Christmas Letter

December 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

It has been a long and difficult year, but God has been faithful and good through it all. As I think back to where we were a year ago, it brings tears to my eyes. Yes, Ryan was here with us, but he was suffering. Each breath that he was taking took much effort and he had just begun to wear oxygen 24 hours a day, even little tasks were becoming extremely difficult for him. I remember a conversation we had around New Year’s where he told me that “2008 was going to be a better health year, it had to be because 2007 was so difficult.” In the end, I suppose he was right. The first 5 months of 2008 were difficult for Ryan health-wise, but since June 6, Ryan has been experiencing the best health of his life – in heaven.

It may sound odd to many of you, but I am so thankful for the ten and a half weeks that we had together at the University Hospital. It was time that we were able to spend together, most of the time it was just the two of us. We laughed together; we cried together; we talked together. Those weeks were a gift that I will forever treasure in my heart! Ryan fought so hard, but in the end God said that it was his time to come home, and we were left to say good-bye.

I miss Ryan every day. Lily and Wyatt miss their Daddy. But, God has been abundantly faithful in our lives. He has given me the strength to continue on with the life he has given to me. He has brought me moments of great joy in my children. He has provided all of you, our family and friends, who have lifted us up in prayer and walked beside us through the darkest time in our lives. He has provided for us in many ways, allowing me to be able to stay home and enjoy the lives of my children.

Lily and Wyatt have grown and changed so much in the last year. They have gained independence and their vocabulary has exploded! They love their weekly trips to TotZone at church and they LOVE playing together. They enjoy being outside and have enjoyed their time in the snow already this winter. Both kids love to read books and have started learning to recognize their letters. Lily has her Daddy’s personality and his sense of humor; she loves to laugh and she is very outgoing. She is quite the little mommy and loves her “babies” very much. Wyatt is much more reserved than Lily, but still loves life. He enjoys driving his trucks and tractors and will point out all the different types he sees as we drive down the road.

As 2008 comes to an end, I can honestly say that God is good, ALL the time! I am sure there will be difficult days ahead, but God will continue to be faithful.

Merry Christmas to all of you!
Love, Kristin, Lily and Wyatt Sweeney