to ryan, david, erin and others

These names belong to special people.  People who have gone unnamed for the most part.  While the name of another person is elevated almost to mythical heights.  There is a big difference to me between these names, between these people.

The three I have named here have an ongoing relationship with me.  They are the ones who have loved Renee and included Dena and I in their love.  The other person has no relationship with me or our family.  I have never had a conversation with him.  We have exchanged some heated emails but to this day he has never initiated a conversation or asked us a personal question.

Ryan was there the longest and in the very hard times before Renee broke.  David came at just the right time, almost by divine appointment.  David called when no parent wanted to hear the news he had to bring.  He was there so many hours in the hospitals and other places.  Both these young men loved my daughter as a sister in Christ.  No designs, agenda's or strings.  Erin was there too but I have not known her that much because of distance.

I write this tonight as just the beginning of what I have felt so long and need to say repeatedly.  THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH! THANK YOU FOR LOVING OUR DAUGHTER AND FOR LOVING US!  Words will never express the gratitude we feel towards your noble, sacrificial deeds and persistence. 

My desire is that each of you will receive the recognition so deserving and seen as the example of friendship you are while here on earth without detracting one iota from your eternal rewards!