Feeling Down? BOAT ON!!!
Ryan's Place Park--But he will never play there.
When tragedy strikes, how many of us look for the silver lining and the dreams that can come true when we find it?
After my two-year-old grand-nephew, Ryan, drowned in Lake Powell on a family vacation 9 Aug 2006, the family was devastated. But the thought and inspiration came to leave Ryan's legacy to the community by providing a place for the children to play. After all, that's what Ryan enjoyed and loved to do!
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=923093
Here's a followup video story of the anguish turned legacy. Feel free to leave your comments!
http://studio5.ksl.com/index.php?nid=71&sid=25100021
When Life gets tough, and it often will, Remember: BOAT ON!!!
"Building Ryan's Park"
https://www.lds.org/new-era/2008/06/building-ryans-place?lang=eng
"Ryan's Place Park, River Heights, Utah"
https://www.flickr.com/photos/19505510@N00/2580512823
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Comments 3
Golden,
Your story signaled foreboding even before I was able to get the audio/visual part to load. When it did, it brought on a wave of remembering. Ryan's Place looks much like a place I remember in Pennsylvania. The public park outside of Pittsburgh, known as Rainbow's End, is dedicated to young twin children who were beaten to death with a hammer by their father. My wife and I proudly donated our time to help build the park, along with dozens of local volunteers; and had our names burned into a wooden slat of the picket fence that surrounds the park. We have visited there often over the years.
Your story is a powerful example of what family means; and a reminder that we ought to keep family history alive. Thank you for sharing with us.
Golden I had no idea!! Talk about a legacy!! Your family is amazing to have such a positive attitude after such tragedy. Ryan's picture at the end of the video was precious and I can only imagine what you feel when you see it. Thanks for posting this.
Golden, what a tremendous expression of legacy by your family, inviting the community and beyond to participate in building a park that so many families can enjoy. Thank you for sharing such a touching story about a family and community experiencing grief that chose to give to others.
