From the Heart

Ryan sent these to us when a particularly difficult situation threatened the existence of Ryan's Heart. We desperately asked for a sign... specifically a rose to know that we should continue. Literally, within hours, Janice (Ryan's mom) found this rose on the beach she was walking. The ribbon says "Mamma Flowers". If that wasn't enough, she then found this book discarded on a nearby picnic table. The book is titled Straight From the Heart.

Ryan had once again found a way to send us his message. And so, Ryan's Heart began...

These are pictures of the chapel in Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park in the Florida Keys, where Ryan's parents live during the winter months. The walls used to always be bare. Until the year Ryan died. That year Janice (Ryan's mom) spent many hours in the temple seeking comfort. Right before her eyes she watched the mossy hearts grow upon the wall. There are 2 hearts, one large (on the right) and one small (on the left behind the cross). It's been over 2 years and the hearts are still there. They have not changed.

Remember me... for I am with you always...

One of Ryan's favorite past-times was flipping pancakes over an open fire. This is the first pancake we made the year after Ryan died. Now whenever the entire family is together flipping pancakes, Ryan sends us at least one heart so that we know he is there with us...