Comments on: Grief and Joy

By: joelrsmith

joelrsmith — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 03:05:12 +0000

Your story is so sad. I was reminded of the chapter in Wisdom 4. If you haven’t already read it I hope it provides some comfort:

Wis 4:7-14 …the righteous man, though he die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honored for length of time, nor measured by number of years; but understanding is gray hair for men, and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by him, and while living among sinners he was taken up. He was caught up lest evil change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years; for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand, nor take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect, and he watches over his holy ones. The righteous man who had died will condemn the ungodly who are living, and youth that is quickly perfected will condemn the prolonged old age of the unrighteous man.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:19:30 +0000

Mary Ellen, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers since I heard Ryan was missing, and later heard of his death, through the on-line Catholic homeschooling community. May our Blessed Mother and our dear Lord console you and and wrap you in a mantle of peace until that joyful day when you are all reunited.

By: elkabrikir

elkabrikir — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:07:25 +0000

Mary Ellen, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I feel certain that it is through the prayers of
Saint Ryan that you and your family will persevere to the end. Thank you for your testimony, and your witness to Faith, Hope, and Love.

You and your family are close to my heart. I will offer up my suffering for your intentions. Thank you for the gift of sharing your sorrow and joy.

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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:25:48 +0000

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By: cbalducc

cbalducc — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:51:55 +0000

Ryan’s gone to be an angel. May God bless and comfort you and all those whose loved ones have gone too soon.

By: Cooky642

Cooky642 — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 07:02:32 +0000

I can imagine, and my heart goes out to you and your family. In a sense, there will always be a ‘hole’ in your family and your life where Ryan should have been, and that’s hard. In another sense, he is not really ‘gone’–you know where he is, and that he’s waiting for you there. Hang on to that.

By: Claire

Claire — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:13:43 +0000

I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine.