My sweet Ryan, my Pilot In Command,

 

I’ve never felt these emotions before, so I don’t even know how to begin to articulate them. 

 

You ignited in me, something that no one else ever has. A sense of selflessness that I wanted to extend not only to you, but to the rest of my world.

 

Your passion, humor, caring nature, and honesty were some of your best qualities. Everything you did, you did 100% and with little hesitation. You showed me incredible patience and understanding whenever my head wasn’t on straight and I thank you for that. Your bursts of goofy dancing and weird noises are some of my favorite memories with you. I’ll just say... your character was STELLAR. 

 

If there was one thing I could always count on during this weird time of quarantine and isolation, it was a “Good morning” and a “Sweet dreams” text EVERY SINGLE DAY. 

 

There wasn’t much more you loved than to be the PIC (Pilot in Command) of a helicopter. Thinking back to a week ago, you and I were both sooo excited that you were flying down to Iowa for this raptor survey. You lost your life doing exactly what you loved and I think I can speak for most when I say it gives me a sense of peace. 

 

I am absolutely gutted by your passing, but I am beyond grateful to have experienced a part of my life with you. I will miss you forever....