My dear devotional family,
Our family is grieving. Ten days ago, on Fathers Day, our son Ryan lost his battle with depression. He was a quiet soul with a gentle heart, possessed a deep love for his wife, Chantel, and together they reveled in their shared love of animals. He was celebrated by family and friends in a memorial service last Friday and we’ve now begun our long goodbye. The day of his service was also his birthday. He would have turned 37.
Are there parties given in heaven? Jesus preceded a great story in Luke by saying, ‘that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God when one person turns to him.’ That sounds like a celebration to me.
When a party is done right, you have family, friends, and those you love around. Ryan is with family in heaven. He is there with both sets of grandparents. He is there with his Aunt Betsy. He is there with Conrad and Ruth Jensen, an older couple who begged us for babysitting rights when he was born. Conrad, a carpenter, made Ryan his own hand carved toddler bed. It was finished off with handmade quilts and stuffed animals that Grammy made. Each grandparent welcomed him home.
I know in heaven that there is feasting and family. No pain. Only an eternity of perfection. Yet, we will be taking an extended time to heal as a family. We would appreciate your prayers. Glory and redemption will come because God is a good Father who wastes no pain, not even of the worst kind.
christinewyrtzen.com 
Christine,
We are so looking forward to your being with us at The Cove.
But, before you come I just had to let you know how heartbroken i was for you and your family when i first heard about your son.
My mother used to say about situations like this, Some God calls home, others He welcomes.
And as you so sweetly and correctly said, Heaven threw a party.
See you soon dear friend,
Gigi
Oh Christine, I am speechless and am extending a huge embrace to you. I just this moment learned of this. Oh Christine, I have a huge heart for you. You are regularly in my prayers, and I am praying for you all. I never knew Ryan struggled with depression.
Love to you, Rob and Jamie,
Mary
I am so sorry Mrs. Christine so sorry about this news. Yes at least 40 days of mourning. He looked so wonderful in the pic. Love, Sister Patricia
I am so sorry Christine. I have no words just crying and feel pain in my heart for you. God is holding him tight for you. Praying for you.
O Christine, I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you and your family are being remembered in prayer as you travel your journey of grief.
Be strong and of great courage for you are greatly loved. Daniel 10:19a
So very sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you all.
I am so sorry…My prayers are right there with you, knowing how hard this is .. sending love and hugs..
My heart is breaking for you and the whole family. May somehow He give you the strength to carry on. I remember a song you sing “I’ll carry on the same, but things won’t be the same anymore “. Continue to ask Him for help. You are on my prayer list with a new prayer for you
I’m praying for you! Oh, my heart grieves with you here but not as those with no hope. I too have children in Heaven. I am going to them and I’m thankful! Praying much for you! You have been a looooog time blessing to me and also Betsy.
You know our hearts are aching at the pain you are enduring as you grieve. We will keep praying for you during this healing journey, yet another, that you’ve begun. May you know God’s goodness deep in your soul in the midst of such tragedy. We love you.