though, there’s got to be a reason.
One of my best friends in the world, Ryan, passed away this past Sunday. He was a wonderful person– hilarious, smart, sweet, and supportive. Sure, he didn’t waste time worrying about conventional things that most people stew over for hours (like career paths, financial stability, or taxes); but I am glad now that he didn’t worry with these things. He let life take him where it wanted and cared more about having fun and being a good friend than anything else.
Ryan and me at the reception
I can’t help but feel extremely sad about the loss of Ryan. One thing I do know is that he would have wanted me to keep my chin up and to remember his greatness in a way that further develops me as a person and extends my appreciation for precious life. His sense of humor was an amazing part of his personality and I am working to appreciate the small funny things that happen around me. I also want to remember to prioritize things in life that are important based on their true importance to me; not their perceived level of importance. This means that family ALWAYS comes first.
It’s hard right now for me to see the postive, but I am trying my best. It’s all I can do. I will always remember the amazing person Ryan was and am thankful for the past 8 years I have known him. He always judged situations on his own and didn’t let his emotions guide him. He was a shoulder to cry on, an honest opinion waiting to be shared, and a wonderful friend to me.
Ryan, you know I will miss you every day. I love you. “Pudge out,” buddy.
…Because unexpected things make life worth living to the fullest each day.
August 14, 2008 at 1:25 pm |
I met Ryan in 2005 when he came to the store that I was running as the LP Manager. I’ll never forget his smooth even tempered approach to every situation. Ryan was always deep in thought. We had many conversations about work, life and spirituality. We use to go to Golds on our lunch break to work out. He would ask me for advice about certain trials that he would be facing and I hoped that the advice or my thoughts would be of some wisdom to him. After I left Kmart we kept in touch. It is so hard to believe that he road with me to the wake of another colleague from work only 1 year ago. Ryan I am sorry that I wasn’t available to go to lunch with you and Cher that time you and her were in the area around the store. But I am glad that you invited me because that just re-enforced something that I already knew about you; that you were a classy guy. You were smart, intelligent, and full of life. You would get bored with something easily if it didn’t stimulate your mind. I found out what happened on the Tuesday after and have been bummed out since. It is a difficult thing to have to try and understand why someone not so full of years is taken away. I believe that all of our spirits are connected somehow and when someones spirit that is so close to us leaves, it hurts us so much and this is why we grieve in our hearts. I know that you had so many questions about this whole life thing. I’m sure you’ve gotten your answers by now and sure that we’ll meet again one day in eternity. Until then I’ll meet up with you in my dreams.
September 26, 2008 at 3:54 am |
[...] friend Ryan used to say that every time he had a job interview and he put on a suit, it would rain. Now I [...]
October 16, 2008 at 7:24 am |
[...] would mark the 26th birthday of my friend Ryan Hoffa, who passed away in an unexpected accident on a Sunday morning in August. He was too young [...]
August 10, 2009 at 10:20 pm |
Hi Krissy,
I never looked up anything much in Google before, but just the other day I checked for what was in the system for Ryan. Was I ever surprised to see your wonderful write-up about Ryan and life. Then, when I went back in, I saw the pictures of you and Ryan at your wedding. You sure looked beautiful! And, you have some of the nicest pictures of Ryan. I printed them out, but they are grainy.
If you could send any through email, I would sure love to have them, since now my best photo is one provided to me by the DMV. It’s really good of him, with his spiked hair, and a big smile.
I hope all is well with married life.
It’s pretty sad for my today, since this is 1 year since Ryan’s accident. (I still wake up sometimes at night and think I am hearing the cellphone ring!)
Again, I hope all is well.
Al
PS: Mike is having a baby boy, we think!