{Red Balloons for Ryan: Support}

Another day has dawned, and I haven't stopped thinking about Ryan and his family.  It completely consumed me yesterday, and I still can't get this story out of my mind.  I thought about that precious boy and his parents every second yesterday…Then, when I got home last night, I lay in the bed beside my husband, and we looked at all of the pictures on the Baby Boy Bakery blog.  I found myself scrolling to her very first posts which showed pictures of Ryan as a beautiful little baby, and my heart just hurt for them.  As I was taking my shower this morning to prep for my day, I found myself weeping for this family.  I felt the tears running down my cheeks, and I couldn't help but think about how differently our days would go…I would head off to my doctor's appointment to listen to our sweet little unborn baby's strong, steady heartbeat on the fetal monitor, meanwhile another mother is experiencing pain and heartbreak that I cannot even imagine.

Hearing the news about Jacqui and Dan's son, Ryan, has caused me to reflect on what is so precious and perfect in my life…My family.  Our little Kate is definitely an early bird, and in true Kate fashion, she awoke before 6 am this morning.  I usually huff and puff when I hear her stirring that early on her monitor, but not today.  Today I rushed upstairs, took my baby girl in my arms, felt her skin against mine, twirled her curly hair in my fingers, kissed her sweet, soft cheeks, rubbed her little back, and cuddled her just as long as I could.  And then I thanked God for giving me this precious angel on earth and for allowing her to brighten our every day.

I wish I could just hug Jacqui and Dan…Take away their pain and suffering.  But since I can't do that, I hope they find some glimmer of light and hope in the Instagram/blogging community that loves them so very much.  If you would like to offer support to this wonderful family during this tragic time, you can do so by visiting the links below.  These amazing shops have created products to honor Ryan's memory, and proceeds will go directly to the family.

{Ryan's Necklace by Lisa Leonard}

{Sunshine Dreams - For Ryan. By Geo Fox Apparel}

{"Remember Ryan" Tee by Geo Fox Apparel}

{Red Balloon for Ryan Cruz Saldana - Indie Nook}

{Red Balloons for Ryan Print - Mulberry Press Co}

{Cards, iPhone cases, T-shirts, and Fabrics - Craftberry Bush}

{Red Shades for Ryan - Subsidy Shades}

{Cherry Bomb Moccasins - Antlers and Bows}

{Red Balloons for Ryan Print - idieh design}

If you would like to read more of the story, you can do so here. You can also make a direct donation to the family via the Thrive Moms blog.

I will continue to pray for them every second…For peace, for comfort, for strength.  And I will continue to pray for Ryan, who is dancing in Heaven in his beautiful angel wings.

Rest in Peace, sweet Ryan Cruz Saldana.
#redballoonsforryan

 xoxo,
Katherine