Year Two. Remembering John.

Such a great memory - surrounded by two of his favorite girls.

As I woke up this morning, complete with all its horrible memories, I had a thought. 

When John was about six, we lost him at Camp Snoopy in the Mall of America on New Year's Eve for a brief moment. He and a friend came off of a ride on the opposite side we were expecting, and for those moments, we had no idea where he was. Do you know that feeling? Absolute terror? Adrenaline kicking in, panic overwhelms you and you start frantically searching? Well, his death is similar in feeling, only it’s about a million times worse and it lasts all day every day. You spend the rest of your life managing those horrific thoughts and that incessant feeling of panic. Where is he? Only you can't find him.

Anyway, John Ryan would be 26 now - and I thought, why not share 26 ways to remember him or get to know him today. 

Feel free to add anything you think he would have loved. We so enjoy hearing about him through you.

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Thank a Veteran – John was a Specialist in the US Army - I wonder if he would have continued his life as a soldier had he been able. It was his dream to serve. He spent hours watching the history channel. He hated reading books, but he did read The Art of War. His junior high social studies teacher said he could teach the lessons on World War 2 better than she could.

Listen. His friends said he was a great counselor and always there to listen to you – he gave great advice and he made you feel seen, validated.

 
Give someone a bear hug. John gave amazing hugs. He stopped me in the hallway that last day and, as Morgan would say, squeezed the jelly out of me.

Go to Surly. It was his favorite restaurant and maybe a favorite brand of beer? We went before his surgery and had the cornbread, Brussel sprouts, and BBQ tray.

Wear your sheepdog apparel and if you don’t have any, get it here before November 12th: John Ryan's Memorial Store I especially love our new quarter zip with the Dan Baker Foundation logo paired up with the Sheepdog logo. 

Carry Narcan and remember Steve’s Law – it gives immunity to anyone who calls 911 even if they themselves are using. Save a life.

Take the time to understand Substance Abuse Disorder and stop the stereotype, (and the meme’s) - pray for those who are struggling.

Write your mom a note and tell her often that you love her. I have several notes he wrote to me, and they are everything, especially since I won’t get another.

Order an Iced Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks.

Have a bonfire and tell stories with your friends.

Make John’s favorite casserole: Creamette's Cheesy Chicken Rigatoni Casserole

We made it last night. 

Post a funny meme about Russia, Dogs, Military, etc. Here are a few he sent to his sister.
P.S. He did a spot-on Russian accent.

Teach someone to properly handle a firearm. Working with conceal and carry classes was John’s favorite.

Order up some Dominos or Chipotle – or make super-hot cheese!

Stranger Things party at Kates. 

Watch Stranger Things, shave your head or eat Eggo Waffles.

Go to a hockey game, watch the MN Wild, grab a pond hockey game. John loved hockey. He started playing as a sophomore in high school. It’s also how he was injured.

Play “I’m Just a Teenage Dirtbag” really loud while driving recklessly – j/k. Be safe.

Wear really nice socks. John often told us if money was no object, he would wear new socks every day – good ones, like Smart Wool or Dang Tuff. I don't think these socks qualified . . .I did better next time.

Do something nice for your siblings or get matching tattoos;). John and Kate had matching tattoos – they were in Italian and said, “I’ll always be here for you”.

Call your dad and tell him something you respect about him. John would post the most endearing tributes to his Dad – even though Brian isn’t on social media. He just wanted to publicly proclaim how much he loved and respected his dad.

Toast John with Jameson, a craft beer, sweet tea or a shot of hot sauce.

Over exaggerate your Minnesota accent – Ope, you betcha! Eat some lefse. Play duck, duck, grayduck. One time he roasted a grasshopper and ate it, but even he didn't like lutefisk.

Drive like your mom is in the car. If she’s clutching the door handle, try harder.

If you and your mom arrive safely, tell her to calm down and ask her “But did you die?”

Post a photo, a story, or a memory of him.

Don’t forget him. Say his name. It’s so important for us to hear it.