Sally wrote a tribute to Ryan and I painted it on the canvas.

Barb, Sally, and Fr. David created Love Will Triumph on canvas.

Love Will Triumph

Ryan, at once,
Ordinary and Extraordinary
Tall and handsome with the most beautiful smile
That ever touched your heart

Ryan with huge brown eyes that sparkle with mischief.
Always eager to help -
Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere.

Ryan - under attack.
unbidden and vicious, a microscopic beast invading his body
And beginning its long,
slow, deadly decimation.

some people fade away at the news
others staunchly remain,
fearless and strong.

He is their friend. They love hime without question.

Time crawls, yet disappears in a blink.
Final plans are made and he knows peace.

Calm serentiy envelopes him
Love crawls inside his failing body and curls up
Next to the organism that is killing him

The LOVE with triumph.
Even though the beast may destroy his body,
The love will never end.
As for me, I have been blessed to know Ryan.
I am different for having met the ugly beast.
I am forever changed by the love.

Ryan (2008)

Ryan and a friend (September 2008)

One night when he couldn't sleep, Ryan was inspired to write this poem to his friends who stood by him through his ordeal.