Ryder

Reno and Ryder (maybe)

Ryder, Rob, and Reno

My brother's son Ryder, passed away over the weekend after a long, difficult fight with cancer. He just turned 21 in the spring.

As if I ever had a picture of just one twin or the other!

When they were still in diapers and cruising, they had distinctly different personalities and, of course, their own private language. 

 Then, one day, I witnessed them pull that evil twin switcheroo, one pretending to be the other for a long minute, then both of them having a hearty cackle over the scam they pulled. 

I'm sad to say that due to family drama and distance, I never got to know them well, but I know my brother.

What I can't imagine is the kind of grief a parent feels on losing a child. Glioblastoma is particularly cruel, and I will say out loud that I'm glad his terrible suffering is over.  

 

I also believe in the never-ending energy of the spirit getting another chance to start life anew.