Just a few short days after his 2nd birthday, our precious miracle, his Mama’s “Bubba,” his Papa’s “Sweet Pea,” lost his fight for life. Mason Ryder was our heart, our soul, and our joy. In his short life, he taught us how to love unconditionally, to hope relentlessly, and to believe in miracles. He endured so much physical pain for much of his life, but never seemed to let it bother him. All who knew him were amazed by his strength and resilience. His laugh was infectious, his smile perfect! We are comforted in knowing that we will again see him some day, but feel enormous pain as we can no longer hold him in our arms.
Thank you all for your love, your kind words and prayers in times of trouble, your celebration of his successes, and your unending support as we have walked this journey with the love of our lives, our son.
Funeral details will be forthcoming.
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44 comments:
Bill & Christi I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to imagine going through what you have. I feel as if I knew your precious Mason through your blog. Thank you for sharing his life story with all of us. I continue to pray for you and your family for comfort and strength. Know that is no longer suffers and can smile, giggle and play ball with all the other angels watching over us. I have been listening to this song because I know I will lose my grandpa soon. It brings me comfort and hope the words will do the same for you. Love Angie
Children, precious children I Know you're shaken,
A loved one taken.
Oh but hear me.
Come, draw near me.
Their pain is passed now.
They rest at last now, safely home.
They are strong and free.
They are safe with me.
This life is nearly shadow.
Today there's sorrow, but joy tomorrow.
Safely home.
Safely home.
One day you will join them, all together, this time forever, safely home.
Safely home.
Dear Christi and bill - I am writing in the car on way to airport on way back to Oregon after visit with my 86 year old father in Michigan - tears streaming. I am so sad. Mason took advantage of every minute and has been a light in so many lives. Most of us who have lived decades longer cannot say that. He is truly a miracle. my prayers and healing thoughts continue for you at this unbearable time. I wish there were more I could do. Chris
I am so sorry for your loss. We pray for comfort for you during this time. My heart is breaking for you. We love you all. Mason was a true miracle!! We are honored to have met and known him during his amazing life.
With great sorrow and all the love in our hearts to you, Bill and all of your wonderful family:
Dear Mason:
You are rain drops in spring time; you are a bright sunny day.
You are the giggles and laughter of children at play.
You are sand castles and sea shells; you are a kite flying high.
You are the whispering wind; you are the clouds in the sky
You are snow flakes on mittens; you are the warmth of the sun.
You are everything beautiful; all things happy and fun.
You are the promise of springtime and the blossoms of May.
You are the joy of our hearts and in our hearts you will stay
You are the symbol of courage; you’re an incredible boy
You’ve touched all our lives; you’ve brought us such joy.
So, with love and with kisses and angels to guide,
We are with you dear Mason, we are right by your side.
With all our love,
Carrie and Krishnan
I hope that you and your family can find the hugs and love you need at this time.
Shannon P.
Our hearts are broken, praying for strength
for you and Bill, he was such a beautiful
boy. No words can express how sorry I
am, so many of us rooting for you everyday
and we will continue to do so.
Love Rachael and family
I thank God that Mason was given his life here on Earth with us, so that we could all learn from him. I'm so proud to know the amazing parents he was blessed with. Your family is, and always will be, an inspiration for us all. May God give you peace and strength as Mason crosses over to our Holy Father's arms.
Christi and Bill,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are such an inspiration. As always, continued prayers for peace and comfort.
With love, Maura
Even though we knew this day was coming it's still awful.
I was having lunch with a young coworker the other day talking about having children and she said innocently "Kids are kinda permanent aren't they?" and I had to correct her.
We're thinking about you up here in Edmonds, for what it's worth. We wish we could be there with you both.
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have done more somehow. Bill and Christi - you're the best parents Mason could have had, and the best a medical team could hope for.
There is a bitter sting in a life cut short, but I hope in time you see Mason's life as a gift for the two years we had.
- Michael S
Wishing you and Mason's whole family comfort in his peace! With deep sympathy and love - Susan
We are so enormously sad with you.
Glenn and Marjie
Bill and Christi,
I am so sorry for your loss and feel incredible pain in my heart knowing that you have had to endure this. I pray for your continued strength as you start this next chapter in your lives. Mason will be waiting for you and is thankful to have been blessed with such wonderful, caring, supportive parents. I am not sure that I could have been as strong as the both of you have been! Hugs for you both! Charene
We're so sad, Bill and Christi. There are no words to console you. We can only offer to share your grief and to wish you well in the days and months ahead. Tony and Sherry
Dear Christi and Bill,
There is another brilliant star in the heavens tonight. The angels are singing a welcoming chorus as Mason is smiling and giggling cradled in God's loving arms. He certainly has been God's amazing gift to you for the past 2years.
You all struggled through a miraculous courageous battle. You have inspired so many people and we commend you for your wonderful example. You have made us feel such a part of your lives by sharing your innermost thoughts , feelings and experiences over the past many months.
Words cannot express our sorrow, but know that we pray for comfort and healing peace for you, Bill and your families.
Our love, prayers and support.
Pauline, Tom and family
So sorry for your loss....you will be in our prayers for the days, weeks and months ahead.
Rebecca
I am so sorry to hear about Mason. It is hard to imagine how one gets through something like this. You are experiencing something that we all fear. I read some of the comments and it sounds like you have a lot of good friends and some great support. As a parent and a grandmother I feel there might be some comfort in knowing he is no longer in pain and that he is at peace.
Sending love to you, Christi and Bill as you grieve the loss of your amazing son.
Wishing you peace.
Love,
Meg (Weber) Jeske
I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I am sorry that I never got to know Mason - he seemed like an amazing kid! My thoughts are with you. Love, Suzanne
Gone, but Never Forgotten
Gone, but not forgotten
This pain, We cannot hide
In memory, We'll see you
A million tears, We’ll cry.
The tender thoughts you left me
Come to my memory
Your loving smile, so precious
Will always be with me.
You'll visit me in summer
When flowers are in bloom
Upon a ray of sunshine
A star-lit night in June.
When winds are gently blowing
Across a cloudless sky
Within a rolling meadow
Where horse and cattle lie.
We'll see you in the treetops
As summer comes to be
In shadows, you will linger
A soul so young and free.
We'll see you in the garden
Your scent will fill the air
Just like a precious flower
A rose, so ever fair.
On country roads, We'll find you
Along the wooded lane
Within the distant thunder
We'll see you in the rain.
In early hush of morning
You will come without a sound
Upon a blazing sunset
Your memory can be found.
Like sprigs of morning glory
Upon the vine, they grow
With branches reaching outward
Into our heart, you'll go.
Just like a special angel
God wrapped you in His care
And took you off to heaven
To live with Him, up there.
But often, We'll still see you
Upon a light blue sky
And long so much to hold you
You will be in our hearts forever
our love will never dye.
We love you our sweet Mason
You are our special son.
You will be moms little Bubba
And your dads lil sweetpea.
Christie and Bill,
You will never know how much we care for you. The two of you have been through so much and you were the best parents Mason could have had. I wrote you this little poem
in memory of your precious son. If
there is anything you need we are here for you.
Our Love and prayers,
Christine & Donnell
Christi and Bill--Words cannot describe how terrible sorry I am. I never had the privlige of meeting Mason, but he was obviously a special little man. I will pray for all of you.
Love, Keri, Jerry, Zachary and Samantha
Good Night Sweet Mason,
Sleep tight
We will see you in the ......
Love you so much
Staramama and Pomp Pop
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Thank you for sharing Mason's amazing life with us, it is truly an inspiration. Wishing you peace and comfort.
Jodi Settelmeyer
There are no words... I am so, so sorry.
Our hearts are hurting so much for you guys. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for allowing us to know sweet Mason through your blog. What a brave, funny, adorable little guy.
I was saddened to see your post this morning as every day I prayed for just one more miracle.
Throughout your journey I have been in awe of your strength, courage and devotion to your sweet Mason. You are the rocks that gave him the will to fight. He has shown that your strength was passed on to him. Mason is lucky to have known such love!
As hard as it is to imagine not holding him in your arms, be comforted in knowing that he is in a place where he can
fill his lungs with the sweet air and run freely. Mason will watch over you with his infectious smile knowing that his
mom and dad are as much a gift to him as he is to you.
Thank you for sharing your amazing story with all of us. I feel blessed to have known Mason if only through your blog.
Kirsten (Pauline's daughter)
Christi,
You have been in my thoughts constantly these past few months. This loss is so great -- I am overwhelmed with grief for you. May you and Bill find moments of peace in this difficult time. Our hearts are with you.
Cheryl (and Leo)
Bill and Christi,
My heart is so sad today. There are no words to express my sympathy for you. Thank you so much for sharing this journey you have been on with us. I find myself staring at the picture of Mason in the wagon and his big, beautiful smile and I'm reminded to be courageous and strong when times are tough but most of all to keep on trying to smile and not to forget to laugh. I will keep that picture and those reminders forever in my heart and mind. Even though I only met Mason in person once I too as so many others have said feel I knew him so much more. I will miss him dearly--I love that boy! Angie
I cried at my desk yesterday seeing this. Your boy went home. But you'll see him again.
We'll still be praying for you. You have done a great job at being his parents and given so much of yourselves. If there is something that those of us reading this blog can do, please say so.
Sean and Helen Ruff O'Rourke
God Bless and comfort you all, you are in my prayers and the prayers of my Church, Monroe Praise Center Monroe Ga.
Just picture how he and the Lord Jesus are walking hand in hand next to the beautiful waters, no more pain and no more tears.
Love and prayers to you all
Charlotte Giles and family
Sending love and strength to all of Mason's family. What a wonderful gift Mason has been for all of you.
Corrine
Oh you guys,
I am devastated for you. I hope you find peace in the years to come, and joy in the memories.
Take care.
Leslie Van Kleek
Christi & Bill,
I am so, so, so very sorry. Words are so useless to express . . . . Our prayers are still with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Mason.
Corrie
Christi & Bill,
Peace be with you and peace be with your sweet Mason. Our hearts are so sad for you. Sending love to you and your family. With love Linda, Rob, Austin, & Ava
I am so sorry for your loss, there really are no words. He and you and Bill were truly inspiring. We wish you comfort and peace in this time of pain. Nichole
Dear Christi and Bill,
I am very sorry for your loss of lovely Mason. He will forever remain in my heart. I have learned so much from him through his fight for life and his day to day lessons of happiness and perseverance. It is consoling to know that he is in peace, playing with all the balls he can get his hands on. My heart goes out to you two. Please let me know if there is anything at all I can do.
Sincerely,
Danielle Rice
Christi and Bill,
So, so sorry that you have all been on this roller coaster. I'm so sad that he is gone. Mason was an amazing fighter! Find comfort in the fact that he touched innumerable lives. I'll always remember his big grin! Please take care of yourselves.
Lisa B.
I once saw on the headstone of a child who had died, the following inscription:
Budded on earth to bloom in Heaven
I am aching for your loss, but also rejoice now that Mason is blooming with God!
Christi and Bill I am so very sorry for your loss. I thank you for the time and emotion you put into his blog. You are truly amazing and my thoughts, prayers and many hugs go out to you and your family at this time.
I am so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are breaking for you both. We think about you everyday and pray for the strength that you will need to get through the days ahead. Mason was a fighter and so are you both. You are the best parents that Mason could have had.
With sympathy and love,
Eddie and Naomi Huffman
Sweet Mason,
I never even got to touch you and I find myself missing you.
Christi,
Please feel my hug...my thoughts are with you and your husband and family.
Julie Hill
He is no longer in pain and is enjoying life elsewhere, you are very strong and lucky for a child like him, in only two years he seems to of truly changed your life for the better, I hope you manage to not focus on your loss but Mason's gain. Luke .J
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