Sunday, June 8, 2003, would have been Ryan's 32nd Birthday. A mass in Ryan's memory was held at Sacred Heart Church. Afterwards, a lawn party was held at his Moms. About 30 close friends and family were in attendance, including Father Rick, who performed Ryan's funeral service. The guests enjoyed all of Ryan's favorite homemade foods - lemon garlic chicken, sausage and peppers, and stuffed shells. The front lawn was a gathering place for those wishing to honor Ryan on this special day. Pictures sent from Mike and Jill of their new adorable baby boy who was born the day before Mother's day and was named after Ryan were enjoyed by everyone.. Scott and Rhonda, who were married on Memorial Day in St. Thomas brought their wedding pictures and a video of the wedding for everyone to see. It was truly a wonderful event and the pictures were awesome. Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Novack. The song written for Ryan "Wish I Could See You Again" was a big part of the rememberance. Although just the first rough copy of the instrumental part of the song, it touched everyone as they sat in silence listening. Thanks to Chad for a wonderful tribute to Ryan and for making it possible to be part of this special event. Father Rick gave a blessing to all in attendance and sent special prayers and love to Ryan as a red heart balloon was set free over the group. Family, close friends of Ryan and his family, Jodi, Ry's Dad and Grandparents and Guardent friends, visited his resting place to pay their respects and leave flowers for the wonderful son, grandson, loving companion, friend, cousin, and nephew who is missed so terribly. We know that Ryan was watching everyone share comfort and love during this difficult time of loss. We all miss you Ryan. If LOVE were a stairway we know we could climb up and bring you back here with us.
		A VERY Important Message from Paul, Ryan's Dad: There is a fund in Ryan's name in place that currently has about $20,000 in it and I plan to personally double the fund at years' end. I and the supt'd of schools will personally oversee the fund and when I'm dust, the Board chairman will replace me. It is my intent that interests from the fund will be used to purchase all of the baseballs, soccer, basketballs, football, golf, tennisballs etc. as well as the Little League baseballs to be used by the Thompson youths forever, compliments of Ryan. It is also important to note that not long after Ryan's departure from this earth a Mr. Walter Beiganski passed away. His daughter , Beth, a former student of mine directed that donations to this fund be made in memory of her father. Beth now resides in Sugarland, Texas and I have been in constant contact with her. This gesture of love and kindness just blew me away. Dnations will forever be accepted by the Citizens Nat'l Bk., pob 6002, Putnam, Ct., 06260
Gina Gauvin is a single mom and mother of three, who miraculously survived the horric Station Club fire. She is an awesome lady with a wonderful spirit who has endured many surgeries and still has more to go beginning in January. Kevin Brown, who initiated and worked dilegently on the golf tournament held in June for Ryan asked that the proceeds from the tournament be given in Ryan's memory to a survivor of that tragic event. Gina finally arrived home in July, after extensive surgery and rehabilitation, and could certainly use the money raised. I spoke to Gina personally, and feel this wonderful lady, who has endured so much, will benefit greatly from the RY2K fund. Gina's hospital and rehab bills exceeded $800,000.00 and only part is being paid by her insurance and other sources. She still has a great deal of upcoming ordeals and day to day living expenses. The help with these expenses is very limited, and many of her needs are not being met by the insurance coverage for necessary care. I hope you will all view her website and hopefully send her a note of support. It is an honor to present her with our check for $1000 this Christmas. May the new year bring her and her family love, peace and strength for the upcoming year. Following is a link to Gina's site. Gina God Bless you Gina,Susan Morin	Just a note to let everyone know the world has been blessed with a new little boy!!! Jill Gillette gave birth to: RYAN DANIEL GILLETTE - Saturday May 10th, 2003. He weighed in at 7 Lbs. 3 oz. Congratulations to Mike and Jill on a job well done!!! It is a wonderful Mother's Day gift for all of us Moms and especially an honor to our beloved RYAN to have this new life to bring us joy. I just know Ryan is smiling down on Mike and Jill and his little "namesake". Anyone wanting to send congratulations to Mike and Jill & Ryan the address is: 188 Southwick Drive, Streamwood, IL 60107 God Bless this new little angel in our midst. Susan	Here is that picture that we were telling you about....the significance is this.....Jay and I were hiking along the shoreline of NovaScotia during out Honeymoon on this drizzley day....As we were exploring the cliffs, and checking out the different textures and crevases of the rocks, there was a little butterfly that was around us....a little white one, Jay pointed out the little creature to me and how it was lingering,...then Jay came down upon this Graffiti on the rock, just as the sun appeared from above, the butterfly flew over near the Van Halen symbol and then just took off up into the sky.....Jay needed this picture just to show everyone the setting, because it was a nice little visit from above while we were on our honeymoon... Fenna & Jay