Ryan

Ellen and I have three amazing kids who have become wonderful adults. For over thirty-three years, we have felt every emotion possible as they each have found their way in the world. I have decided to share a post about each of them during their birthday week. Our youngest, Ryan, turned 28 this week. For anyone who knows Ryan, he is one of the most intelligent and compassionate human beings you will ever meet.

Looking back, I smile thinking of how Emily incorporated him into several talent show gigs early on or when he got to be the king of the book parade at GC Burkhead Elementary. I have watched him strive for excellence in everything he has pursued. His work ethic inspires all of us. All his efforts led him to attain his PhD in aerospace engineering by the age of 25.

While he has had phenomenal success in many aspects of his life, he has had his fair share of heartache and pain, too. One of the hardest things as a parent is to watch your child endure a broken heart or major disappointment. In many ways, how Ryan navigated those times is more indicative of the man he is. In the midst of wrestling with anger, frustration, and disappointment, he has always taken the high road through those experiences. This is just one of the reasons he is deeply loved by all who know him.

Now, working as a NASA research scientist and being married to his delightful wife, Megan, he is living his best life. I know I am coming across as a very proud father, which I am. However, Ryan’s life is a reminder to us all about the law of the harvest. Whatever we plant and nurture in our lives eventually grows and bears fruit. If we can patiently do the good work, we will, in time, get to enjoy an abundant life.