Birthday & Wedding Thoughts By Ginger Ryder

"It's funny how the slightest whisper of a song reminds you of a face. Many times I think that we take for granted all the words and experiences we share. Death is a harsh reality in a cold cruel world. I feel it makes us look upon our own lives. Hopefully with a sense of strength, we can overcome the pain, anger and fear and learn to rejoice the life that has a been taken too early. Knowing that someone left a mark on my soul, will continue with me though the rest of my life." Lately Travis had been on my mind, and with his birthday approaching and also my wedding, he seems to be there a lot. Sometimes when the stress of it all gets me down, something funny will just pop into my mind. Travis had the ability to always make me smile. And I miss him now more then ever. He always listened to me and gave me some very good advice. I guess now I want his advice again. I don't understand why life can be so cruel. Sometimes it makes me very angry. I know this should be a happy time for me, but I am sad. While I will be surrounded my family and friends. I know that one of the most important people in my life will not be there. I think he would find it funny that I have asked Liz to be my Maid of Honor. My mom was Liz's. I also think he would have gotten a laugh, when Troy said I couldn't get married because "I didn't have HIS permission." So to Travis, the first candle I light will be in honor of you. Love and miss, Ginger