Birthdays are more than just a celebration of the day we were born; they hold significant importance in our lives for various reasons. They serve as milestones, opportunities for reflection, and moments of joy and connection with loved ones.
We are celebrating Ryan’s 31st birthday this week, and it’s a good reminder of his growth, achievements, and the experiences we’ve accumulated over the past year. Each year gives me a chance to appreciate Ryan’s journey and help him celebrate how far he’s come while setting new goals for the year ahead.
I still remember it like it was yesterday… We were living in North East and, of course, we were amid a snowstorm (very similar to the weather we’re experiencing this year!)
I recall turning up the heat to make sure that his bedroom was warm. My brother, Joe, who lived next door came by and said that the house felt like a steam room. I turned the heat down, needless to say!
Jeanne and Dianne came out to assist with his first bath. Dianne, the oldest in her family of 12, had lots of experience with bathing babies. So, I asked her to help – everything was so new to me! We even did a video of “Ryan’s first bath” which I still have today.
In the blink of an eye, the next 30 years have passed. There have been peaks and valleys in this journey, but I am truly proud of Ryan’s many successes. He has had a GREAT 2024!
Between working at Bello’s and BNI, exercising at Planet Fitness, swimming at the Y, skiing at the Peek in the winters and golfing at Kahkwa in the summers, I am trying, usually unsuccessfully, to keep up with him!
Ryan’s most favorite “preferred” activity is reading to our Happy Hearts preschool children. He will tell you that he is a teacher because he” reads to the kids” and “cleans their classrooms.” Those are his 2 jobs and with Bello’s he has 3. He firmly believes that he does not need more! He will also tell you “Mom and I are not retiring. We are planning on working at the Barber Center until we are 90 and then we will work at the Center in heaven, and he will read to the kids there.”
As I look back over the years, I know that I have so much to be grateful for: family, friends, outstanding staff, and the Erie community that welcomes children and adults with disabilities.
I’m so glad that I have the pleasure, on a daily basis, of seeing Ryan achieve his dreams, just as Dr. Barber would have wanted.
Happy Birthday Ryan!
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