Ode to Ryan

And then there was Ryan. I fell in love with him early. He was such an undemanding baby-so much so that at his 5 month checkup they told me I was starving him (i wonder if there was a referral for neglect???). I told them that I fed him on demand. Whenever he woke up, I fed him. So, anyway, he slept 5 hours at at time. He was only 11 pounds at that checkup. whoops.
But I remember saying that if i could clone him, i'd make a million. dollars, that is. not a million ryans.

Ryan had the most amazing strawberry blonde curls (soft curls) as a baby. I hated to cut it. Nowadays, when i see him, i invariably ask, do you want me to cut your hair??? It is still as curly, just not as soft.

One time in church, someone told me that ryan looks just like me. I was flabbergasted (just wanted to use that word). because he looks exactly like his dad. then i found out that they sat behind us, and what looked like me were his facial expressions. oh oh.

Ryan does so many things well. He is excellent at math, yet writes stories, novels and poetry. Usually, you're good at math or language. He's got them both. Although he still cannot draw to save his life.

Ryan has always had a sense of self. He knows who he is, and cannot be persuaded to do something against his will. Peer pressure was not very effective. He stands up for what he believes.

Ryan is a gentle soul. It takes a lot to get under his skin. Most of it rolls off. But make no mistake. if it matters, you will know it. The few times I have seen his anger, it was a blitzkrieg. or maybe a Pompeii. Just get out of the way till he calms down. But when he calms down, he still loves you.

Ryan is carrying a big load lately. He is working full time while taking his senior level courses in engineering. It has been hard physically and emotionally. He has a very very tight budget. But i haven't heard too much complaining about it. i mean, the job stinks, but he still performs it well, and is invaluable to his manager who should immediately give him a big fat raise. His manager said to him that he was a great employee: He comes to work on time, does his work without complaint, and does all the things he is supposed to do for work. Ryan was surprised that that was a big deal to the manager. How else would he act??? But the manager knew, as most managers do, that not everyone has the integrity to do those things. It was one of the most irritating and frustrating thing to see as a manager that everybody didn't just do their jobs well. they didn't care. Give the man a raise so he can pay his rent.

Ryan waited to rebel until he went to college. I just didn't see it as a teenager. He is paying for that rebellion now, but at least he can see that it didn't help.

Ryan would and will make an excellent husband and father. I have seen the way he treats women, and would not hesitate to recommend him to the job. He is tender and sweet, although he sometimes hides that side. But if he loves you, you will know it. I hope i see little strawberry blonded kids while i live. No need to comment on that, ryan.

Ryan has so many interests. He will never suffer from excessive time that he can't fill. this is a blessing and a curse. talk to his dad about it. He enjoys World of Warcraft, origami, computer games, creative writing, Scotland heritage, Russia and Russians and russian, Putin, legos, star destroyers, Palpatine the Emperor, sleeping on the floor, waterbeds, having money, jettas, jedis, rap music (go figure), classical music, playing viola, soulmates, girls, libraries, movies, spiders, etc. I can't keep going on. Ask him.

Ryan, I would still clone you. Here's to you, Ryan, ry, wheat, oats, barley, farley, fudge!!