25 Things We Love About Ryan
“You are all things good. You uplift everyone around you and always brightens the mood. I love how happy and optimistic you are. You make everything better. ”
“I love how you check up on me and what games I have been playing most recently and how you’re excited to tell me what you’ve been playing.”
“Visiting your Mission was an unforgettable experience. I loved meeting the people you served and seeing how you loved them - and how much they loved you in return. There is a special place in my heart for Albania. I felt so proud of you and have always admired your obedience, diligence and ability to work hard. Everyone who really knows you respects you – especially me!”
“I will always remember those last few months in Germany when I was able to spend so much time with you doing soccer and scouting activities (I think your other S activities were seminary, school and sleep?) I loved being your soccer coach and loved helping you complete such an incredible service project for the orphanage in Budapest.”
“I loved playing the Wii and Switch with you growing up. You’re my Just Dance buddy. You made Mario Kart and Super Smash so fun. I remember doing so many Super Smash tournaments and you loved it, so then we loved it too. It’s easy to love whatever you love. ”
“You got me into reading as a kid because I wanted to be like you. I remember when we raced each other reading Harry Potter once when I was in Elementary School.”
“You are the best older brother. All my memories as a kid include you. I loved being the ‘oldest’ together. You taught us everything we know including always using a nunchuck for Mario Kart (most people don’t!) and culturing us about the most important book and movie series. Iykyk”
“I will never forget holding you in the delivery room while realizing I just met my new best friend. That was such an incredible feeling. You’ve been such a blessing in my life ever since.”
“I love that you have a blog - just like me - and that you love to record your life in all different forms. Lists, spreadsheets, thoughts about what you’ve learned, collections of pictures, memories and clipart. It’s so fun!”
“I love how you always want to hang out with us… playing board games, sports and watching movies.”
“I remember watching Avengers Endgame with the whole family and after it ended we were all crying our eyes out… but I was mostly crying for you because I knew how much you loved it.”
“You care for all your siblings, friends and your wife and you are a great example to all of us! You are the perfect definition of what an older sibling should be!”
“Your general excitement for life makes everyone around you happy.”
“I admire how you try to be a good husband to your beautiful wife. You’re thoughtful, respectful, creative, interested, helpful and inspiring. It was so fun to visit you in Tulsa and see your space, your city and how the two of you have created an amazing life together. I can not wait to see you as the best dad ever. ”
“I like how you love the outdoors and going on hikes and stuff like that. Your imagination is awesome like how you create books, games and stories. ”
“You are a positive guy. You choose not to complain about things and all of us have always noticed and respected you for that.”
“You make me laugh all the time and we have the best inside jokes.”
“You are a genuine lover of people. You appreciate everyone for being themselves and don’t try to change them. You’re the best listener. ”
“I remember when you came home for a few months during covid and it was so fun to be able to hang out with you everyday. We watched all the Pixar movies and ranked them.”
“I remember our trip to Chicago and Michigan with Grandpa Johnson. That was such a special, almost sacred, time that was the perfect way for us to be together with Grandpa before his health rapidly deteriorated. I cherish those memories.”
“I love how you love MARVEL and Nintendo and how you’ve passed your knowledge and deep interest onto me.”
“I love that even as a little boy you loved to talk to me and craved quality time and good communication. As a thirteen year old, I remember that you would sit in the front seat of the van as I drove home from church in Germany and you would ask me questions about my childhood. We would get into some deep discussions with great teaching moments and when we got home, we’d move straight to the kitchen to continue talking as we fixed nachos or something to eat. Frequently as I finished up a thought or story, you’d say, “Keep talking, Mom”. It always made me feel important that you loved to hear anything and everything I might say. You’re an insightful question asker, a good listener and eager to learn from my experiences - I love it!”
“I love your love of movies like Marvel, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pixar, Disney and others.”
“Walking into the airport in Albania and seeing you waiting to greet us after 2 loooong years is another of my favorite all time memories. I was so happy and proud of you for your missionary service but I couldn’t wait to be reunited with you. And spending that time with just you and Mom traveling around Albania meeting your people and seeing your country was just the best.”
“You make everything fun. You have an amazing sense of humor, a positive attitude and always love us.”