Hi you two,
I watched all the video’s and pic’s. It is all lovely and so are you two. My thoughts have been with you both frequently in the last couple weeks. You are in my prayers. Take care, Karla RN
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
What a beautiful and lovely tribute to the life and love the two of you have shared.
The whole website was wonderfully done.
Having these beautiful photographs of special moments help create special memories of the heart. Memories of the experiences you two have shared. Looking at them can always bring you back to that moment in time when they were taken. To relive and cherish the feelings you shared together in that exact moment.
Thank you for sharing your moment and story with us.
Dear Ryan and Bethany-
Thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding photos and some of your cherished memories. We have been in touch with your Mom and have kept you all close in our thoughts and prayers. You two have something truly special!
Sincerely,
Brooke and Mark
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures. Your wedding was deeply touching and inspiring- a true reflection of the love you two share. We keep you both in our thoughts and hearts.
Ariana and the staff at Ariana Restaurant.
Dearest Bethany and Ryan, Those are the most beautiful wedding photos I have ever seen. Just gorgeous! Although I have never met you both, the tears were rolling down my face as I watched your engagement and wedding day. The photos capture every bit of love you have for each other, and what a glorious thing to see! True Love at it’s best! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with me. I was there in spirit on your day, and after seeing all these beautiful photos, I feel like I was there. We love and care for you both immensely, Sue in Chicago. XOXO
Bethany, thank you for sharing this story in your own words. We enjoyed the video and all the photos. We think of you all often and wish we were there.
Dear Ryan & Bethany,
You two are role models to us all on the true meaning of love, strength and commitment. We think of you and pray for you every day.
All our love, Romi
Thanks for “inviting” us to your wedding. The video is beautiful.Wish we could have been there. What you have is very special and its a reminder to us all what love is. Wishing you peace. Barb,Chris, Braden and Maggie
Ryan,
I am a cousin of your dad’s that you have never met. I’m Aunt Jeanne’s daughter. Your dad called yesterday and that was the first I had heard of your struggles. My prayers are with you and your beautiful bride. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of marriage. The pictures are as beautiful
as the two of you and your love is.
Bethany and Ryan, I wish you peace and strength
Maribeth
Bethany & Ryan—May every moment you share together be as beautiful as the first one was. Your wedding was stunning, and absolutely inspiring! Always wishing you the best—Diane
You two are some of the best friends I’ve ever had, thanks for being so wonderful and for including me on such a beautiful celebration in your lives. This website is awesome! Love you forever
Ryan & Bethany,
I want you to know, the two of you truly inspire me. Your compassion, love and strength for one another is so beautiful. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis and hope that you two are making many memories together as husband and wife!
Shlove you!
I enjoyed the beautiful photos, video and your amazing story. Kaitlynn sent me the link so that I might view this wonderful work of art depicting of your lives! Rosalynn ( Kaitlynn’s mom)
Ryan-
I feel like it wasn’t so long ago that we were goofing around with little airplanes and cars and whatever else we could get our hands on, and going to all sorts of places in the pop-up seats in the way-back of the car; I miss that, and I miss you. I’m glad you found someone so caring, who makes you so obviously happy.
Bethany-
I’ve never had the chance to meet you, and I feel like for that, I’ve missed out. I’ve heard amazing things about your strength and your love for Ryan, so I’m truly happy that you’re the one he met.
Ryan and Bethany – i am a friend of your aunt (and aunt-in-law) denise. she has shared your story for many months, and you’ve been in my mind a lot. both of you are very brave souls and clearly with hearts as large and larger than the moon and the stars, and you will always be an inspiration in troubled times. i simply wish you less pain and and a smooth transition to whatever comes next for each of you.
sincere regards and hugs across the miles, lorraine doo
Hi Bethany and Ryan – your website, pictures and story are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Our family is thinking of your family constantly and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to you. Julie, James and John
Bethany and Ryan: Thanks for sharing you website with everyone. Your story is so awesome. Please know that I will pray for both of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bethany: You look so beautiful in your wedding dress. You look so grown up since I saw you last in those middle school days. Sarah is married also. I sent her your website. I am praying.
We love your website – a beautiful tribute to your journey together. Congrats on your one month anniversary! We’re not sure what the appropriate gift is for the one month mark – probably something plastic – but sending oodles of love packaged in this post.
Drew, Grandma Helen, Aunt Dee, Uncle Rob and Allyssa
Ryan and Bethany,
No hiyalita, no hiyalita – a Ukrainian blessing to you both. How lucky can I be to have two wonderful grandchildren such as you and Bethany in my heart. I love you both and my prayers are always with you. Love and kisses on your first month anniversary.
Grandma Helen
Ryan and Bethany,
Knowing the 2 of you is inspiring. What a gift. Thank you for so generously sharing your life together with so many. You may never know how many lives you have touched. I pray for you many times every day. Remember, God is there for you….and He hears and answers prayers all the time.
Ryan and Bethany,
Your father and I have known each other for many years. He has helped me in my career and is someone I truly appreciate and respect. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you Peter has kept me informed of your situation this past year. I sincerely admire your strength and my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Gary
Ryan and Bethany,
Wanted to send a note from one of Ryan’s Dad’s cousins in New Jersey. Your parents and I have the common bond of both having sons named ‘Ryan Smith’ who are the same age:) We have shared pictures through the years and had the opportunity to catch up about our Ryans when we visited them in Bend about 4 years ago. I am so inspired by your love story and dedication to each other and loved seeing the pictures. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Janet
It was so great to see your video/pictures. I feel thankful to have the experience of you both. Thank you for sharing with so many of us. Your beauty and grace (both of you) are really communicated. I can feel your sweetness and goodness and joy. Love to you both.
What a special joy to learn of your love and life together through this beautiful site! These moments are so special and we sincerely Thank you for the opportunity to share in your special day and life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.
We have not met but through the many years I have known Peter and Carrie, I know you. Through your Dad I have followed your journey. He is so proud of you and is great at sharing the amazing love you two share. I am blown away by this website and your story, thank you for sharing it in this way. You are two amazing and special people. Boots seems pretty cool too.
Cherish your days together, it seems you will! You are an inspiration for those of us who think we know what love is!
This journey and website brought tears to my eyes, and a light to my heart. I will always remember your guys’ beautiful story, and may it help me serve others like you in my life as a nurse. Bless you both.
Hey you 2, I Don’t know if you remember me, bethany, we Used To share letters a long Time ago, i’m Julia göller (now wiedemann) from germany, a friend of Kim hab, she also told me now about your Situation. I want you to Know that I will pray for you both and wish you All the blessing and hope Jesus can give you. I’m certain that you are safe in our Lord’s hands and that he will make a way for you!
Thanks to modern technology I was able to share in your wedding even though I’m all the way across the country, in South Carolina. But, as Ryan’s father’s best friend since high school (back in the last century, literally), I’m so glad I had the chance to experience it, through your beautiful photos and videos. Your love story is truly inspiring. The spiritual connection you have is for all time and will never be broken. All my love to you both.
dear ryan,
i was trying to remember just how long I have known you and it dawned on me that I have known you since you were 7 months old and James stole your bottle out of your diaper bag at a Gymboree class.It has been one of the great joys of my life to have gotten to know you as a little boy through all of our adventures and now, through your beautiful website and video/pix, I feel as if I’ve gotten the chance to know you as the incredible young man you have grown into. I am so glad to have been able to “meet” your beautiful soulmate and wife, bethany. Thank you for sharing your story, your beautiful pictures and your lives with all of us. Your love for each other and your strength is truly an inspiration to us all. I will always hold the many happy memories of times we spent together in my heart and thank you for being James’ best bud. May angels continue to surround you I pray that God will hold you in the palm of His hand.
with lots of love, joanie
dear bethany,
Thank you for just being you and for loving Ryan. So many people wait their whole lifetime for a love like you and Ryan share. I’m so glad that you two found each other. Happy belated anniversary to you both! I hope you know that just as Ryan is, you are a part of our family as well. I pray that God will continue to watch over you and wrap you both in His peace.
This link was sent to me from someone at Selco….Congrats to you both on your wedding. Ryan, I so enjoyed having you in class…it breaks my heart with what you are going through now….please know my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Mrs. Zink.
Dear Ryan & Bethany ~
Congratulations on your marriage. Bethany ~ in addition to being a beautiful bride, now wife, you have a beautiful heart which must be a daily inspiration for Ryan. Your story, your journey, is both heartwrenching and heartwarming and thank you so much for sharing it in such an eloquent way. I know firsthand what truly selfless and compassionate people Peter & Carrie are. Now I know so much more about their overwhelming strength, which is so evident in Ryan’s life, and clearly in your union.
I ran into Carrie recently when she was here in Eugene en route to Bethany’s with Starbucks in hand, while Peter and Ryan spent time together watching another Duck victory. Turns out it was just weeks before your beautiful wedding. She told me Ryan had the most wonderful soul-mate in Bethany – truly a gift. It seems Bethany has also been given a gift, a husband who treasures her now and forever.
Love to you both and to your parents:),
Julie Bergheer,
Jim McClenaghan, Maddie and Kellan
Ryan, your father has been a very valued trusted friend and business associate since 1971. I saw him in October, in Bend, for the first time in many-many years and he shared with me the battle you were bravely facing during our brief time together.
Your mother’s very lovely and deeply emotional letter makes us all appreciate the precious time we have together. I respect what you have Bethany have undertaken to make your lives together complete and most meaningful.
God bless you, You are very special people and He loves you both.
Oh Smith family our hearts go out to you all. I have watched ur video several times and your wedding story as well with tears welling up each time. For it is truly beautiful to see the deep love and caring in you both. Ryan even though u r always the “straight man” , Bethany appears to be able to bring out a smile in you at any time. How blessed u r to have found each other for this season. It is a parent’s dream for their children to find happiness in a soulmate and that dream has been met. Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this time. Our love to you, The Wordens
I really hope to meet you one day. Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve given Ryan and his family.
Ryan,
I’ll always remember our time playing together as kids. Roller skating, skiing (or attempting to, in my case,) at Lake Tahoe, building sand castles, or scorpion hunting by one of the many places you lived, among many other things. Remember “fancy pants,” as your mom called them? I also remember how our moms both dressed us up in polo shirts I know we got older, moved away, and developed different interests, but I’ve never forgotten you. You’ve been in my prayers always.
Marti and I knew Ryan’s dad and mom before Ryan was born. They were newly married, and full of high hopes for their lives together. I spoke with Ryan’s dad over the years since, and I know how proud he was of Ryan. I know too how happy he was with the joy you brought to Ryan’s life. Thank you for being there for Ryan. You have a long life ahead of you. Be strong, and find the joy that Ryan would want you to enjoy.
Dear Ryan & Bethany, We are friends and neighbors of Carrie & Peter, who met you two just once at their house for a Ducks game. We met Bethany’s parents there as well. Ryan, I sense where your passion for Bethany comes from, as another of our neighbors once commented on how evident the love is that your father feels for your mother…still. We thank you for sharing your joys, your sorrows, and your wedding with us. So much love surrounds you because you exude love. Faith, Hope, and Love…and the greatest of these is Love. We are humbled by your strength and pray without ceasing, that the Lord shall lead each of you through this life’s journey, and give you His peace. And also for your families. Sincerely,in Him, Dave and Ava Adams
Ryan and Bethany,
When we were little I remember spending so many visits and holidays together. Being the youngest child by many years I loved the fact that I had Ryan as my little cousin who I could tease, boss around and eventually even babysit just the way my older brother and sister had with me. I always had so much fun with you Ryan and you are still to this day the closest I have to a little brother. Years later when we were both grown I was so happy to find that you had grown up to be such a great man and that you had found your wonderful Bethany.
I know you hear this from everyone but I need to say once again that the two of you are truly amazing. Your strength, courage and unbreakable love through the hardest experience most of us can even dare to image is awe inspiring. I think of you both every day and I pray for your strength and courage. I am truly thankful that you two have been blessed to have each other in your lives and that you have both been able to experience such a beautiful and pure love for each other.
B & Shmy-
I am so blessed to have you both in my life. I am very thankful that I have become such great friends of yours to witness the love you two share. The love you have for each other and others is something I’ve always admired. You both are in in my thoughts & prayers daily and I want you to know how much I love you both. Love you so so much.
I was so glad to be able to share so many of your life’s moments with each other through the wonderful pictures on this sight.
How lucky you are to have travelled as much as you have. Some people never get out of their home state!
As others have stated, your love story is truly very special and an inspiring one. You two have the privilege of really knowing what it is to appreciate each other every moment of every day.
Ryan and Bethany, hope everything is going well, and that you two are sitting back enjoying Boardwalk Empire. We’re all proud of you guys for hanging in there and being absolutely in love with one another. We’re waiting for the announcements and they should be here soon. Love both of you guys.
Hello Ryan and Bethany-
Ryan – I also bear your name, as I am one of your Dad’s cousins, the many from the Ryan family on the east coast. Your Mom and Dad have shared photos and adventures with my own family since you were little. And we have been keeping up with your inspiring story of courage and love over the last year. You are truly one courageous man.
Bethany- you are a blessing, like no other. Peter and Carrie are so fortunate to now have you as a daughter.
My daily prayers for you both, are for strength and peace. Thank you for inspiring so many with your beautiful love story; one that I will never forget.
We enjoyed seeing the great pictures of your engagement and wedding. You both have been our thoughts and prayers. Ryan, I’m glad I got to see you and your Dad(s) at Moshovsky. We are in awe of such an all-encompassing love you and Bethany have!
Bethany and Ryan.
I don’t know the two of you, I heard of your story through a mutual friend. I am truely inspired and humbled by the two of you and the love you share. I think everyone hopes to be as strong as the two of you when faced with such a challenge. I will pray for you everyday. For your health Ryan and Bethany, for you to always walk with Ryan in your heart and by your side.
My dear niece, thank you for being the lovely young woman that you are. You have inspired so many with your strength and love. I know that losing your wonderful Ryan makes no sense at all, but your story has touched people that you may never even meet. I love you both and always wish only the best for you…Auntie
I didn’t know you, but I heard of your story from RC’s post. Bethany, I went to high school with your brother at Patch. I teared up reading your story. I’ll keep the both of you in my prayers. Stay strong for each other and don’t loose sight of each other.
Bethany & Ryan – Thanks to Kaitlynn I was able to meet the two of you and able to see the love that you share. I’m so happy that you shared your story and this website with everyone. I was looking through your pictures and all I can think is, wow if only everyone could experience a fraction of the love, kindness, and strength that you two share.
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
You two are absolutely gorgeous and have an amazing love that just seems to pour through and fill people up with such hope and happiness. The strength and dedication you both possess is overwhelming (in a good way, of course) and I wish you both nothing but best.
Sending constant thoughts of love your way, Bethany and Ryan. You are two very special people who have shared more love the past 7 years than most do in a lifetime. xoxo.
Bethany (I noticed you outgrew your old nickname ,
My sister just shared your page with me and I wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.
I am so touched and especially inspired by your story. You two have truly shown what it means to live life to it’s fullest and to accomplish your dreams. I am so incredibly sorry for the pain that you guys are experiencing but I am so happy for you to have experienced all the blessings and joy you have shared together these past several years. Your wedding was the perfect representation of true love, marrying your best friend and the commitment and sacrifice of “for better or worse”. You, your husband and your families are heavy on my heart and are in my prayers. I am so proud of you and your strength and accomplishments.
May you both be filled with strength and peace.
Love,
Jennifer Matosian Riddle
Bethany and Ryan- You story is amazing and an inspiration to everyone. You are both in our prayers. My you be comforted in knowing the Love that you share is forever yours. May God wrap in his Peace. God Bless you both.
Cheryl and Chris Clark
Bethany and Ryan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such an inspiration and a reminder of how special life and love are. To cherish everyone and every moment. The importance of faith and trust in God that we will one day see our loved ones again in glory. No more pain, no more sorrow. May God give you peace and strength. You have a wonderful loving Christian family to support you during this time. We want you to know that we also share in the joy of your marriage. Our hearts are heavy with pain for you during this time. Our love to both of you.
All I can say is wow Sounds like you are two of the most blessed couple in the world. I heard of the predicament of Ryans cancer from David Loveall, Our Pastor @ threeSIXTEEN Ministries, and after reading your story and watching your video it is obvious you have a very special kind of Love for each other. The kind of love that people search a lifetime to find and never know. I’m so glad you were able to fulfill you vows to each other and share something so special that others would be embarrassed or ashamed to share. Thank You For That.
Heavenly Father, We raise this young couple to you in their time of happiness and sadness in hopes that you would give them the blessings they so deserve. To be able to spend what little time may be left in total happy bliss and to let this story be an example and a testimony, to others of the extreme power of your love for all of us if only we will submit and accept that love. Let them always be as in love as they are now before all the world, and let them be wrapped in Your loving arms with the comfort and warmth only You can give. Amen
Bethany,
There are no words that can describe just how touching your video was. Your brother did a magnificent job and I enjoyed the pictures and the story. Just incredible. Best of luck.
Bethany and Ryan, Woody and I had dinner with the two of you at Four Seasons Restaurant with Peter and Carrie many years ago when your romance was budding and blossoming. Since that time I have followed your love story thru Carrie and been amazed and inspired by how devoted you are to each other. I don’t know many couples whose relationship could have survived and flourished through the challenges you have faced. Thank you for sharing the incredible journey of your love story and providing inspiration for all of us who aspire to be truly loving couples. Your wedding was so beautifully sweet and the two of you looked radiant in your love. I know each day since then has been one that you cherish dearly. I am glad that Boots came into your lives (we are cat people!) and I know he has brought you a lot of happiness and laughs, as kittens do. Your love transcends time and will be with each of you forever! Our thoughts are with you always.
JoJo and Woody Keen
Bethany and Ryan,
I couldn’t appreciate a website more than I do right now. Your love is truly inspired and I thank you for sharing your story for the world to see. I have missed the both of you but was so happy to waltz back into your apartment recently. I continue to keep you both in my heart along with an immense amount of love.
Ryan and Bethany you don’t know me but through Kelly Donoughe I have followed and prayed for your journey. You have been blessed with a perfect love.May the prayers and friendship of the many people who have been keeping you lifted up continue to support you in the days and months ahead.
God’s Peace
Linda
I found your website through an old friend’s post online, and thought I would take a look. I couldn’t pull myself away without looking at and reading every single word, and every single image. Your story and your perseverance are an inspiration. It would make no difference knowing you or not, but I remember Ryan from high school at Sheldon. I wish you two many more days, many more weeks, and many more months together than the doctors could ever predict, and I hope that you enjoy every minute of each others’ company. Marriage is a beautiful thing when it is nourished and cared for, and it looks like you two have what it takes.
With all of my blessings reaching out to you, a sweet young couple on a tough journey,
Andrea
Ryan I went to high school with you but I don’t believe I’ve ever met Bethany but you guys look great together. I just wanna share my compassion with you guys and tell you how impressed I am with your courage. It motivates me to be a better person, happier, kinder, more caring. Anyways I think tere is an angel with you and I will be praying that Ryan’s health is restored!
You both look great! And congratulations on getting married!
Bethany & Ryan, Pastor David Loveall shared your story at 3:16 Ministries on Saturday night.Love is a choice that conquers ALL. Thank you for being LIVING PROOF. You are in our prayers. We were married 11.11.11. You remind me, and a thousand other people, to cherish every day and each other.
I just wanted you to know that your story and pictures are just an inspiration….absolutly beautiful! Thank you for sharing. The love those pictures radiate is overwhelming. My thoughts are with you both.
We miss you both so much. I told your brother tonight that I wish I could have stayed with you. My heart aches so completely for you both. I loved the video but as I told you the moment I met Ry…. He’s a keeper! You both have been in our constant thoughts and prayers. Before I forget there is a certain young man who keeps talking about his Aunt B and Uncle RyRy. He misses you so much. All of our love to you both on this night, p&j
I saw a few friends post your site on Facebook. I went to school with Ryan, and Bethany I have never met you, but reading your story and looking at your photos brought tears to my eyes! Your story is a reminder of what we all should be grateful for– each moment we get to spend with our loved ones. Thank you for sharing. God Bless you guys and your families.
How blessed you are to have found such love…..the depth of your commitment and the joy you find in each other is apparent in every photo. May God bless you both and the lasting bond you have created. Bethany and Ryan….please feel a warm hug from me.
Natalie
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you two personally but we have known and worked with Ryan’s Dad for many years. Never once has he not mentioned you proudly in our conversations so we feel like we know you very well.
Thank you for sharing you beautiful wedding pictures with us. What a great love you two share. Our prayers and thoughts are with you continually. We hope that you can put to good use the gift we sent to your Gift and Donation site.
Ryan will live in our hearts forever. Bethany, you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Both your courage and commitment will always be an inspiration to us.
The Buennings/Grandma Helen Zaraska
Bethany, I don’t know you and I don’t know your beloved. But my friend Colleen shared your story with me and I just wanted to send you my prayers and thoughts. I have never heard of such a beautiful love story. You are such a special and inspirational person. I hope that you will have peace and your love for Ryan will grow on forever. I am so sorry to hear of your loss but know that you are loved by so many people… and we are all praying for you…
What a beautiful testament of the love you shared!! I was saddened to hear the news about Ryan being delivered to the angels! I am so sorry his light on earth is gone! My heart is heavy for you and your families.
Bethany,
Thank you for sharing your story so beautifully. I was in school with Ryan from 4th grade on and I will always remember him as an incredibly kind and genuine person. I’m so happy that he found such a great love and had such a strong partner by his side while he was sick. My thoughts and love are with you, your families and friends.
Dana
Hi, I am Manuel’s soccer captain this year, and he shared your story with us today. On behalf of the whole PAGS soccer program, I extend my largest and most heartfelt condolences. Reading all of this has been such an inspiration for me. Please know you are in all of our prayers here in Stuttgart.
Dear Bethany,
To find someone so right and then have to say good-bye is a lot to ask of your heart.
I know that with you, Ryan lived his short life to the fullest and that you will cherish those memories.
Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you for continued strength.
With love, Dolly, Robert & David oxox
Bethany, we are friends of Peter and Carrie and have met Ryan once. We are truly saddened to hear of Ryan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dearest Bethany,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I had put a wedding card in the mail to you yesterday and learned of Ryan’s passing from Bona today! I just read your story and looked at your beautiful photo’s. You are a true inspiration to everyone who reads your story. You will be in my prayers
Dearest Bethany,
Your precious mom saw me through one of the most difficult times in my life in Augsburg Germany, calling to pray with me, she and Steve sharing their lives, their story, even as my own marriage unraveled. By God’s Grace alon, I survived that time, moved to Olympia, 7 years as a single mom, the Lord brought a precious Man and single dad into my life. We’ve been married 12 years and our 5 sons are growing in Christ and healing from the past. God is faithful and He will gird you up as your grieve your precious Ryan going home before you did. I loved your story and the picture of your family, your folks, wow, look great… our home is open anytime to you and the Schmitt’s! (Sp?..oops). I remember you as an adorable little peanut in Augsburg and oh my goodness, the beautiful woman you are today is heart warming! My love and prayers to you and your family and Ryan’s. Thank you for ‘standing by your man.’ Keren Whitson Roark (Dr Deaconson at Flak Kaserne, with Nick, Alex and Connor living in Anhausen at the time, a life time it seems. God’s blessings!
Dearest Bethany,
It is with so much sadness that we learned about Ryan’s passing today.I know that there are no words to say that will bring comfort for your loss, but I hope that you can take some solace in the fact that you did everything you possibly could to make his life happy. You were the one bright spot in all of this for him. Although we are deeply saddened, we are at once relieved that his terrible ordeal on earth is over. I know that he is in a better place where there is no more sorrow or pain and that he is looking down over you with love and pride. You and Ryan will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
Bethany, This past year has been something nobody, family, or person should go through in their lifetime. It was an incredible test of willpower and pure love. Ryan loved you every minute from the point he met you and you loved him back. Over the past year there have been many heart breaking events, but through and through, you two loved each other more than words could describe. Ryan loves you, always has and always will, and even though he physically may not be here, he will always be watching you, and in your heart. You are always apart of the Smith, Zaraska, Buenning, and every other relatives and friends family. You always have our love and support.
Bethany
I knew you when you were very little. Your brother and I went to high school together in Augsburg. You are an amazing person and an excellant role model. Your courage, grace, and love are amazing. Thank you for sharing.
Bethany- Thank you for being such an amazing and incredibly selfless person. I am a friend of a friend and don’t know you personally, but you are an inspiration. People like you truly make the world a better place.
Bethany: You don’t know me but our son Andrew was a close friend of Ryan’s when they were growing up together in Eugene. Ryan spent a fair amount of time at our house and Andrew at Ryan’s and I know everyone in the Burton family mourns your loss. Ryan has been in our prayers and will remain in them.
We wish you God’s peace during this difficult time and pray you will find the strength to keep Ryan’s wonderful spirit alive in your heart. With great condolences,
Rick Burton
Rick- Thanks for you thought on Ryan in your note on their website shortly after Ryan’s passing. I just mentioned you on Sunday,in speaking with Bob Welch, the columnist for the Register-Guard. Bob is collaborating with Bethany on a book about their love story.
We were talking about Ryan as a boy and I recalled to Bob your comment several times that Ryan has ‘such soft hands’, in regard to his ability to catch a ball.
We have lots of great memories of Ryan and we are glad that he had Andrew and the Burton family in his young life.
His courage and refusal to complain throughout his ordeal adds to the pride we have always had in him.
Let me know how things are going for Andrew and you as well.
Dear Bethany, No words can describe the sorrow we all feel with the loss of Ryan. You and Ryan were exceptional couple and showed us all what true love is. I thank God for you. You made Ryan so happy. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. You have all our love and support forever.
Dear Bethany, There are no words that can describe the sadness we all feel with the loss of Ryan. He touch us all with his charm, strenght and wonderful personality. He was a remarkable person. He will always be in our heart and prayers. I thank God he met you. You made him so happy. You and Ryan showed us what true love is. You always have our love and support. Our heart aches for Ryan and you.
Bethany, I know words won’t bring the comfort you need right now, so I’ll do what your parents did for me in my time of despair…I will pray for you until heaven answers.
Bethany,
Please except my deepest sympathy In the loss of your beloved Ryan.
I am Ryan’s Dad’s cousin from the Philly area. and even though I have never met Ryan, I know we all had Children around Ryan’s age.
Sadly, I only heard about Ryan’s Illness recently, and saw the story of your journey and was so moved and so very sad at the same time.
Bethaney know that you and Ryan shared something so precious, People spend their entire lives looking for this and some never find it.
Also know your Love story is not over just different.
You and Ryan were very generous to share in your Love, with the rest of us.
I will continue to Pray you find peace in Ryan’s passing.
Bethany,
I know we’re not that close but I want you to know you have my support and my prayers. I really admire both of you, and I have been devastated to hear about Ryan’s passing. It wasn’t long ago we were all hanging out in Ryan & Phil’s room. If you remember, I ended up living by you both on emerald alley, and I feel like I have not spent enough time with either of you. I am regretful about that, to be truthful, but I believe in God, and I believe God needs the good people to do good work. I believe Ryan is a wonderful person and that’s why God called on him so soon. I am so sorry for your loss however, but remember he is always and forever in our hearts, our memories, and will be watching over us.
I hope it’s not too bold to ask, but I would like to attend his service if possible. If not, I understand, but I would like to know his resting place so I can properly pay my respects. Thank you to both of you for blessing my life with your presence. I hope to see you again soon, Bethany. Words cannot really express the admiration I have for your commitment to each other through such a difficult situation. I am so sorry Bethany, but I really do know that Ryan is always with us. Thank you for letting me say what I need to say.
him so soon.
Dear Bethany, my heart cries for you, Carrie, Peter, all family and friends, and for Ryan. I am so sorry that you all must endure such pain and grief.I am so sorry that Ryan’s journey ended so soon. How mysterious is this life with all our trials and tribulations. But for hope we would be hopeless.I pray for the Light of Heaven to lift you up and fill you with the hope and peace that surpasses all understanding of the things of this world. When you think of your husband Ryan, may the memories that you shared together,the love and laughter, cause you to smile and give thanks, even through your tears.
Dearest Bethany,
Thank you for showing us the meaning of true love and how to embrace hope. You will always be an inspiration to others who may experience a traumatic or devastating event in their life. I’d like to share with you a quote that has helped me through difficult times…….my prayer is that it will bring you peace and comfort.
“We have learned that when things become the darkest, that is when we are called upon to envision the light. We have learned that when everything has gone wrong, that is when we have to believe that things can be made right again. That is the message of hope. We must never let darkness extinguish the light.”
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your precious Ryan. Jack and I will continue to keep you and Ryan in our hearts and prayers.
Blessings to all and much love~
Beth Holloway and Jack Sammis
Bethany,
We wished we could have been at the wedding. Your great pictures show the joy, friendship, warmth, and sharing of love with each other. Your time together will always be with you. Today at church we sang a song that made us think of you and want to share it with you. You can view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pigh8VHr-ZE&feature=related .
Ryan was truly a wonderful husband, friend, son, and human being. His exuberance, light heartedness, and compassion will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Bethany, Carry, Peter, and all of his friends and family, please accept my sincerest condolences for loosing such a great man at such an early age.
I met Ryan at age 15, the summer before our freshman year of high school. While we attended different schools, Ryan, Evan, Phil, and I quickly became inseparable. One of our favorite activities—much to the chagrin of my parents—was endless motorcycle vs. John Deere Gator races around our home. With February quickly approaching, I am reminded of the countless birthday celebrations Ryan and I shared, with Ryan’s on the 14th and mine on the 20th. Per family tradition, my father—AKA Bro—would bake a cake of your choosing. Ryan also picked cheesecake.
Following graduation, both Ryan and I ended up at the University of Oregon. We both resided in Carson Dormitory, I on the fourth floor and Ryan on the second. On a typically day, loud shouting would echo throughout our dormitory as we shouted out our windows from floor to floor. During that year we shared a lot of laughs, a few beers, and made some great memories. Following the dorms, we continued to stay in contact, with regular get-togethers at Ryan’s apartment on Alder St. and later at his house on 18th.
Unfortunately, we both became busy and saw less and less of each other. Regrettably, I had not seen Ryan for several years when I visited him in the hospital shortly before his death. When I did finally see him, I was impressed by his courage to continue to fight such an awful disease. I have no doubt in my mind your constant doting and presence kept him going far past what a lesser man could have endured.
It was a privilege to have known him. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need any assistance, now or in the distant future.
Glad to see such a beautiful couple. Sorry I didn’t get to meet you earlier. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your life story with all of us. Sending you our love and prayers–
Olga and George.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved Ryan. Normally we would think and say that he is in a better place. But for someone so young and until recently full of life it is not appropriate. We hope that you will be strenghtened by the bond that the two of you created and the depth of the love that you had for each other. We wish you comfort, solace and wonderful memories of Ryan and your time together. All the best for the future and may your grieving be eased by those of us who care about you and are wishing you a bright and enduring future.
My heart goes out to you. Even though we may not know each other, I am profoundly affected by your loss.
I know there really are no words that could adequately console you at a time like this. Just know you and Ryan have made an impact on so many people’s lives; even those who may not have known you personally.
My thoughts are with both of you. God Bless
I’m deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you, your family and Ryan’s family. I don’t know you personally, but I understand what it is like to lose someone and support and love is what kept me going. So I am sending you my love and support. Your story was inspiring and beautiful and my thoughts are with you. Stay strong.
Dear Bethany,
I worked with Ryan at Valley River Inn and he was always smiling and willing to help with any situation. I think everybody there called him “Little Ryan” because we had another Ryan that worked also at the bell desk. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with both of you. ~Rob
I worked with Ryan at Valley River Inn. He was always a great guy to work with and will be missed. Your love story is an inspiration to us all. So very sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family.
Dear Bethany, family, and friends,
Tomorrow you gather to celebrate the life of your beloved Ryan who brought a “great light” to shine on the world and especially your lives during his brief sojourn here. We can never understand why those who bring so much joy, happiness, and hope to the world are taken from us so soon. All we can do is embrace the cherished happy memories we have and hope that with time acceptance and peace can come to our souls so that we can continue our journey letting “our own lights” shine as Ryan’s did. I hope the love and suppport from all your friends and family and the knowledge that Ryan’s spirit will be with you always will help in some way to ease your pain.
Bethany,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and Ryan’s family. Your pictures and videos brought tears and also joy in seeing the love that the two of you shared. Dave and I are so proud to have known you as a little girl in Augsburg, Germany and to see how you’ve grown up to be such a beautiful, strong, loving lady. You’re an inspiration to me. I mourn with you on your loss and the short time you two had together and in the same time, I’m thankful that you both were able to find a true love that not many find and were able to enjoy every moment of it to it’s fullest. May God bless you and guide you through this time. Our heart goes out to you. All our love, Angie & Dave
Bethany this I’m sure is a very hard day for you as love is celebrated all around u and u are not with the one you loved the most. But u have had and will always know true love such a gift. My wish is for support for you my dear today and this dark time. May your parents the smiths and your dear friends be ther for you as well as u feel God’s steady love for u. Sharon worden
Bethany, Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was a moving and inspirational video of love that endures no matter what. My wife and I also met at U of O, were instantly inseparable, and now are going strong on nearly six years of marriage. I was particularly touched, as I am an RN at UCSF hospital, on the pediatric oncology unit. I know first hand the struggle of the loss of a loved one to illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matthew
What a lovely and touching story. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment. Bethany, how lucky Ryan was to have such a loving and devoted partner. You might find comfort in reading a few books: David Servan-Schreiber’s ‘Not the Last Goodbye,’ Howard Storm’s ‘My Descent into Death,’ and ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven.’ I lost my young father (61) to cancer in 2010 and these books have brought me comfort. My mom has particularly enjoyed these books and I hope you will, too. She is what I consider a young widow and you are an even younger widow. It’s a difficult path to walk, but you seem equipped to walk it. Blessings to you as you go forth in this life without Ryan by your side, but he is certainly with you in spirit.
Hard to understand whay these things happens…..but my faith tells me your Ry is an angel in heaven and one day you will meet him again…..for now Bethany and as painfull as it sounds cherish you memories together. You really had a love story together and you made Ryan absolutely so happy. I bet Ryan is in heaven telling God about his gorgeous wife.
You both are a blessing. Your parents did an awesome job raising both of you!!!.
God be with you and your family.
I’m just a stranger who saw your story on the web and was struck by its relevance today…how lucky you were to experience something that some people search for a lifetime…
I saw your story and it was very heart felt. I am indeed sorry for Ryans’ passing. Life can sometimes be unfair. I have been through a almost similiar situation. It is good that you had that time together. God bless.
What a beautiful story of such love. I do not know you, but read your story on msnbc.com — how tragic to lose the love of your life at such a young age, Ryan had so much to live for. You are all in my prayers.
Bethany,
I dont know you…or have never met you or your husband…but this story has moved me in ways I cant explain. What a beautiful love you have found. I know words will never help, nor bring Ryan back for you… but God had you meet for a reason, not only to show you what a real love is, but to let you know there is good out there.
I just read your story on MSNBC, and it was really beautiful. I looked at your wedding and engagement pictures, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing. Your miracle was finding true love and for keeping it as long as you did. I wish Ryan were still here and sharing the miracle with you.
You are such a beautiful and brave young woman. I was so touched and moved by your videos and pictures. You and Ryan were very lucky to have met one another and shared such a wonderful love together. The pictures that you have are priceless. My son too was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, although it was leukemia and he was able to be treated. These forms of sicknesses change your life forever. Stay strong and keep your head held high. I know he is watching you from above. Thank you so much for sharing. My thoughts are with you and your families.
I’m so touched by your story, strength and love. My family is also dealing with medical problems so I can feel the pain. I love the videos and the pictures posted. I’d like to download the music used in Ryan’s video, if you wouldn’t mind sharing its title.
Please know that you have an angel in Ryan. Your story is an inspiration to many. God bless you for your strength and everlasting love.
Dear Bethany,
I don’t know you, but I read your story at msnbc.com and I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I’m 27 and my husband was diagnosed in November. Our baby daughter was born in January and he passed away a month ago. Only someone who’s gone through the same thing understands how painful this is and I hope that everyday it will get easier. It doesn’t, but if this is the way it was meant to be, I am grateful for the two months we got to spend as a family, just like you probably cherish the moments you got to spend as husband and wife. Hang in there!
Dear Bethany,
Your story touched my heart and I just wanted to let you know that your story is not only touching but amazing. We also lost our son to a rare form of testicular cancer that developed in his liver and chest wall. He was only 19 and passed away 4 months after being diagnosed. It will be 5 years next month and your story helped me to see we are not alone. Please take care of yourself and I hope that all your hopes and dreams are realized. God bless you and please take care of yourself.
Just read the article on MSNBC.com. Broken down when I read about Ryan’s attitude, “It is what it is.” Wow. Now I understand grace. Thank you so much for sharing your love and your story. I needed a good dose of being grateful!
Bethany,
Although we do not know each other, my heart goes out to you and Ryan. I don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated with such a beautiful and heart wrenching love story. It is truly an inspiration to us all.
Bethany and Ryan,
Your story is a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your lovely story and your beautiful pictures. I have much respect for the two of you and envy your strength. I myself am in the middle of planning a very low key and small wedding and I am overwhelmed, I give you so much credit for planning such a beautiful wedding in three days. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Angelia
I heard about your love story and just wanted to tell you what an inspiration it is. What a blessing to have found a love like this, now matter how short the time on earth together. Blessings to you and to Ryan in heaven.
Bethany-I just saw a link to your story from a friend, and read about your wedding and love story with Ryan. I am a complete stranger, but filled with amazement both in the love that is evident in all the pictures and the video, the maturity both you and Ryan showed through an unbelievable struggle, and the strength you both unknowingly give to a lot of people. My heart is breaking for you, but @ the same time happy that you got to know this kind of love. You will move forward, and I’m sure be very successful. And one day you’ll find love again-but it will never be the same as this. You have something, someone to cherish forever, and I’m quite sure he will keep a watchful and protective eye over you for as long as you wish. I wish for you peace, and the knowledge that people like you come along once in a lifetime, and Ryan was incredibly lucky to have you by his side supporting and helping him when he needed it, and I’m sure vice versa. Your story has touched so many, and tonight it has really touched me. You are an amazing woman, and your husband was an amazing man. I’m so glad you guys got to have the happiness you did, even if it wasn’t for as long as you may have wanted.
Sending you strength and hugs from afar.
I came across your story while on my Facebook. You have truly moved me. After reading through your story, I felt for just a minute some of the love that you and Ryan shared. Thank you for helping me realize to never lose faith in impossible situations. I hold a place for you both in my heart and will cherish every moment. My next goal is to tell those closest to me how glad I am to have met them.
Your story is inspirational and truly moving. It is more than clear that your love was a special one, tough enough to withstand serious adversity and you two were both incredibly lucky to have known one another. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and making me realize how spectacular love really is.
I read your story on msnbc.com today. What a beautiful wedding you two had. Words can not express how much my heart hurts for you, even though we’ve never met. My fiance’s name is also Ryan. I never met a Ryan I didn’t like I’m sure your Ryan was an amazing person. Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, as well as your beautiful pictures.
Hi, I saw your story on the today show on my facebook page and I had to read and look at all of your photos! I was in complete tears by the end of your story and in the middle of your wedding photos! My 1st wedding anniversary is coming up on Monday and reading your story has made me start thinking differently. I couldn’t not even believe or think of having to say goodbye to my husband after only 6 short weeks! Bethany you are such an amazing and inspiring person! The love that the two of you shared beamed off the photos of your wedding. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it has truly touched my heart, and I will NEVER take my husband for granted ever! Thank you for helping me, and I hope you are doing well and know that your amazing husband IS looking down and protecting you with all his heart!
Just read of your story on the internet and it is so touching. You brought SO much joy to Ryan’s life and he was lucky to live in joy. Some people never experience this their whole life through. God Bless you Bethany! Never forget the joy you may bring to other’s lives! The world is full of lonely souls.
Bethany,
I just stumbled across your story and cried while seeing your beautiful pictures and reading your gorgeous love story. There are not a whole lot of words that I can say, but I do hope you are happy. I pray for you and hope to know a love like yours and Ryan’s some day. Thank you for sharing your story.
Love,
Jaquielyn
Bethany,
I have never met you as today was the first time I came across your story a friend had pasted on her Facebook wall and I went to your website and read….. It was the most beautiful love story I have ever read and it puts childhood fairytells away…. That is what a true fairytell romance is and y’all not were but are the perfect example of true love and I cried as I read that story!! He was a very lucky man to have met you and had you in his life as your were just as blessed to have him!! Words cannot express my sympathy for what u must be facing and feeling but you’ve touched so many people and I’m sure yalls story has made an impact and made many people think twice about their words and actions within their own relationships, it has me as well!! Thank you and I know he’s watching down so Ryan, thank you for the person you were and the dignity and love that you showed in the times of roughness! Y’all are a beautiful love story!! I’m praying for peace for you Bethany and comfort for all families involved!!
I just read your story on The Today Show’s website, tears – joyful & sad came. Bethany you are amazing, I have so much admiration for your strength. Ryan is quite lucky to have a girl like you. I will think of the story Bethany & Ryan often. I recently found a love like you describe & I can not imagine losing him. Stay strong!!!!
Hello. I came across your website through Pinterest and I really felt the need to share how moved I am by your story. You are part of such a beautiful love story. Never let that go.
Hi Bethany and Ryan,
I came across your touching story today and I am speechless but also glad that two amazing person found the love of their lifetime. Thanks for sharing your life with the world.
Ryan will never be gone, he is watching over you Bethany and he will let you know that he is there
I found my love in the States coming from Germany and your story gives me even more strength to walk my life in Happiness. Thank you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Jutta
I saw this on one of my friend pages on Facebook so I looked. It’s amazing how in a short time, life can change so much. I am glad I read your story and looked at your pictures. It makes you realize that life is to short. Your story will change a lot of lifes. I know it has changed mine. Thanks for sharing your story. I am a ducks fan as well and I know when I look, watch, or see anything about the ducks, I will remember your story.
Tiffany
God bless you both. What a beautiful and moving story. Its a testament to what is good and true about love. Having faced the sudden loss of my finance 8 years ago at the age of 26, I just wanted to share a website that was a tremendous help. http://www.ywbb.com I found it indispensable in my healing journey. Good luck to you. We never forget, we always love, with time we learn to look back and smile on the memories. The only thing that heals is the passing of time. Thank you for sharing your story, it touched my heart in the deepest way.
Dear Bethany (and somewhere up in heaven Ryan too!),
You don’t know me, I found Yours and Ryan’s wedding video through a wonderful website called pinterest. Even without knowing ya’lls love story in its entirety I had tears streaming down my face watching it. I came to your website, to read about your story, and I was so touched I felt I just had to write something here. Love like You & Ryan, Thats special. It doesn’t come around for everyone, and when it does its only once. Thank you guys for loving each other with everything in you, and creating a story that will span on through eternity (because your journey together has not ended, I truly believe that), and thank you for being a role model of perfect love!
Know that when Ryan left Heaven gained an angel, One who is watching over you in every step. You will be in my thoughts, and Prayers.
Always, Elizabeth
Beautiful…May the love of God uphold you, and surround you with a peace that passes understanding. Oh, the wonderful things He has ahead for you..hold on! Ryan has his already! You will be together again, if you believe.
I’m jealous. I think that you are so blessed for having such a love story like that. so true and pure while many of us here need to deal with living jerks.
I can only imagine the pain of losing him. However, i believe that the happiness from having had loved like that is even more superior and harder to imagine.
Live, laugh and love more tho the future may be uncertain..
i’ll keep you in my prayers
my eyes were in tears after reading your story and seeing the video made me realize how wonderful love is…my heart goes out for you gyz…take care B..R will be there forever am sure!
Bethany, I am so in love with you and Ryan! It’s been a very long time since I have been so touched by a personal story such as this. I’ll be thinking of you for a long time to come.
I came across your story from a friend on Facebook and felt compelled to read about your love story. I watched your video montage and felt like I knew you 2. You could just feel the love that the 2 of you had for each other. It’s what everyone hopes for in a lifetime. Just wanted to say it touched me and as sad as it is that he was taken from this earth it makes
Me happy to see that that kind of love still exists and that both of you experienced it. I can only pray I experience that in my lifetime
I saw your story on Facebook. I work in Corvallis for an Oncology group. Your story was inspirational. What an amazing love story, and a beautiful gift you gave Ryan. Many people wish for this kind of love; unselfish, devoted, and enduring. You are an amazing woman Bethany, with a beautiful heart, and lovely smile. Ryan was lucky. Share his legacy, his gifts, and what you received from this journey throughout your life. Find happiness and love in the long future you have ahead of you.
I just heard and viewed your story. I am so touched by your love for each other and for the graceful and brave manner that your husband and you carried yourself. I lost my mom to Lou Gehrig’s, life changes when you get the terminal diagnosis and as you mentioned, you learn to appreciate the very little things life has to offer, like taking a breath each day.
May God bless you and you receive comfort in the very good memories you and your husband shared!
I read/watched your story. How sad, but at the same time full of love and yes happiness. God Bless you all. My God Daughter is getting married this October. I sent her the link for your story and told her to watch AND told her and her boyfriend to enjoy each minute of prep for the wedding and most of all enjoy the wedding day and ENJOY EACH DAY OF LIFE TOGETHER – good and bad – take it IN each day. Again, Bless you all and THANK YOU for sharing your love story.
I came across your story through a friend and wanted to let you know it really touched me. I think you are such a courageous and sweet women and I hope to find the same kind of beautiful, unconditional love that you and Ryan have both found in each other. All the best. Form Vancouver, BC
This story broke my heart, yet stitched it back together to a newly refined strength. What a wonderful, courageous Duck you are, Bethany. Wish you the best in life. RIP, Ryan.
As cheesy as it sounds, this is the true meaning of “Ducks fly together.”
That was a beautiful video i just hope my fiance and me can be as happy as you two. we have had our share of struggles two with our son even before his birth and after it too. the only one that kept me going and still going is gerald (fiance). you both look so happy together and this website is a great way to show the world the love you have for each other. congratulations.
Bethany & Ryan, I just came across your story and find myself crying on my steps. You have an amazing touching story, and Bethany you are obviously an amazing and courageous woman. I thank you for sharing your story with the world, it truly shows what love is, which I believe gets lost in today’s crazy world. I know that Ryan is watching over you, and I hope you both realize how many hearts you’ve touched, from those who knew you to those like me who just happened to be blessed enough to find this story. I wish all the best in life for you Bethany, and know that someday you and Ryan will be re-united again.
Bethany, I just came across your inspiring story on Facebook. While you have suffered an immeasurable loss, you also are one of the luckiest people – you found true love. I’m getting (re)married in June, and feel so fortunate to have found someone so special at this stage in my life. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
What a love…..I am still crying as I try to write….This was truly a love sent from above.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. My prayers are with you and both of your families. The Lord will definitely give you the strength and peace you need at this time.
Blessings to you,
Beth
I have been -more or less- following your story since Ryan’s diagnosis; we don’t know each other but have several mutual friends.
The diagnosis itself was shocking. Because you’re both so young, of course, but in a (kind of messed-up?) way it was so shocking because your life and relationship seemed charmed. Improbably good-looking, successful young people in their early twenties? I figured this was a small speed-bump on the Bethany Schmidt Personal Highway to Awesome… one that would make the eventual Happy Ending that much more awesome-ly awesome.
Bethany, I’m sure that’s still true. You are still an improbably good-looking and successful young person in her early twenties. But… the magnitude of your tragedy is unspeakable. I wonder if, like many of your followers who have offered their good wishes, you’re yet able to thank god for the time you had with Ryan and feel fortunate to have found him at all; or if, like I’ve been, you’ve been inescapably mired in the sadness of your loss.
I haven’t been able to shake it. I think of you and Ryan and your beautiful love and your tragic loss daily. I look at my partner and am flooded with emotion — in imagining what my life would be like if I lost him, I can only conjure up what must be the palest of imitations of what you’re feeling — and it’s unbearable.
I wish so badly there was something ANYONE could do to make this better. I bet a lot of people who don’t even know you, like me, would give anything. Anything to kick unspeakable tragedy like this in the ass. And I know there’s nothing. Remember how badly everyone wants to make it hurt less, though — taking advantage of the kindness of those around you would truly be an act of kindness on your part, because everyone just wants so badly to help you right now.
The only other thing I want to say is this: the picture taken of you and your father at the head of the aisle is… so moving. Your caption for this image read that though everyone had their eyes on you, the bride, you were just looking for Ryan — that you couldn’t wait to see him. The picture is so poignant because it needs no caption: the look on your face says it all. In your face is the excitement and love you feel for Ryan on your wedding day, of course, but there’s something else… It’s not just the face of a woman looking expectantly towards the man she loves, but a woman who knows that soon she will no longer be able to hope to find him. Your face shows me what it must have showed Ryan every time you looked at him in those last months — unspeakable joy at finding him still, waiting for you.
Your story moved me and reminded me of how important it is to treasure people around us. I’m glad you guys stuck together through the disease and created all the lovely memories that you’re sharing on this website. I’ll keep you both in prayer, and wish that more would love each other like you guys did. You’re a strong and beautiful girl with an awesome smile and amazing heart.
Bethany,
This is so poignant yet what you’ve written says so much in so few words. The pictures truly captured the depth of emotion that special day and beyond. The occasion that you and Ryan planned together was filtered to its essence. Isn’t our uniqueness and imperfection as humans filtered by love into something greater together?
I wish you strength and guidance down this part of your path. I’ve heard grief doesn’t go away, it just changes shape. You cute little Boots will help you more than you know.
I normally wouldn’t have seen your story, but one day last week I was serving as nurse to my wife after a significant radiologic procedure requiring strict isolation from our pets and I for a few days. It was so strange being in the same house, but not being able to see her or be near her, so my reaction to your story on MSNBC and beyond was more intense than I’d imagined.
So, from some guy in Los Angeles, thank you guys for all your’ve shared… it’s timing and essence has touched me more than you’ll know.
I just saw your story on the today show and cried threw every minute of it… I myself got engaged on Easter Sunday and plan to get married in January 2013… Some people wait their entire life to experience what you and I have found in a man just breaks my heart to see that your life together was cut so short… You are a strong woman because I personally wouldn’t have been able to handle what you have been threw… I wish you nothing but the best and I keep you in my prayers. God bless
Bethany, What a brave woman you are. I just watched your interview on Today. I am sitting here in tears. Tears for the heartache you must fee and selfish tears just imagining not being with my husband (been married 34 years) May God bless you and in time heal your broken heart so that you may experience love again. You are in my prayers.
Thank you so much for sharing your story- I cannot imagine what you must’ve gone through and continue to go through. Your love was beautiful and strong and it gives people hope. Thank you so much. May God Bless you both.
Hi Bethany, You do not know me, and although our stories are very different in many ways, I feel as though we’re linked. I met my husband when I was 15 in high school and in June of 2010, we got married. The end of this past November my husband wrecked his truck and died in the accident. I saw your story on the news this morning and wanted to reach out to you. Although life goes on, even when we don’t feel like it should, its amazing how someone can touch your life in so many different ways. I feel blessed to have had the years with him before he was taken too soon, and I know you feel the same way. I heard you say this morning that people wait their whole lives to find love, and you were lucky enough to find it with Ryan so soon. I am sure you will get an outpouring of love and admiration for your strength and many stories much like yours and mine, but I still felt compelled to let you know that you will be in my prayers. I can’t write anymore because sometimes my strength wears off, just like yours will, but keep your head up and remember that you will get through, as hard as it is to believe that right now. Love and Blessings, Sarah-
Just saw you on the Today show and can’t stop crying. I love the fact that your website still says “leave US a message” because I know Ryan is always with you, always watching you and seeing all of these messages from his place as your angel in heaven. I wish you peace and comfort in the coming months and years. I will never understand or accept why God takes amazing people like Ryan when so many evil horrible people are walking the earth hurting others. But my faith tells me he was here for a reason, he met you for a reason and lived his life for a reason. My prayers and blessings go out to you and your entire family — even Boots !! — that you continue to have the comfort of knowing that Ryan is always with you and that you are strong enough to handle this. May God bless you and bring you peace. Mary Young from Massachusetts
Such a beautiful story. Just watched it on the Today show here in Boston this am. Remember all the good time and the love.I lost my spouse 17 yrs ago just 3 months before our wedding. I think about him everyday still after all these years. Stay stong.
Please contact me and if you would like to be voice for this disease that strikes many young men. They are misdiagnosed, mismanaged and suddenly taken from us at such young ages.
Here is my son’s story. He was diagnosed stage 4 at the age of 13 and inoperable. . . YES, 13! This is why I started the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: http://www.TesticularCancerAwarenessFoundation.org
Bethany,
I am truly sorry for your loss, I know exactly how you feel. I lost my Husband to cancer almost a year ago in June. He was 30yrs old. We were married for a little over 2 years. We also planned our wedding in less than a week after finding out about his cancer. I know one thing that has given me comfort through all of this is that, I know I did my best to take care of him, just like I’m sure you did with Ryan. People said to me after he died what a gift I gave him by being there for him and caring for him, but the true gift was to me because he changed my life forever. I go through each day (even though it hurts) reminding myself that my husband would’ve wanted me to be happy and live my life to the fullest, so even when i don’t want to get out of bed i remind myself of all the times that he didn’t feel like it but went for treatment and was poked on and pumped full of meds, he did it anyway for me. so the least I can do now is carry on and live each day for him because he can’t. It’s not easy Bethany but it becomes bearable after alot of time and not everyday with be filled with happy memories but the days that are, are the ones to focus on. I know first hand what kind of sacrifice you have made and just know that God takes speacial care for his children that take care of his children. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself now!!!
Bethany, I saw you on the Today show this morning and wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. You are such a courageous and lovely young lady – a true inspiration to others facing such challenging circumstances. You and Ryan are so fortunate to have found each other!
Your touching story is yet another reminder for us to accept each day as a gift and never take anything for granted. Much peace and happiness to you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
Bethany, I watched you on Today’s Show today and my eyes filled with tears. Your love has inspired me to believe that true love is still alive. I, too, was in love, but it ended after 17 years leaving me with four boys. Love can be fragile, but your story has reminded me that to not love is the saddest thing of all. Your love will always be alive and inspire others to love and/or to love again. May the Lord bless the love you and Ryan shared together, always. He will always be with you and may you know that you will one day join together for eternity. Be strong, Bethany, and may you be blessed. Thank you for sharing the love of Bethany and Ryan with us.
Dear Bethany, your love story is one that transcends this life. I suspect it will sustain you forever, and until you are with Ryan again. God bless you and thank you sharing your love story with all of us. It is very touching. Susan
Your story of Love and Courage inspires me everyday. It lets me know that love can conquer all and the greatest of loves last beyond our time here on earth. Prayers and Blessings to you Bethany.
Bethany, Your story could be my story. In 1979 I was widowed at the age of 26 when husband, Grey, died suddenly. We were also college sweethearts, soul mates, best friends and inseparable. My heart ached so badly that I thought I would never heal. Going on with my life was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I survived.
My heart goes out to you, but you will survive. You have your memories, and those will keep you going. As I type this, I am crying. For you, for me, for love lost, for lessons learned. I found love again in 1987 and after only 6 weeks of dating, we married. I was 34, he was 36. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. We have two sons, 22 and 20, who are the joy of our lives.
When you do fall in love again, and you will, be honest with your new love. From the very beginning, I spoke of Grey and our life together. How could I not, he is a part of me forever. (I still smile and think of Grey when I smell orange blossoms, he proposed to me under an orange tree) My husband has never been jealous or intimidated by Grey’s memory. That makes me love him all the more. For our wedding, my former in-laws sat in the pew with my parents, and joined us in the receiving line. They were a big part of our lives until they passed away. My sons called them Grandpa and Grandma.
Please feel free to contact me if you just want to unload with someone who has been in your shoes and walked the same path.
What a beautiful story about two very beautiful people. With tears in my eyes, I just read your story and viewed your pictures. You two are an inspiration to everyone. That is by far, the best love story I have ever read. You are in my prayers…
I watched your story on Today and just wanted to let you know that you are a true champion. Your courage, strength and devotion to your husband is nothing short of amazing. You have been given a powerful testimony and I know it will reach and help many others who have faced this type of tragedy. Stay strong and may God bless both you and your family and the family of your late husband.
I watched you on the today show this morning. First let me convey to your families my heart felt condolenses. But I was truly moved by your story. It is just so wonderful to know that two people can feel this much love for each other. Its just so sad that your marriage lasted for only a fleeting moment. May God Bless you.
R.I.P. Ryan; and Bethany I hope you find peace and love on this earth until you are reunited with Ryan! You are an angel obviously placed in Ryan’s life to add an amazing love to his short journey!
Gwen
I saw your story on a preview for the Today show and was compelled to watch. I too, lost my husband just three months after marriage (unexpected.) Your and Ryan’s story, your love story was so relatable and beautiful. Just wanted to commend you on your strength, beauty and undeniable love you both had for each other. I know the days and nights almost seem unbearable, your support system and your special memories will be the rocks that aid you in your strength. Its beeen 2.5 years since my husbands passing and though there are days/weeks that have got easier…I’m still very much in love and grieving his loss. Bless you in your journey and keeping his memory so alive.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story! I wish you strength and happiness, as well as peace in knowing that one day you and Ryan will be reunited.
Hello Bethany,
Your love inspires me… So few are as lucky to have found such an amazing love as the two of you did. After watching your video and reading your story, I know now more than ever that I will hold on to my partner for life. You have touched my life.
I wish you continued blessings and happiness.
Sincerely,
Jasmine
YOUR STORY IS SO PURE AND THE LOVE YOU BOTH SHARE ARE TRULY A BLESSING FROM GOD.I CAN SEE THAT HE WAS A TRUE SAINT AND ACCEPTED IT ALL THRU GRACE.BE STRONG BETHANY BECAUSE HE’S STILL WITH YOU ALWAYS.YOU HAD WHAT SOME WOMEN CAN ONLY DREAM OF FINDING AND NEVER DO.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband. Betheny, not many women would have done what you did. The love you shared in such a short period of time is more than most people have in a lifetime. I am sure Ryan is watching over you and will always be with you. I wish you all the best in your life. Stay strong and know you are an inspiration to so many people.
I am so,so sorry for your lost. I too know a little about what you are going through. I was married for only 4 months before my wife passed away of breast cancer. It took me a long time to even be able to deal with the pain.However, I do not think that I will ever overcome it.I just have to cope with it.I do hope all gets better for you in the near and distant future.Take care and feel free to email me back if you want. May God bless you and family.
Good Bless your heart … You stay strong. Your story is inspirational and a way to get the message out to help people know about this rare disease. You are in my thoughts and prayers. thank you for sharing this beautiful love story.
I just came across your story. You both have touched my heart so much. Bethany your are a very strong women through all of this. I am very sorry for your loss he was a great man. Who just became one of Gods most precious angels watching over you and your family. You will be reunited once again. I am getting married in four months. And Jason and I are just like you both. Your story has made me cherish the moments and time that i have with him. You have opened up my heart so much more. I hope that you keep telling your story and God bless you and your family.
Bethany, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my wife very suddenly 2 years ago and of course my life suddenly changed, as I know yours has.
Please feel free to contact me if there is any way I can help or if you just need someone to listen.
Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story.
Bethany, Thank you for sharing your amazing love story with us… I am the mother of a 22 & 23 year old son & daughter can only hope and prayer they wll find that perfecr sombody some day too..
God Bless you .. Sincerely Tammy
My name is wendy and i saw yours and ryans story on today. I cried so much. I was born with cystic fibrosis which is a chronic illness. many of my friends have passed away from this at a young age and never got to experience true love. I’m so glad there are people out there that will stay with their loved ones even through illness. you don’t know how amazing that is to have. You are a true angel. i know ryan is in a better place watching over you and in no more pain. I wish you the very best in life. My boyfriend is so supportive with all my hospitalizations and having to use oxygen, he’s my heart. it’s so important to have that person by your side. There should be more people like you out there. much love to you and ryan’s family. may he rest in peace and you’ll see each other one day. take care, wendy.
Beautiful Wedding! He had true love. As long as he had someone who truly loved him and he truly loved someone, he had a wonderful life. I am so sorry for your loss. However, very few in this universe get to experience true love so, in that respect he was blessed and so are you! Good luck to you in the future.
Dear Bethany,
You are truly one of Gods angels. Ryan was very blessed to have you in his life and thank you for being so strong and faithful to him. Cancer is a wicked disease. My husband so far is a survivor of Lukemia.
Going through a horrible tragedy as in Cancer, also showed me the many gifts of so many people who care and give of themselves to others. The experience changed my life as to being thankful each and every day for the beauty that surrounds us. Ryan will always be looking over you with his beautiful smile. Take care and thank you for giving such love to others.
Julia D.
Bethany,
I found your story, oddly enough, through MSN, the old fashioned way. They had a link to Facebook, and a link to some Today story, and a link to your personal site, and for the honest story, the best place to look is always from the source, is it not? So, I came here. And I never comment, especially not in personal places, but your story, and your strength, are too moving to be denied recognition. You have a glorious soul, and a beautiful heart, and a strength of character that was equaled only by the man you married. You truly found your mate, and in every still shot, and in every video, it just shone off the screen. You have reminded me to be thankful for the joys in my life, and I thank you for that.
I hope that you find the peace and hope that you bring to so many others with your story and your pictures. Above all of us, you deserve to have that in your life.
Bethany, my heart goes out to you after learning of your beautiful love story. My mother lost her soulmate very suddenly when I was 18 and to watch her go through that pain and suffering and ultimately come out stronger on the other side is one of the many reasons she is my hero. Whether you realize it or not, I am sure you are a hero to many people now also, by sharing this story with us.
I watched your video smiling the whole time thinking of how much fun you two seemed to have all the time! I pray that the rest of your life is as blessed and happy as this part with Ryan was.
Your story is inspiring to me for more than the usual reasons. My good friend Stefan Zedlacher passed away on Easter Sunday, April 8th 2012. He fought a brave 8 year battle with cancer. He was diagnosed immediately after high school but still went to college and maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout. His freshman year at Lynchburg College he met his future wife, Cassie Gregory, and they married in May 2010. She had been through two remissions and two recurrences with him and shortly after their honeymoon the cancer came back for the final time. There are so many similarities to your story but what really strikes me are the paper planes that were at Ryan’s memorial service. We recently held Stefan’s memorial and one of our fellow high school graduates made over 600 origami paper cranes. She asked that we keep them to remember Stefan by. The crane seemed fitting since Stefan’s spirit always soared even through his courageous battle. I am so sorry that you lost your husband as we lost Stefan. Just know you’re not alone…Cassie is on Facebook and if you would like to contact her please email me personally at the email address above. I think you two should be friends. She is your age, and there’s not too many women who know what it’s like to lose their husband at such a young age. Please accept my condolences and know that Stefan and Ryan are looking down on all of us and wondering why we’re so sad. Sending love and prayers your way.
Bethany, this morning i was floored by the similarities between your story and that of a family friend, Emily Ihrke Akerberg. At the age of 30 she suddenly passed while battling colo-rectal cancer after being married for under a year. I thought you might want to read her blog and know that her spouse is sharing a similar situation. This in by no means makes things any better, but i thought connecting the two of you might help in some way. I am so sorry for your loss. much love, Jen http://colorectingcancer.wordpress.com/
I am so saddened after reading your long courageous journey. You both have given a new meaning to the word LOVE. A word that is used sparingly, but both you and Ryan have lived LOVE. The Love that you both shared is now forged in Heaven forever, and I believe Ryan will always be there with you – he is your Guardian Angel.
Only so many tears you can cry
Til the heartache is over
And now you can say
Your Love will never die
-Journey
I was very moved by Bethany’s dedication. I have seen many spouses walk away for a lot less dramatic situations like one spouse becoming a quad or similar reasons. Since I am disabled and single women like this are very rare.
I am blown away, your story and how you describe what you went through with Ryan reminds me of me and my late husband. We were together 3 very short years, but in those 3 years we grew so close becasue of his fight with brain cancer. He was in remission for 2 1/2 years and we had put off getting married because he was rehabilitating from a major stroke his first brain surgery caused. The day in January we found out he was ternminal I asked him to marry me – he was only given one moth to live. I am still touched and overwhelmed when I think about everyone who came together to make this happen for us. My husband was a strong man, he made it to April, but with a lot of pain and struggling. When you talk about the “blackout” I completely understand. My memories from that time are so confused and disoriented, every day I woke up after January I would wonder, is this the day I will lose the love of my life? He too died in my arms on April 9th, 2006 – there has been a hole in my heart ever since, & I would not trade one day of knowing him and being with him for anything in the world. I thank you for sharing your story & I am glad it was deemed newsworthy so that many people can see how cancer affects so many and how important the fight to find a cure is.
Bethany & Ryan, your love story is truly touching and overall an inspiration. Bethany, you are an amazing and strong woman, it takes a special kind of person to go through what you did and still be able to open up to the world about it. May Ryan rest in peace and Bethany i will keep you in my prayers and ask God to continue to give you stength in your journey of life
Of all the consolation that can be given at this difficult time …The most powerful can be found at John 5:28,29.
The joy of seeing Ryan again is all (I’m sure) you are thinking about.
This is a promise from our heavenly Father and his promises never go unfulfilled.
Hey look it these way You Just have now a Private Angel in Haven, we lost a 17 years old son few years ago But our Angel is with us forever, Keep talking with him allways
I just saw this story and to be honest there’s no words that I could come up with. It’s an amazingly beautiful yet heartwrenching story. I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Take care and God Bless
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is not easy, no matter how long you’re married. In 1991 I married the “man of my dreams”. His friends called him “Mr. Duck” since he was such a UofO football fanatic. In 1993 we moved to Eugene so I could get my degree…I too majored in Fine Arts and worked in Eugene for Bi-Mart as a Graphic Designer. We were both close to 40 when we married. My husband also lost his battle with his illness…that was in 2004; just short of our 13th wedding anniversary. I have many beautiful memories of our time together, and even though I’m remarried (to an old high school sweetheart), I’ll always cherish the love we had. It never goes away…it just gets easier to cope with. I wish you my heartfelt sympathy, Bethany. And if you believe in God, you will see Ryan again someday…just as I will see Steve. May the Lord bless you!
I am about to get married in a few months and can not tell you how much your story has made me appreciate Ashley, my fiancé more than I already do. I honestly can not thank you enough. Your happiness and love radiates and is contagious.
I saw your story today on the Today show. I looked at your website and you where married on my 44th birthday 12/11/11. I have come to realize in life more than ever that what counts the most is to be happy and make every day count. You where truly blessed with and by Ryan. I feel that your story has truly touched me and I wanted you to know that life will get better. What you had with Ryan never goes away and is forever! It is a gift of a lifetime to find your soulmate and you are truly a one of a kind girl. I wish the very best for you and hope life is good to you. Your family is lucky to have you and so was Ryan. God Bless.
I saw your story online. As a fellow Duck, I wanted to offer you my condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your story will stay with me as it is such a beautiful testament to the love you shared. I wish you all the best.
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Ryan, It saddens me deeply that your both so young and that you weren’t able to spend the rest of your lives together. I truly believe that he is your angel watching over you. Your story is truly sad but it has touched so many hearts. I hope your story becomes a movie so that it can reach out and touch even more people.
I don’t even know how to begin, I’ve been married for 14 years to a wonderful man and now that I see your videos and read your story I’ve taken him for granted MANY times. I feel so sad I will definitely will pay more attention to him and love him much much more. I will have you Bethany in my prayers because I know that Ryan is with God. God bless you and I wish you a very happy life. And my condolences to all the family.
Bethany,
Words cannot express the depth of the sadness I feel for you. This story has touched my life in a way that nothing else has. The love you have for Ryan is incredible, and you are an extremely strong person for being there for him the whole time. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I am very thankful for having had the opportunity to read this story. It gives me hope that one day I’ll find a love as deep and as special as yours and Ryan’s. I know Ryan is keeping you safe everyday from Heaven, and one day you’ll be together again. <3 Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from Georgia!!
Bethany, you and Ryan are such a beuatiful copule. The videos were remarkable and showed how much in love you were with him. Please know that Ryan is in the hands of God and he suffers no more. My prayer is that God will give you peace so that you can move forward. You are a beautiful young woman and Ryan married a jewel. May God continue to keep you in his care, we know he is taking very good care of Ryan. Much love to you!
Life is such an amazing journey now matter how long you experience it. Your story is one that has touched my heart. I know you will forever cherish your time together, but I believe that your souls will be together again, because they are destined to. He will find you again, dear Bethany. Trust in that.
Bethany,
I just saw your story on MSN today and it toucehd my heart. I couldn’t imagine what you are going through and it does break my heart to hear of this sweet romantic yet heartbreaking love story. I know that God watched over you and Ryan every step of the way. I am sorry to hear that he lost his battle with cancer. Losing someone is never easy, but your story is one to be treasured forever. Thinking of you even though you don’t know me. Please know that everyone around the world is praying for you.
Sincerely,
Your wedding was absolutely beautiful! After seeing that I wish that we had focused more on our marriage than the wedding! Our 17th anniversary is this Sunday and while it hasn’t been easy, seeing your story makes me refocus on what is important. December 11 is a very important day for me as that is the day my oldest son was born. It was one of the most amazing days of my life even though he is now 16 and I am so happy to share all of my happy memories on that day with you! It was very evident that you were soulmates and I hope you take the love and memories and treasure them even as you move forward! You are an amazing, beautiful, and STRONG woman and you have obviously handled more in your short life than many people handle in their entire lives…Thank you so much for the inspiration!
First, My condolences to you, your family, and Ryan’s Family. This story made me think about how life is precious and how we sometimes forget the little things in life. The love you have together will never change and nobody can take that away from you. You are an amazing woman, wife, and friend for Ryan. He couldn’t have asked for anything more. Your story is an inspiration for me to remember to hug my wife closer and enjoy the moments in life. Thank you for sharing your personal story to the whole world.
Dear Bethany, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your young husband. I have a special empathy for you – my husband died of cancer just 6 months after we were married (five years ago now). But we did not know he was ill at the time; he was diagnosed 2 months after the wedding. We were at a different stage of life, quite a bit older than you & Ryan. We had both been through tough times and sadness in our lives and were so grateful to have found each other. The journey through grief is tough and not a straight road, but I am glad to read that you have great support from family and friends to help you through the pain. What you can be sure of is that nothing, not even death, can break the bond or take away the love between you and your Ryan. His spirit will always be with you, his love will be in your heart forever, and your love went with him. This is what I expressed to my beloved a few days before he died, and it is true. I know you will miss Ryan terribly; take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to seek support. You are very young and I’m certain you will have a bright, full future. God Bless and keep you, Leslie (Mrs. Donald) Dohler
Bethany,
I just saw the story on the Today show this morning, and for the rest of the day your story has been in my thoughts. You and Ryan grasped the true importance of life very young, whereas most people don’t ever in a long lifetime.
May God and Ryan continue to give you strength. You already have the best heart and have a known a love so deep. You are blessed.
You have both touched my heart and that of many others… what a gift to us all. And just so you know… you had the most perfect wedding, and most importantly, marriage I have ever seen. Keep you chin up and your beautiful smile showing. You both have blessed us all.
My best wishes,
Suzanne
I sit here crying tears of sadness for you, mixed in with tears of joy. So much love… it was just amazing to watch. Thank you so much for sharing yourselves with all of us. I think seeing that gives people hope that love really does exist and also teaches them to find the joy in every day. I try very hard to live my life by the following… don’t regret what you have lost, rejoice in what you had. Blessing to you, Bethany.
Ryan was a very lucky man to have found such a beautiful soul as yours Bethany; Your courage is awesome to behold. The love you have for each other is inspiring. Many never find real love. Thank you for sharing it and may your heart find peace. Please keep that smile….
Bethany, I just saw your story on MSNBC and I’m in awe of your beautiful, kind and loving spirit. May God continue to keep and Bless you. You and Ryan’s story of love/dedication is a remarkable story never to be forgotten. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life. Although I’m a stranger from the east coast, I will always keep you (and Boots) uplifted in my prayers. Ryan, RIP my friend…
Hi Bethany,
I just got done watching your interview w/ Ann Curry on the Today show. First, my sympathy goes out to you, your family and Ryan’s family.
Second, I am married and will be celebrating my 6th Anniversary this year. It is a blessing because before we got married, my husband was diagnosed with an illness (I prefer to leave at that) and I remembering tell my mom and closest friends “I’d rather ride the merry-go-round than watch it”. We have had our share of joys and sorrows because of his health but I’ve felt more love than most people. It sounds like from what you shared (and even the pictures I’ve seen (“pictures say a thousand words”) that you and Ryan had a love only few ever experience. Take it with you..tuck it somewhere in your soul so you’ll also have it to feel and share.
Take care,
Stacie
Bethany…Thank you for sharing your story with the world. God’s peace and love to you and know that you will be re-united in eternity. Praying for your comfort as you have him with you in your memories….Kathy
This is the most beautiful love story of the century. Thank you for Sharing those special moments . God bless you .Bethany I will keep you in my prayer that the Lord will sustaine you each day. You could write a book . God bless you
You guys figured out in 6 weeks what 55% of all married couples couldn’t figure out in a lifetime. God bless you and the love you shared. You are an inspiration and a testimony to the power of love and absolute unconditional commitment. The world is better because of the love you shared. Be strong, and never forget.
Bethany and Ryan, words can’t express what and how I feel after reading and seeing your story and can’t imagine how much harder it is for you and your loved ones. It’s the little things, day after day, that we take for granted. May you continue to be blessed with strength and love to overcome this obstacle. You’re a very strong woman and you will always have an angel watching over you.
First I have to say I think you two were a beautiful couple, and I know Bethany you will have a lifetime of memories… Back in 1991 my little brother(26) was not feeling well and was going to the drs for treatment on his back they thought he had a back problem because he was a roofer!!Well on a saturday morning my brother called me up stating he was not feeling good at all so I told him go back to the drs and I will meet you there, I lived about an hour away, my mom lived 4 hrs away, well by the time I got there the dr calls me into his office to talk to me(my brother is not anywhere to be seen)he asks me if my brother is gay!!!! I was taken back, you don’t ask his sister that, he was thinking he had aids because his blood work was off the chart,I go to the hospital to see him in the meantime I have my mom coming and my dad, I go to see him and he looked good, my parents see him he ate dinner. By the time we all reached my grandparents house which was 35 mins away sat down I had a bad feeling and went to pick the phone up to call the hospital and there was no dial tone.. the hospital was already on the phone to us, hurry up back here he had a massive heart attack, I think we made it back in 15 mins!!! As we go to walk in the drs stop us and tell us now that he is not going to be ok that he has testicular cancer and that all his organs are starting to shut down, oh my goodness I can’t believe what they are saying to me I was just with him he was laughing with us. Well that was sat evening, monday morning he passed away, we had no time to do last minute things with him he was gone before we had the chance to process what was going on….. I am so happy that you got him to be your husband even if it was for a short six weeks. It has been 20 years for me and as I sit here writing to you I am crying I always cry, he was my only sibling and we were so close. I hope you have a happy and healthy life. <3
Bethany,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. True love is such a special and precious thing. I lost my husband to lung cancer on Feb. 8 2012. He was 31, a non-smoker, so his diagnosis was such a shock. We had been married almost 10 years and have two amazing sons. Everyday I am so thankful for the memories I have, but I still miss him dearly. Your story touched my heart. You will be in my prayers and I pray for peace and strength for you.
~Heather Teaters~
I just saw your story and am moved to tears. You and Ryan are both beautiful and brave souls. I am so sorry your time together was cut short. It has made me realize that I need to treasure each and every moment with my husband and children. Treasure your memories. I wish you all the best in your future. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sarah
Bethany,
I just read your story and looked at the videos. What a heart warming story! I lost my partner of 51 years just 4 days before you lost Ryan. You must feel greatful that you
have those videos and I am sure you have many pictures to help with your memories of
your life together.
Did not see the Today show,if I did I am sure I would be crying the whole time,you are
so brave. God bless you and fine some happiness soon.
Peace & Ciao
Bethany, this was the end of a long and frustrating day for this married mom of 2…Your video with Ryan showing your smiles, your joy, your hope and those achingly bittersweet moments…it uplifted me and reminded me of the sweet grace of God in our lifes. May you find strenght and peace in the days, months and years to come. Ryan lives on through this beautiful testimony of your love for one another. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gift with the rest of us.
Bethany:
You demonstrated great loyalty and courage when you married Ryan, knowing that he was fatally ill. Your dedication and strength will see you through to a brighter tomorrow. As Ryan loved you, he would want you to be happy. Let yourself recover naturally. When the time is right, find new love in your life and be happy knowing that you did the right thing. Your strength and dedication is a lesson to everyone.
Best wishes,
Marvin Balamut
Hi, Bethany! Like so many others, I saw your story online and was touched by your courage. You and I have had very similar life experiences, and I just couldn’t NOT write to you. I hope you are still reading the messages posted on your wedding site. What a beautiful wedding. To share with you…I met the man of my dreams when I was 25. We dated for 4 years and he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. We got engaged, faced the nightmare that you know too well, and battled cancer for a year. We lived in hospitals for months at a time and hoped for the best. After some really bad news one afternoon, we planned our wedding in four days with the help of amazing family and friends. We were married about two months before he died. That was three years ago. When I look back on it all, I can hardly believe the things that my husband and I endured together. It’s incredible how happy moments can be when faced with such hardship, right? Like you, we were fortunate to have a wonderful support system. Anyhow, I’m not sure if we are meant to be friends or not, but it seemed like emailing you might be the right thing to do. If it does bring you any peace…it was so hard to listen to people comfort me with kind words saying that I would find love again and that there was a plan in all of it. I can only tell you that it was all true–even though I could hardly bear to hear it back then. I met a wonderful man about two years later and we plan to be married some day. Through grief, I found healing, and through love and friends, I found rebirth. I don’t know why we have to go through some of the pain in this world, and I may never fully understand. I used to say that it made me different–not in a way that was better–just in a way that yields a different perspective. God bless you Bethany and surround you with many friends and family. If it could be helpful to email with a stranger, please don’t hesitate. (Please also don’t feel that you have to email me back if you are too worn out). Take time for yourself. It’s tempting to be courageous just to show everyone that you are ok to keep them from worrying, but give yourself permission to fall apart sometimes amidst the people who know how to love you best. Peace and blessings to you–and to your future. Warmly, Jess Eiler (If you want to read my family’s story, you can find our old blog here: http://brenaninfo.blogspot.com)
Such a touching story. I am so sorry for your loss. It truly breaks my heart because I know what you are going through. You see; I lost my husband to Pancreatic Cancer 4 years ago July. He passed away in 6 weeks from diagnosis. There was not much time to do or plan anything. The pictures and videos are so beautiful. I would have loved to have something like that as well. He was my best friend and soulmate. We were more in love then ever. He was my rock and I miss him terribly. He was so funny! Sounds like maybe they were alot alike. My husband said the same thing, “It is what it is.” Never complained and fought to the end. It progressed faster than they expected. They were shocked to see it move so fast.
So Bethany..I am so deeply sorry for pain and I know I don’t know you, but I wish I could do something for you. I wish you all the best and hope you find comfort in the time you both had together. If you need to talk I would be more than willing to listen. I am still going through the emotions; this is the hardest thing I ever had to face. I expected to have the life we planned and grow old with him & sit in our rocking chairs in the back yard admiring the beautiful arizona skies. Our daughter had just graduated a month before from high school. It was to be our time together because we raised our daughter and she was headed to college. We did our job and now was to be about him & I. I am heartbroken still over my loss and so taken in by your story. I wish you all the prayers, thoughts & blessings.
Bethany, reading of you, as many have recently, I appluade you and admire you for your love and devotion. Few people in this world will ever find the powerful love and true wonder of what you shared and had. I am an older man and have yet to find such a love that is as magical as yours to Ryan. You give me and many im sure, hope it exists for others. Ryan is truly blessed by you, and you by him.
Ryan was so lucky to have Bethany. She gave him such a wonderful life, though cut short, she made his remaining time on earth so wonderful. Bethany, you have so many wonderful memories. More then a lot of people have in longer lasting marriages. Thank goodness you were there for Ryan, he was a very lucky man!!! I pray you find happiness in knowing what you gave Ryan, Bethany!
I did not know either of you. This is absolutely one of the most intense, touching love stories I have ever heard… May God bless you and may Ryan RIP….
Bethany,
You are a pillar of strength and an genuine inspiration to anyone who has looked cancer in the eyes and continued to fight through it. With your beloved Ryan’s loss, you gained an angel to look after you always.
Thanks for sharing your story….I loved your video….I’m truly sorry for your loss. I do feel your pain since I have experienced family loss. Your story and video are inspiring – I need to now go fix my relationship.
I know Ryan is watching you and your loved ones. I wish you all the best and happiness.
Dear Bethany & Ryan,
Thank you for sharing..I sit here crying remembering my own brother that passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best,
Hannah
What a beautiful love story, a life well lived, a short well lived life is better than a long life full of just ok. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
I read your story and just wanted you to know that although most of us have not been through such a loss as yours, our hearts are breaking. Where does one begin-in a world of so much suffering, violence, and so many negative things, it’s so touching to see that people can still be selfless in such a trying situation. You both displayed the love and courage that so many of us lack and made your special day and time together so meaningful that most of us will never have experienced the love that you and Ryan had in the short years that you were together. Life is so full of challenges some wonderful and some that cause a person to question our faith and wonder why-just why? There is no reasonable answer. We can only give up or move forward. We can always remember the positive and try to push aside the negative and just go on knowing that someday we will see our loved one again-for you-Ryan. He is not suffering anymore and he knows you will always love him and he loves you. God bless you, your friends and family. May you always and forever be strong.
Sincerely, Tammy Hirsch
Ryan is watching over you Meghan. I felt tears running down my eyes from reading your story. You are a woman of courage. Keep on the good fight, and keep living life to the fullest. It will get hard at times, but just keep reminding yourself that Ryan would want you to keep moving on. He is in a better place. Thank you for sharing your story. It is refreshing to know that love still exist in this world.
Bethany, my heart goes out to you and your familly. I had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in febuary and i think that i shed more tears for ryan any you than i did for myself. What you had together was true and untarnished. I am sure that he is with you as we speak. I bet that on a clear dark night, when you gaze up into the stars, he will be there looking right back down at you.
Wow what a touching story, hats off to all your co workers who give you their vacation time to spend time together!!! Thank you for sharing it’s made me stop and think about my life!
Ralph Ohio
I just seen your story on MSN and I started crying. I am so sorry for your loss and I can’t imagine what you are going through at this moment. While I was reading your story it made me think…wow…that’s what true love really is. In this day and age most people would walk away knowing that the person they “love” has an illness and could leave at any moment. Instead you embraced the time that you had with Ryan…and made every day count. I am so sorry for your loss, but I hope all that read this really look at what love stands for and how moving and powerful it can be. If the people of the world would give just a tiny bit of themselves like you did for the man you loved…the world would truly be a different place….
Bethany,
Wow, loved learning about you both here. Thanks for sharing your story, these photos and videos. I appreciate this site so much. Beautiful wedding! Love your wedding dress with pockets. Saw you on Today Show, don’t take off that ring because your guys love will last forever…
Hi my name is leanne I know you don’t know me or anything but I saw your story on the today show and saw your beautiful video on here of you and ryan.. you two are a very gorgeous couple. My thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your families. I would think you never lost Ryan he will always and forever be in your heart and up in the sky looking down on you. Each nite when you look up in the sky the first star that you see that shines so bright will be him looking down upon you telling you that he is ok and to live your life with the beautiful woman you are.. and the memories you two hold forever.. GOD BLESS!
Sometimes the Lord takes us away home earlier than we would want or expect. No one can explain why except for God. But have peace knowing that he is in a better place and the Lord needed his spirit with him in Heaven. I am 29 and have been married for 10 years. They were not all glorious and lovey. Recently we have tried ro rekindle our love and now i look at my husband with a whole new light and love. Your story has also made me really realize how short life is and how specail a Love is. Thank you for sharing that with me so that i can apply it to my life and marriage and make the best of the time i am here on earth. I know that this all will make you a strong woamn, a wonderful wife and mother one day, and an inspiration to thousands. Thank you for your strength and courage.
Much love
Tanya RT (R)
Dear Bethany,
Thank you for sharing your amazing love story. May you find comfort and strength in the love and memories that you shared as you move through this next phase of your life. Wishing you a blessed and joyful life.
Your story is so touching! I found myself crying reading it. I am just starting to plan my wedding and you’ve made me realize there more important things than worrying about all the decorations. Its just important that I’m marrying my best friend. Thank you for sharing your story.
Bethany & Ryan,
What an amazing story!!! As I sit here reading it and going through all of your engagement & wedding pictures all that stands out most (besides my tears) is…how you both seem very courageous and full of love for one another.Those that are in your life must be blessed to be in it.
Life is so short and precious and its awesome to see that you both made the best of what you had together. But as this well shows tomorrow is never promised to anybody and you have to live every moment as if its your last. I pray that God wraps you in His loving arms and warms you with His unconditional love and fills you with His overwhelming peace that surpasses all understanding. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and I can only pray that you both knew Jesus as your personal Savior..but if you havn’t that you can do so right now…just go to http://www.claybe.com
I hope to know a love that strong one day. This was trully inspirational and touching. You were an amazing couple. take that love with you on your journey through life. Thanks for sharing your story.
Bethany,
I want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. I can tell you and Ryan had an amazing, passionate true love. My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer in Oct 2010 just 18 months after we were married. We have been through 3 different chemotherapies and surgeries as well and I know how hard that is. Please know that Ryan is watching over you. Your love is amazing to watch in your videos and pictures. May Ryan rest in peace & God give you the peace and comfort you need to know he is now flying free from that horrible disease. God Bless!
Ashlee
Such a heartfelt story. I would have done the same thing. Remember, he has not left you. He is just changed. That is all. He lives in another dimension and can see you. What a wonderful reunion you both will have when it is your time to leave the planet. God bless you both always and forever,
Tinalat
Bethany my heart goes out to you… I saw your story on NBC and have looked at all your photos and read all you romantic and cherishing memories of you and Ryan. I am so sorry for your loss and the strength you have is remarkable. I would have been a complete train wreck. I have been crying for hours and will be sure to pray for your health and healing. I am so thankful for hearing your story! You and Ryan’s remarkable love and enduring friendship is so touching. I envy you and hope you keep the faith. You and Ryan will be reunited one day.
All my love and prayers to you and both of your families,
I’ve never seen a couple more beautiful than you two. It’s amazing how strong the power of love really is-that it can weather a storm and get stonger at the weakest points. May the Lord take care of you Bethany and one day may you see Ryan again.
WOW ! what a love story. i just read your story on msn.I’m still crying, most of us can only hope we find the kind of love you two shared,even tho it was so brief.I wish you the best in your futurer,and that you find love again for you so deserve it.
I came across yours and Ryan’s touching story this morning and completely became overwhelmed in emotions. You two have a beautiful love that not even the distance of heaven and earth can interfere with. I know hes watching over you right now and you’re surrounded by his embrace. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, I’m so glad I came across it. I needed to be reminded the true meaning of unconditional love. Take care and more than anything, stay strong. You’re an inspiration.
Hi Bethany, just read your story on the internet. I could not help crying. My heart breaks for you but you ought to be proud of yourself, you stood by his side when he needed you the most. I pray God gives you the strength to cope. I know that love never dies and that one day you will meet him again, just know that and be strong.
Bethany, I read your Love story and viewed your wedding pictures and was brought to tears by the love you shared. I will say a prayer for you both and I wish you peace and comfort in knowing that you and Ryan have known true love. You showed the world what “true love” means. Bless you.
Thank you for sharing yours and Ryans story. I am so sorry for your loss. Both of you showed so much courage through it all. Ryan is and always will be proud you. Both of you had to live a lifetime in such a short time together. You and Ryan have been a blessing to many.
You dont know me but your story has touched me so deeply. I pray for strength to you and your family. Words of condolence cannot help bring back Ryan or heal the pain of your loss but hopefully they will give you strength to keep going and to know that Ryan’s watching you up in heaven. The love you two shared can never be diminished and will forever be with you. Hold on to those memories that you two made; they will last forever. Not even death can diminish it. After reading this, i can honestly say that Your love gave him hope and a reason to keep fighting. You will be in my prayers and sending my love.
Wow! I wish I could have lived one day in the lives of you both! I’ve never seen anything captured in photos and video like you have. You are both blessed to have been able to have the wonderful but short time together. It’s more than touching. It’s not to quantity of time in life it’s the quality. You two looked like you lived it to the fullest. Many more blessings heading your way. God speed.
You do not know me yet what you have shared with all of us makes me feel like I know you. Thank You for letting us into your life with beautiful videos and pictures. The life you shared with your husband seems to be as if it were dream like. You traveled, adventured and LOVED! That’s the most important thing – YOU LOVED! Being truly in love, even for a second is one of the greatest gifts in the world. I know what it is to be in love. I feel like a piece of your tribute to your husband will forever stay inside my heart. You were a beautiful bride, stunning! The gift you are giving in honor of Ryan is exactly how you would want to honor him. A perfect stranger, like me, has been touched by your story and your love all because YOU made it happen. I wish you happiness and strength always! God bless you!
Bethany,
I am so sorry for your loss! I read your story and looked at all the pictures! You guys were so happy together and you can see the love. I hope your days and nights get easier and that you are able to move on, but never forgetting the love, the good and bad times. I found this poem and I dedicate it to both of you.
My heart goes out to you!! I was very touched by your story because you are blessed in a way that you were able to share such rare love. May your soul feel joy from all the loving memories you both shared and be at peace and have comfort knowing Ryan feels no more pain. My condolences for you, may Love forever fill your heart.
My heart goes out to you!! I was very touched by your story because you are blessed in a way that you were able to share such rare love. May your soul feel joy from all the loving memories you both shared and be at peace and have comfort knowing Ryan feels no more pain. My condolences for you, may Love forever fill your heart.
Please contact me and if you would like to be voice for this disease that strikes many young men. They are misdiagnosed, mismanaged and suddenly taken from us at such young ages.
Here is my son’s story. He was diagnosed stage 4 at the age of 13 and inoperable. . . YES, 13! This is why I started the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: http://www.TesticularCancerAwarenessFoundation.org
You dont know me but your story has touched me so deeply,Words of condolence cannot help bring back Ryan or heal the pain of your loss but hopefully they will give you strength to keep going and to know that Ryan’s watching you up in heaven.Hold on to those memories that you two made.I know what it means to lose a loved one, I lost my husband before 4 years.He also died of cancer. I understand your pain, but life must go further. Your story touched me.
this is the most beautiful story I have heard, and I think you are the most brave woman in the whole world. You just proved to the whole world what is the real power of love and what it really means. You are my hero and I hope, one day, you will find someone, and you’ll love him like you love Ryan. Thank you.
DEAR BETHANY
I AM NOT ANY RELATIVE OR FREIND BUT I WANT TO ADD THAT I AM SOMEONE VERY CLOSE TO YOUR HEART OF LOSING A LOVED ONE..I LOST MY BROTHER FROM CANCER ON THE 30TH OF JANUARY THIS YEAR..PEOPLE THAT FIGHT THE WORST BATTLE OF THIS CENTURY ARE IN MY HEART BASED AS “HEROES”..YOUR STORY IS SO SPECIAL TO ME I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR FUTURE..LET THE ANGELS SHINE UPON EVERY PERSON THAT HAS LOST A LOVED ONE..LET THE ANGELS TAKE OUR LOVED ONES HIGH SO THEY CAN FLY..VERA
Hello bethany.. I’m fascinated from this story, i’m from Macedonia and I’m happy because in this world have some people who believe in love and do hard steps for it. I wish you luck, you deserve all the best
I was shocked…you bring my hope for true love back… Thank you. Thank to both of you… This is just amazing…I’ll never say again that I am not happy… if you can go on everybody can…we are with you ♥
Hello ,
i want to tell you that both of you are in my prayers every night … i’m with you . this story made me think more positive as usual . love you <3
Bethany, I am a friend of Carrie’s. You are a strong role model for the modern woman. Your love for Ryan is incredible. It is so wonderful that your story has become a catalyst to inform the public about Testicular Cancer. I think Ryan is doing his job; making all the good things that are happening fall into the right places.
Dear Bethany !
I have read your love story and I am very touched,believe me…I am younger than two of you,I have relationship almost 8 month,I adore my boyfriend and I don’t wish to anyone to survive what you did. I will pray for his soul and for your mental helth,life goes on – I know that you are aware of it.
I wish you the best.
I am from Macedonia..I read your story here and on a Macedonian page.I am glad about you and what were you do about love..u can say love..It’s beautiful to see your photos from the eng. and wedding.u were awsome.your drees and the other stuffs. Kisses and hugs.
R.I.P. Ryan :/
Be happy,always with smile and Take care Bethany )
Lots of love ♥♥♥♥♥
Your story is…Well, I’m not sure how to put it. Inspiring and heart breaking at the same time. I pray that Almighty God will lift you up and hold you close during this season.
I thank you for sharing your story with us and wish I had known Ryan. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Good post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you
Hello Bethany. My daughter, Kelly Smejkal, went to grade and middle school with Ryan and told me about his passing a couple weeks ago. I used to have coffee with his mom, Carrie, and 2 teachers from Gilham once a month and always wondered where they moved to. On a “small world” side note, Ryan lived in my husbands childhood home during his Sheldon years. I just read your story in Bob Welch’s column. Bless you and Ryan for your love you share.
If you get a chance, please give my best to Carrie and feel free to give her my email address.
Wow! Very touching.What a wonderful expression of love.God bless you Bethany.You have shared something very special in this life.Thank you for sharing it with all of us.I am praying for you and all of Ryan’s loved ones.
Pleased to see until this site works well on my iphone 4 , every thing I must carry out can be practical. Appreciate your maintaining it up to now with all the most up-to-date.
God bless. He is a lucky man to have been loved by someone so special. I’m happy because he had a chance to experience love, something that was meant to be. I’m sad because he didn’t deserve to leave so early. ALBERT (HAWAII) OREGON DUCK 1995
God Bless. Happy that he got to experience true love where he can take that with him. Remain strong you gave him th greatest giddy of all- your being. UP Duck 95
Boots came into your life fora reason. Interestingly, I lost a very goodness H.S. friend of mine at a young age. She was from Texas. I was in Hawaii. We saw each other and picked up when we left off ten years past, as if I never left. I got back to Hawaii where a motherles black baby kitten wandered into my doorstep. She could not eat solid food or walk, BC she was so tiny. Two seeks later I got a call that she had past awayaway leaving behind a beautiful baby boy. She survived breast cancer and p ast away from an intestinal infection. The kitty has been with me ever since and she helped me cope and take care of her. Black velvet is her name… there’s a reason boots is here. How ironic.
I just read your story in the paper and immedietly finished on your website. Instant tears were brought to my eyes and it is so amazing how much love you have for eachother. You seem like an amazing person and I hope you and both families the best.
Bethany-I am a friend of Bob Welch’s, and I just read his column about you and Ryan with tears in my eyes. Your story touched me very deeply. First, I am so sorry for your loss, but happy that you found and experienced love. My wife died not quite 2 years ago after a 5-year battle with breast cancer. Our children are now 14 and 6. Not that I planned my next big steps, but I met an amazing woman last year and we are engaged to be married. You seem like an incredible woman with wonderful parents and in-laws, so I hope that wherever your life journey continues to take you that you enjoy the experiences. May Ryan’s memory always be a blessing to you. Thank you for sharing your story.
I heard/read about your story on MSNBC Today. In your time of grieving, it’s wonderful that you can share with the world your “Love Story.” Your love reflects the intensity of a timeless story. The love that you two shared will be emblazon upon many hearts. Movies, songs and poems are written of this intense type of love, but only a very few get to experience/feel it. Time will ease the pain, the love will give you comfort.
I read Bob Welch’s story about you and Ryan in the May 6 Register-Guard, and the tears were rolling down my face. Your love for each other is a beautiful inspiration to behold. Take care.
Hi you two,
I watched all the video’s and pic’s. It is all lovely and so are you two. My thoughts have been with you both frequently in the last couple weeks. You are in my prayers. Take care, Karla RN
Wow, what a great way to share your story. I’m so glad I got to see these pictures. Thank you for sharing. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Stacy Muller
WVCI
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
What a beautiful and lovely tribute to the life and love the two of you have shared.
The whole website was wonderfully done.
Having these beautiful photographs of special moments help create special memories of the heart. Memories of the experiences you two have shared. Looking at them can always bring you back to that moment in time when they were taken. To relive and cherish the feelings you shared together in that exact moment.
Thank you for sharing your moment and story with us.
With love from all, Dolly
Dear Ryan and Bethany-
Thank you for sharing your beautiful wedding photos and some of your cherished memories. We have been in touch with your Mom and have kept you all close in our thoughts and prayers. You two have something truly special!
Sincerely,
Brooke and Mark
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
thank you so much for sharing your beautiful pictures. Your wedding was deeply touching and inspiring- a true reflection of the love you two share. We keep you both in our thoughts and hearts.
Ariana and the staff at Ariana Restaurant.
Dearest Bethany and Ryan, Those are the most beautiful wedding photos I have ever seen. Just gorgeous! Although I have never met you both, the tears were rolling down my face as I watched your engagement and wedding day. The photos capture every bit of love you have for each other, and what a glorious thing to see! True Love at it’s best! Thank you for sharing your beautiful day with me. I was there in spirit on your day, and after seeing all these beautiful photos, I feel like I was there. We love and care for you both immensely, Sue in Chicago. XOXO
Bethany, thank you for sharing this story in your own words. We enjoyed the video and all the photos. We think of you all often and wish we were there.
Love, Nicole, Bobby, Rome & Darr.
Dear Ryan & Bethany,
You two are role models to us all on the true meaning of love, strength and commitment. We think of you and pray for you every day.
All our love, Romi
Thanks for “inviting” us to your wedding. The video is beautiful.Wish we could have been there. What you have is very special and its a reminder to us all what love is. Wishing you peace. Barb,Chris, Braden and Maggie
Ryan,
I am a cousin of your dad’s that you have never met. I’m Aunt Jeanne’s daughter. Your dad called yesterday and that was the first I had heard of your struggles. My prayers are with you and your beautiful bride. Congratulations on fulfilling your dream of marriage. The pictures are as beautiful
as the two of you and your love is.
Bethany and Ryan, I wish you peace and strength
Maribeth
Bethany & Ryan—May every moment you share together be as beautiful as the first one was. Your wedding was stunning, and absolutely inspiring! Always wishing you the best—Diane
What an amazingly beautiful display of your love for each other. Sending all my love to you both from Indiana…xoxo
You are SO LUCKY to have found each other ….Most people will never experience the deep, adoring love you have for each other… what a gift.
What a gift you two have given us with this. Thank you!
You two are some of the best friends I’ve ever had, thanks for being so wonderful and for including me on such a beautiful celebration in your lives. This website is awesome! Love you forever
Ryan & Bethany,
I want you to know, the two of you truly inspire me. Your compassion, love and strength for one another is so beautiful. I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers on a daily basis and hope that you two are making many memories together as husband and wife!
Shlove you!
I enjoyed the beautiful photos, video and your amazing story. Kaitlynn sent me the link so that I might view this wonderful work of art depicting of your lives! Rosalynn ( Kaitlynn’s mom)
Ryan-
I feel like it wasn’t so long ago that we were goofing around with little airplanes and cars and whatever else we could get our hands on, and going to all sorts of places in the pop-up seats in the way-back of the car; I miss that, and I miss you. I’m glad you found someone so caring, who makes you so obviously happy.
Bethany-
I’ve never had the chance to meet you, and I feel like for that, I’ve missed out. I’ve heard amazing things about your strength and your love for Ryan, so I’m truly happy that you’re the one he met.
You are both in my thoughts.
–James
Ryan and Bethany – i am a friend of your aunt (and aunt-in-law) denise. she has shared your story for many months, and you’ve been in my mind a lot. both of you are very brave souls and clearly with hearts as large and larger than the moon and the stars, and you will always be an inspiration in troubled times. i simply wish you less pain and and a smooth transition to whatever comes next for each of you.
sincere regards and hugs across the miles, lorraine doo
Hi Bethany and Ryan – your website, pictures and story are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. Our family is thinking of your family constantly and we are sending our thoughts and prayers to you. Julie, James and John
Ryan and Bethany- The love that mom and I have for you both is unmatched except for the love that you have for each other.
We will love you forever.
Dad
Bethany and Ryan: Thanks for sharing you website with everyone. Your story is so awesome. Please know that I will pray for both of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bethany: You look so beautiful in your wedding dress. You look so grown up since I saw you last in those middle school days. Sarah is married also. I sent her your website. I am praying.
We love your website – a beautiful tribute to your journey together. Congrats on your one month anniversary! We’re not sure what the appropriate gift is for the one month mark – probably something plastic – but sending oodles of love packaged in this post.
Drew, Grandma Helen, Aunt Dee, Uncle Rob and Allyssa
Ryan and Bethany,
No hiyalita, no hiyalita – a Ukrainian blessing to you both. How lucky can I be to have two wonderful grandchildren such as you and Bethany in my heart. I love you both and my prayers are always with you. Love and kisses on your first month anniversary.
Grandma Helen
Ryan and Bethany,
Knowing the 2 of you is inspiring. What a gift. Thank you for so generously sharing your life together with so many. You may never know how many lives you have touched. I pray for you many times every day. Remember, God is there for you….and He hears and answers prayers all the time.
Ryan and Bethany,
Your father and I have known each other for many years. He has helped me in my career and is someone I truly appreciate and respect. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to meet you Peter has kept me informed of your situation this past year. I sincerely admire your strength and my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Gary
Ryan and Bethany,
Wanted to send a note from one of Ryan’s Dad’s cousins in New Jersey. Your parents and I have the common bond of both having sons named ‘Ryan Smith’ who are the same age:) We have shared pictures through the years and had the opportunity to catch up about our Ryans when we visited them in Bend about 4 years ago. I am so inspired by your love story and dedication to each other and loved seeing the pictures. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Janet
It was so great to see your video/pictures. I feel thankful to have the experience of you both. Thank you for sharing with so many of us. Your beauty and grace (both of you) are really communicated. I can feel your sweetness and goodness and joy. Love to you both.
What a special joy to learn of your love and life together through this beautiful site! These moments are so special and we sincerely Thank you for the opportunity to share in your special day and life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.
Ryan and Bethany,
We have not met but through the many years I have known Peter and Carrie, I know you. Through your Dad I have followed your journey. He is so proud of you and is great at sharing the amazing love you two share. I am blown away by this website and your story, thank you for sharing it in this way. You are two amazing and special people. Boots seems pretty cool too.
Cherish your days together, it seems you will! You are an inspiration for those of us who think we know what love is!
Chris & Elena Otto
This journey and website brought tears to my eyes, and a light to my heart. I will always remember your guys’ beautiful story, and may it help me serve others like you in my life as a nurse. Bless you both.
Hey you 2, I Don’t know if you remember me, bethany, we Used To share letters a long Time ago, i’m Julia göller (now wiedemann) from germany, a friend of Kim hab, she also told me now about your Situation. I want you to Know that I will pray for you both and wish you All the blessing and hope Jesus can give you. I’m certain that you are safe in our Lord’s hands and that he will make a way for you!
Ryan & Bethany,
Thanks to modern technology I was able to share in your wedding even though I’m all the way across the country, in South Carolina. But, as Ryan’s father’s best friend since high school (back in the last century, literally), I’m so glad I had the chance to experience it, through your beautiful photos and videos. Your love story is truly inspiring. The spiritual connection you have is for all time and will never be broken. All my love to you both.
dear ryan,
i was trying to remember just how long I have known you and it dawned on me that I have known you since you were 7 months old and James stole your bottle out of your diaper bag at a Gymboree class.It has been one of the great joys of my life to have gotten to know you as a little boy through all of our adventures and now, through your beautiful website and video/pix, I feel as if I’ve gotten the chance to know you as the incredible young man you have grown into. I am so glad to have been able to “meet” your beautiful soulmate and wife, bethany. Thank you for sharing your story, your beautiful pictures and your lives with all of us. Your love for each other and your strength is truly an inspiration to us all. I will always hold the many happy memories of times we spent together in my heart and thank you for being James’ best bud. May angels continue to surround you I pray that God will hold you in the palm of His hand.
with lots of love, joanie
dear bethany,
Thank you for just being you and for loving Ryan. So many people wait their whole lifetime for a love like you and Ryan share. I’m so glad that you two found each other. Happy belated anniversary to you both! I hope you know that just as Ryan is, you are a part of our family as well. I pray that God will continue to watch over you and wrap you both in His peace.
Ryan & Bethany,
This link was sent to me from someone at Selco….Congrats to you both on your wedding. Ryan, I so enjoyed having you in class…it breaks my heart with what you are going through now….please know my thoughts and prayers are with you both. Mrs. Zink.
Dear Ryan & Bethany ~
Congratulations on your marriage. Bethany ~ in addition to being a beautiful bride, now wife, you have a beautiful heart which must be a daily inspiration for Ryan. Your story, your journey, is both heartwrenching and heartwarming and thank you so much for sharing it in such an eloquent way. I know firsthand what truly selfless and compassionate people Peter & Carrie are. Now I know so much more about their overwhelming strength, which is so evident in Ryan’s life, and clearly in your union.
I ran into Carrie recently when she was here in Eugene en route to Bethany’s with Starbucks in hand, while Peter and Ryan spent time together watching another Duck victory. Turns out it was just weeks before your beautiful wedding. She told me Ryan had the most wonderful soul-mate in Bethany – truly a gift. It seems Bethany has also been given a gift, a husband who treasures her now and forever.
Love to you both and to your parents:),
Julie Bergheer,
Jim McClenaghan, Maddie and Kellan
Ryan & Bethany
Ryan, your father has been a very valued trusted friend and business associate since 1971. I saw him in October, in Bend, for the first time in many-many years and he shared with me the battle you were bravely facing during our brief time together.
Your mother’s very lovely and deeply emotional letter makes us all appreciate the precious time we have together. I respect what you have Bethany have undertaken to make your lives together complete and most meaningful.
God bless you, You are very special people and He loves you both.
Norm
Oh Smith family our hearts go out to you all. I have watched ur video several times and your wedding story as well with tears welling up each time. For it is truly beautiful to see the deep love and caring in you both. Ryan even though u r always the “straight man” , Bethany appears to be able to bring out a smile in you at any time. How blessed u r to have found each other for this season. It is a parent’s dream for their children to find happiness in a soulmate and that dream has been met. Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you during this time. Our love to you, The Wordens
Bethany,
I really hope to meet you one day. Thank you so much for all the love and support you’ve given Ryan and his family.
Ryan,
I’ll always remember our time playing together as kids. Roller skating, skiing (or attempting to, in my case,) at Lake Tahoe, building sand castles, or scorpion hunting by one of the many places you lived, among many other things. Remember “fancy pants,” as your mom called them? I also remember how our moms both dressed us up in polo shirts
I know we got older, moved away, and developed different interests, but I’ve never forgotten you. You’ve been in my prayers always.
love,
-David
Marti and I knew Ryan’s dad and mom before Ryan was born. They were newly married, and full of high hopes for their lives together. I spoke with Ryan’s dad over the years since, and I know how proud he was of Ryan. I know too how happy he was with the joy you brought to Ryan’s life. Thank you for being there for Ryan. You have a long life ahead of you. Be strong, and find the joy that Ryan would want you to enjoy.
Best regards,
Marti and Jim Roos
Dear Ryan & Bethany, We are friends and neighbors of Carrie & Peter, who met you two just once at their house for a Ducks game. We met Bethany’s parents there as well. Ryan, I sense where your passion for Bethany comes from, as another of our neighbors once commented on how evident the love is that your father feels for your mother…still. We thank you for sharing your joys, your sorrows, and your wedding with us. So much love surrounds you because you exude love. Faith, Hope, and Love…and the greatest of these is Love. We are humbled by your strength and pray without ceasing, that the Lord shall lead each of you through this life’s journey, and give you His peace. And also for your families. Sincerely,in Him, Dave and Ava Adams
Ryan and Bethany,
When we were little I remember spending so many visits and holidays together. Being the youngest child by many years I loved the fact that I had Ryan as my little cousin who I could tease, boss around and eventually even babysit just the way my older brother and sister had with me. I always had so much fun with you Ryan and you are still to this day the closest I have to a little brother. Years later when we were both grown I was so happy to find that you had grown up to be such a great man and that you had found your wonderful Bethany.
I know you hear this from everyone but I need to say once again that the two of you are truly amazing. Your strength, courage and unbreakable love through the hardest experience most of us can even dare to image is awe inspiring. I think of you both every day and I pray for your strength and courage. I am truly thankful that you two have been blessed to have each other in your lives and that you have both been able to experience such a beautiful and pure love for each other.
All my love,
Kellie
B & Shmy-
I am so blessed to have you both in my life. I am very thankful that I have become such great friends of yours to witness the love you two share. The love you have for each other and others is something I’ve always admired. You both are in in my thoughts & prayers daily and I want you to know how much I love you both. Love you so so much.
Dear Ryan and Bethany,
I was so glad to be able to share so many of your life’s moments with each other through the wonderful pictures on this sight.
How lucky you are to have travelled as much as you have. Some people never get out of their home state!
As others have stated, your love story is truly very special and an inspiring one. You two have the privilege of really knowing what it is to appreciate each other every moment of every day.
All my thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Ryan and Bethany, hope everything is going well, and that you two are sitting back enjoying Boardwalk Empire. We’re all proud of you guys for hanging in there and being absolutely in love with one another. We’re waiting for the announcements and they should be here soon. Love both of you guys.
Cousin Andrew
Hello Ryan and Bethany-
Ryan – I also bear your name, as I am one of your Dad’s cousins, the many from the Ryan family on the east coast. Your Mom and Dad have shared photos and adventures with my own family since you were little. And we have been keeping up with your inspiring story of courage and love over the last year. You are truly one courageous man.
Bethany- you are a blessing, like no other. Peter and Carrie are so fortunate to now have you as a daughter.
My daily prayers for you both, are for strength and peace. Thank you for inspiring so many with your beautiful love story; one that I will never forget.
B and Ryan,
The pictures of the wedding are beautiful. I wish I could have been there to celebrate with you both.
Think of you both often, and sending you lots of love.
L xx
We enjoyed seeing the great pictures of your engagement and wedding. You both have been our thoughts and prayers. Ryan, I’m glad I got to see you and your Dad(s) at Moshovsky. We are in awe of such an all-encompassing love you and Bethany have!
Bethany and Ryan.
I don’t know the two of you, I heard of your story through a mutual friend. I am truely inspired and humbled by the two of you and the love you share. I think everyone hopes to be as strong as the two of you when faced with such a challenge. I will pray for you everyday. For your health Ryan and Bethany, for you to always walk with Ryan in your heart and by your side.
Rachel
My dear niece, thank you for being the lovely young woman that you are. You have inspired so many with your strength and love. I know that losing your wonderful Ryan makes no sense at all, but your story has touched people that you may never even meet. I love you both and always wish only the best for you…Auntie
Bethany and Ryan,
I didn’t know you, but I heard of your story from RC’s post. Bethany, I went to high school with your brother at Patch. I teared up reading your story. I’ll keep the both of you in my prayers. Stay strong for each other and don’t loose sight of each other.
Warmest Regards,
Diane Kokko
Bethany & Ryan – Thanks to Kaitlynn I was able to meet the two of you and able to see the love that you share. I’m so happy that you shared your story and this website with everyone. I was looking through your pictures and all I can think is, wow if only everyone could experience a fraction of the love, kindness, and strength that you two share.
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
You two are absolutely gorgeous and have an amazing love that just seems to pour through and fill people up with such hope and happiness. The strength and dedication you both possess is overwhelming (in a good way, of course) and I wish you both nothing but best.
Sending constant thoughts of love your way, Bethany and Ryan. You are two very special people who have shared more love the past 7 years than most do in a lifetime. xoxo.
Bethany (I noticed you outgrew your old nickname
,
My sister just shared your page with me and I wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.
I am so touched and especially inspired by your story. You two have truly shown what it means to live life to it’s fullest and to accomplish your dreams. I am so incredibly sorry for the pain that you guys are experiencing but I am so happy for you to have experienced all the blessings and joy you have shared together these past several years. Your wedding was the perfect representation of true love, marrying your best friend and the commitment and sacrifice of “for better or worse”. You, your husband and your families are heavy on my heart and are in my prayers. I am so proud of you and your strength and accomplishments.
May you both be filled with strength and peace.
Love,
Jennifer Matosian Riddle
You are two of the most amazing, brave, and beautiful people I have ever known. So happy you found eachother! Stay strong!
Bethany and Ryan- You story is amazing and an inspiration to everyone. You are both in our prayers. My you be comforted in knowing the Love that you share is forever yours. May God wrap in his Peace. God Bless you both.
Cheryl and Chris Clark
Bethany and Ryan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are such an inspiration and a reminder of how special life and love are. To cherish everyone and every moment. The importance of faith and trust in God that we will one day see our loved ones again in glory. No more pain, no more sorrow. May God give you peace and strength. You have a wonderful loving Christian family to support you during this time. We want you to know that we also share in the joy of your marriage. Our hearts are heavy with pain for you during this time. Our love to both of you.
Dear Ryan and Bethany,
All I can say is wow Sounds like you are two of the most blessed couple in the world. I heard of the predicament of Ryans cancer from David Loveall, Our Pastor @ threeSIXTEEN Ministries, and after reading your story and watching your video it is obvious you have a very special kind of Love for each other. The kind of love that people search a lifetime to find and never know. I’m so glad you were able to fulfill you vows to each other and share something so special that others would be embarrassed or ashamed to share. Thank You For That.
Heavenly Father, We raise this young couple to you in their time of happiness and sadness in hopes that you would give them the blessings they so deserve. To be able to spend what little time may be left in total happy bliss and to let this story be an example and a testimony, to others of the extreme power of your love for all of us if only we will submit and accept that love. Let them always be as in love as they are now before all the world, and let them be wrapped in Your loving arms with the comfort and warmth only You can give. Amen
Bethany,
There are no words that can describe just how touching your video was. Your brother did a magnificent job and I enjoyed the pictures and the story. Just incredible. Best of luck.
Bethany and Ryan, Woody and I had dinner with the two of you at Four Seasons Restaurant with Peter and Carrie many years ago when your romance was budding and blossoming. Since that time I have followed your love story thru Carrie and been amazed and inspired by how devoted you are to each other. I don’t know many couples whose relationship could have survived and flourished through the challenges you have faced. Thank you for sharing the incredible journey of your love story and providing inspiration for all of us who aspire to be truly loving couples. Your wedding was so beautifully sweet and the two of you looked radiant in your love. I know each day since then has been one that you cherish dearly. I am glad that Boots came into your lives (we are cat people!) and I know he has brought you a lot of happiness and laughs, as kittens do. Your love transcends time and will be with each of you forever! Our thoughts are with you always.
JoJo and Woody Keen
Loved the video and you both have been and continue to be in my prayers.
I love you both.
Amanda
You two have received the most wonderful gift in each other. Your love is inspiring. Sending you light and love.
xoxo
Katie and Peter
Bethany and Ryan,
I couldn’t appreciate a website more than I do right now. Your love is truly inspired and I thank you for sharing your story for the world to see. I have missed the both of you but was so happy to waltz back into your apartment recently. I continue to keep you both in my heart along with an immense amount of love.
- Jessie
Ryan and Bethany you don’t know me but through Kelly Donoughe I have followed and prayed for your journey. You have been blessed with a perfect love.May the prayers and friendship of the many people who have been keeping you lifted up continue to support you in the days and months ahead.
God’s Peace
Linda
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
I found your website through an old friend’s post online, and thought I would take a look. I couldn’t pull myself away without looking at and reading every single word, and every single image. Your story and your perseverance are an inspiration. It would make no difference knowing you or not, but I remember Ryan from high school at Sheldon. I wish you two many more days, many more weeks, and many more months together than the doctors could ever predict, and I hope that you enjoy every minute of each others’ company. Marriage is a beautiful thing when it is nourished and cared for, and it looks like you two have what it takes.
With all of my blessings reaching out to you, a sweet young couple on a tough journey,
Andrea
Ryan I went to high school with you but I don’t believe I’ve ever met Bethany but you guys look great together. I just wanna share my compassion with you guys and tell you how impressed I am with your courage. It motivates me to be a better person, happier, kinder, more caring. Anyways I think tere is an angel with you and I will be praying that Ryan’s health is restored!
You both look great! And congratulations on getting married!
A truly inspiring story. If everyone found that type of love, this world would be a perfect place!
You’ll be in my thoughts!
Thank you for sharing with all of us. You are in my thoughts and my heart.
Love is so special. It is wonderfual that you two have each other. My thoughts and prayers are with you! Ellen
Bethany & Ryan, Pastor David Loveall shared your story at 3:16 Ministries on Saturday night.Love is a choice that conquers ALL. Thank you for being LIVING PROOF. You are in our prayers. We were married 11.11.11. You remind me, and a thousand other people, to cherish every day and each other.
Bethany & Ryan,
I just wanted you to know that your story and pictures are just an inspiration….absolutly beautiful! Thank you for sharing. The love those pictures radiate is overwhelming. My thoughts are with you both.
Carrie Baltzer
We miss you both so much. I told your brother tonight that I wish I could have stayed with you. My heart aches so completely for you both. I loved the video but as I told you the moment I met Ry…. He’s a keeper! You both have been in our constant thoughts and prayers. Before I forget there is a certain young man who keeps talking about his Aunt B and Uncle RyRy. He misses you so much. All of our love to you both on this night, p&j
Ryan and Bethany, you will be in our hearts forever.
The Buennings and Grandma Helen Zaraska
I saw a few friends post your site on Facebook. I went to school with Ryan, and Bethany I have never met you, but reading your story and looking at your photos brought tears to my eyes! Your story is a reminder of what we all should be grateful for– each moment we get to spend with our loved ones. Thank you for sharing. God Bless you guys and your families.
How blessed you are to have found such love…..the depth of your commitment and the joy you find in each other is apparent in every photo. May God bless you both and the lasting bond you have created. Bethany and Ryan….please feel a warm hug from me.
Natalie
Bethany: My heart breaks for you and I am filled with sorrow. I wish there was something that I could do. One thing I do know, I can keep praying.
Dear Ryan and Bethany,
I have never had the pleasure of meeting you two personally but we have known and worked with Ryan’s Dad for many years. Never once has he not mentioned you proudly in our conversations so we feel like we know you very well.
Thank you for sharing you beautiful wedding pictures with us. What a great love you two share. Our prayers and thoughts are with you continually. We hope that you can put to good use the gift we sent to your Gift and Donation site.
Fondly,
John and Chris Steinbach
Ryan will live in our hearts forever. Bethany, you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Both your courage and commitment will always be an inspiration to us.
The Buennings/Grandma Helen Zaraska
Bethany, I don’t know you and I don’t know your beloved. But my friend Colleen shared your story with me and I just wanted to send you my prayers and thoughts. I have never heard of such a beautiful love story. You are such a special and inspirational person. I hope that you will have peace and your love for Ryan will grow on forever. I am so sorry to hear of your loss but know that you are loved by so many people… and we are all praying for you…
Bethany,
My heart goes out to you. Stay strong.
Prayers and love from the Cavalieres
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story. I am truly so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your loved ones.
Bethany,
Please know that I have been thinking of you each and every day. I am here for you when you need me…for anything!
Huge, long, tight hug
Bethany,
What a beautiful testament of the love you shared!! I was saddened to hear the news about Ryan being delivered to the angels! I am so sorry his light on earth is gone! My heart is heavy for you and your families.
My prayers and thoughts are with you Bethany!
Love, Debby & Kevin Soltis
Bethany,
Thank you for sharing your story so beautifully. I was in school with Ryan from 4th grade on and I will always remember him as an incredibly kind and genuine person. I’m so happy that he found such a great love and had such a strong partner by his side while he was sick. My thoughts and love are with you, your families and friends.
Dana
Hi, I am Manuel’s soccer captain this year, and he shared your story with us today. On behalf of the whole PAGS soccer program, I extend my largest and most heartfelt condolences. Reading all of this has been such an inspiration for me. Please know you are in all of our prayers here in Stuttgart.
Dear Bethany,
To find someone so right and then have to say good-bye is a lot to ask of your heart.
I know that with you, Ryan lived his short life to the fullest and that you will cherish those memories.
Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you for continued strength.
With love, Dolly, Robert & David oxox
Again Bethany condolences you both are such an inspiration and your story will live in my heart for ever .
Bethany, we are friends of Peter and Carrie and have met Ryan once. We are truly saddened to hear of Ryan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dearest Bethany,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I had put a wedding card in the mail to you yesterday and learned of Ryan’s passing from Bona today! I just read your story and looked at your beautiful photo’s. You are a true inspiration to everyone who reads your story. You will be in my prayers
Dearest Bethany,
God’s blessings!
Your precious mom saw me through one of the most difficult times in my life in Augsburg Germany, calling to pray with me, she and Steve sharing their lives, their story, even as my own marriage unraveled. By God’s Grace alon, I survived that time, moved to Olympia, 7 years as a single mom, the Lord brought a precious Man and single dad into my life. We’ve been married 12 years and our 5 sons are growing in Christ and healing from the past. God is faithful and He will gird you up as your grieve your precious Ryan going home before you did. I loved your story and the picture of your family, your folks, wow, look great… our home is open anytime to you and the Schmitt’s! (Sp?..oops). I remember you as an adorable little peanut in Augsburg and oh my goodness, the beautiful woman you are today is heart warming! My love and prayers to you and your family and Ryan’s. Thank you for ‘standing by your man.’ Keren Whitson Roark (Dr Deaconson at Flak Kaserne, with Nick, Alex and Connor living in Anhausen at the time, a life time it seems.
Dearest Bethany,
It is with so much sadness that we learned about Ryan’s passing today.I know that there are no words to say that will bring comfort for your loss, but I hope that you can take some solace in the fact that you did everything you possibly could to make his life happy. You were the one bright spot in all of this for him. Although we are deeply saddened, we are at once relieved that his terrible ordeal on earth is over. I know that he is in a better place where there is no more sorrow or pain and that he is looking down over you with love and pride. You and Ryan will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. May he rest in peace.
Bethany, This past year has been something nobody, family, or person should go through in their lifetime. It was an incredible test of willpower and pure love. Ryan loved you every minute from the point he met you and you loved him back. Over the past year there have been many heart breaking events, but through and through, you two loved each other more than words could describe. Ryan loves you, always has and always will, and even though he physically may not be here, he will always be watching you, and in your heart. You are always apart of the Smith, Zaraska, Buenning, and every other relatives and friends family. You always have our love and support.
Bethany
I knew you when you were very little. Your brother and I went to high school together in Augsburg. You are an amazing person and an excellant role model. Your courage, grace, and love are amazing. Thank you for sharing.
I am so sorry for your loss, Bethany. Ryan was a wonderful guy; I won’t forget him. Your photos are beautiful. Take care!
Bethany- Thank you for being such an amazing and incredibly selfless person. I am a friend of a friend and don’t know you personally, but you are an inspiration. People like you truly make the world a better place.
Bethany: You don’t know me but our son Andrew was a close friend of Ryan’s when they were growing up together in Eugene. Ryan spent a fair amount of time at our house and Andrew at Ryan’s and I know everyone in the Burton family mourns your loss. Ryan has been in our prayers and will remain in them.
We wish you God’s peace during this difficult time and pray you will find the strength to keep Ryan’s wonderful spirit alive in your heart. With great condolences,
Rick Burton
Rick- Thanks for you thought on Ryan in your note on their website shortly after Ryan’s passing. I just mentioned you on Sunday,in speaking with Bob Welch, the columnist for the Register-Guard. Bob is collaborating with Bethany on a book about their love story.
We were talking about Ryan as a boy and I recalled to Bob your comment several times that Ryan has ‘such soft hands’, in regard to his ability to catch a ball.
We have lots of great memories of Ryan and we are glad that he had Andrew and the Burton family in his young life.
His courage and refusal to complain throughout his ordeal adds to the pride we have always had in him.
Let me know how things are going for Andrew and you as well.
Peter & Carrie Smith
peter@petersmithsearch.com
Dear Bethany, No words can describe the sorrow we all feel with the loss of Ryan. You and Ryan were exceptional couple and showed us all what true love is. I thank God for you. You made Ryan so happy. He will always be in our hearts and prayers. You have all our love and support forever.
Dear Bethany, There are no words that can describe the sadness we all feel with the loss of Ryan. He touch us all with his charm, strenght and wonderful personality. He was a remarkable person. He will always be in our heart and prayers. I thank God he met you. You made him so happy. You and Ryan showed us what true love is. You always have our love and support. Our heart aches for Ryan and you.
Bethany, I know words won’t bring the comfort you need right now, so I’ll do what your parents did for me in my time of despair…I will pray for you until heaven answers.
Bethany,
Please except my deepest sympathy In the loss of your beloved Ryan.
I am Ryan’s Dad’s cousin from the Philly area. and even though I have never met Ryan, I know we all had Children around Ryan’s age.
Sadly, I only heard about Ryan’s Illness recently, and saw the story of your journey and was so moved and so very sad at the same time.
Bethaney know that you and Ryan shared something so precious, People spend their entire lives looking for this and some never find it.
Also know your Love story is not over just different.
You and Ryan were very generous to share in your Love, with the rest of us.
I will continue to Pray you find peace in Ryan’s passing.
Bethany,
I know we’re not that close but I want you to know you have my support and my prayers. I really admire both of you, and I have been devastated to hear about Ryan’s passing. It wasn’t long ago we were all hanging out in Ryan & Phil’s room. If you remember, I ended up living by you both on emerald alley, and I feel like I have not spent enough time with either of you. I am regretful about that, to be truthful, but I believe in God, and I believe God needs the good people to do good work. I believe Ryan is a wonderful person and that’s why God called on him so soon. I am so sorry for your loss however, but remember he is always and forever in our hearts, our memories, and will be watching over us.
I hope it’s not too bold to ask, but I would like to attend his service if possible. If not, I understand, but I would like to know his resting place so I can properly pay my respects. Thank you to both of you for blessing my life with your presence. I hope to see you again soon, Bethany. Words cannot really express the admiration I have for your commitment to each other through such a difficult situation. I am so sorry Bethany, but I really do know that Ryan is always with us. Thank you for letting me say what I need to say.
him so soon.
I’m sorry you lost him, He was a great guy and you two made a beautiful couple. My Condolences to you chica.
Dear Bethany, my heart cries for you, Carrie, Peter, all family and friends, and for Ryan. I am so sorry that you all must endure such pain and grief.I am so sorry that Ryan’s journey ended so soon. How mysterious is this life with all our trials and tribulations. But for hope we would be hopeless.I pray for the Light of Heaven to lift you up and fill you with the hope and peace that surpasses all understanding of the things of this world. When you think of your husband Ryan, may the memories that you shared together,the love and laughter, cause you to smile and give thanks, even through your tears.
Dearest Bethany,
Thank you for showing us the meaning of true love and how to embrace hope. You will always be an inspiration to others who may experience a traumatic or devastating event in their life. I’d like to share with you a quote that has helped me through difficult times…….my prayer is that it will bring you peace and comfort.
“We have learned that when things become the darkest, that is when we are called upon to envision the light. We have learned that when everything has gone wrong, that is when we have to believe that things can be made right again. That is the message of hope. We must never let darkness extinguish the light.”
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your precious Ryan. Jack and I will continue to keep you and Ryan in our hearts and prayers.
Blessings to all and much love~
Beth Holloway and Jack Sammis
Bethany,
We wished we could have been at the wedding. Your great pictures show the joy, friendship, warmth, and sharing of love with each other. Your time together will always be with you. Today at church we sang a song that made us think of you and want to share it with you. You can view it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pigh8VHr-ZE&feature=related .
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Jim and Johanna McCauely
Dear Bethany, Carrie, and Peter,
Ryan was truly a wonderful husband, friend, son, and human being. His exuberance, light heartedness, and compassion will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Bethany, Carry, Peter, and all of his friends and family, please accept my sincerest condolences for loosing such a great man at such an early age.
I met Ryan at age 15, the summer before our freshman year of high school. While we attended different schools, Ryan, Evan, Phil, and I quickly became inseparable. One of our favorite activities—much to the chagrin of my parents—was endless motorcycle vs. John Deere Gator races around our home. With February quickly approaching, I am reminded of the countless birthday celebrations Ryan and I shared, with Ryan’s on the 14th and mine on the 20th. Per family tradition, my father—AKA Bro—would bake a cake of your choosing. Ryan also picked cheesecake.
Following graduation, both Ryan and I ended up at the University of Oregon. We both resided in Carson Dormitory, I on the fourth floor and Ryan on the second. On a typically day, loud shouting would echo throughout our dormitory as we shouted out our windows from floor to floor. During that year we shared a lot of laughs, a few beers, and made some great memories. Following the dorms, we continued to stay in contact, with regular get-togethers at Ryan’s apartment on Alder St. and later at his house on 18th.
Unfortunately, we both became busy and saw less and less of each other. Regrettably, I had not seen Ryan for several years when I visited him in the hospital shortly before his death. When I did finally see him, I was impressed by his courage to continue to fight such an awful disease. I have no doubt in my mind your constant doting and presence kept him going far past what a lesser man could have endured.
It was a privilege to have known him. Please don’t hesitate to call if you need any assistance, now or in the distant future.
Peter Zochowski
541-520-8426
pzochows@uoregon.edu
Glad to see such a beautiful couple. Sorry I didn’t get to meet you earlier. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your life story with all of us. Sending you our love and prayers–
Olga and George.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of your beloved Ryan. Normally we would think and say that he is in a better place. But for someone so young and until recently full of life it is not appropriate. We hope that you will be strenghtened by the bond that the two of you created and the depth of the love that you had for each other. We wish you comfort, solace and wonderful memories of Ryan and your time together. All the best for the future and may your grieving be eased by those of us who care about you and are wishing you a bright and enduring future.
Dear Bethany,
My heart goes out to you. Even though we may not know each other, I am profoundly affected by your loss.
I know there really are no words that could adequately console you at a time like this. Just know you and Ryan have made an impact on so many people’s lives; even those who may not have known you personally.
My thoughts are with both of you. God Bless
Mary
Dear Bethany,
I’m deeply sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you, your family and Ryan’s family. I don’t know you personally, but I understand what it is like to lose someone and support and love is what kept me going. So I am sending you my love and support. Your story was inspiring and beautiful and my thoughts are with you. Stay strong.
- Pauline
Dear Bethany,
I worked with Ryan at Valley River Inn and he was always smiling and willing to help with any situation. I think everybody there called him “Little Ryan” because we had another Ryan that worked also at the bell desk. Please accept my condolences and my thoughts are with both of you. ~Rob
Dear Bethany,
I worked with Ryan at Valley River Inn. He was always a great guy to work with and will be missed. Your love story is an inspiration to us all. So very sorry for your loss! My condolences to you and your family.
~Brittany
Dear Bethany, family, and friends,
Tomorrow you gather to celebrate the life of your beloved Ryan who brought a “great light” to shine on the world and especially your lives during his brief sojourn here. We can never understand why those who bring so much joy, happiness, and hope to the world are taken from us so soon. All we can do is embrace the cherished happy memories we have and hope that with time acceptance and peace can come to our souls so that we can continue our journey letting “our own lights” shine as Ryan’s did. I hope the love and suppport from all your friends and family and the knowledge that Ryan’s spirit will be with you always will help in some way to ease your pain.
Bethany,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and Ryan’s family. Your pictures and videos brought tears and also joy in seeing the love that the two of you shared. Dave and I are so proud to have known you as a little girl in Augsburg, Germany and to see how you’ve grown up to be such a beautiful, strong, loving lady. You’re an inspiration to me. I mourn with you on your loss and the short time you two had together and in the same time, I’m thankful that you both were able to find a true love that not many find and were able to enjoy every moment of it to it’s fullest. May God bless you and guide you through this time. Our heart goes out to you. All our love, Angie & Dave
Bethany this I’m sure is a very hard day for you as love is celebrated all around u and u are not with the one you loved the most. But u have had and will always know true love such a gift. My wish is for support for you my dear today and this dark time. May your parents the smiths and your dear friends be ther for you as well as u feel God’s steady love for u. Sharon worden
Bethany, Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was a moving and inspirational video of love that endures no matter what. My wife and I also met at U of O, were instantly inseparable, and now are going strong on nearly six years of marriage. I was particularly touched, as I am an RN at UCSF hospital, on the pediatric oncology unit. I know first hand the struggle of the loss of a loved one to illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Matthew
Happy Birthday Ryan, I know you’ve taken flight and are now watching over Bethany, your Mom & Dad, and Boots too.
What a lovely and touching story. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment. Bethany, how lucky Ryan was to have such a loving and devoted partner. You might find comfort in reading a few books: David Servan-Schreiber’s ‘Not the Last Goodbye,’ Howard Storm’s ‘My Descent into Death,’ and ‘The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven.’ I lost my young father (61) to cancer in 2010 and these books have brought me comfort. My mom has particularly enjoyed these books and I hope you will, too. She is what I consider a young widow and you are an even younger widow. It’s a difficult path to walk, but you seem equipped to walk it. Blessings to you as you go forth in this life without Ryan by your side, but he is certainly with you in spirit.
Bethany, yours is truly a “Love Story”. Ryan is and will always be with you. God Bless.
Hard to understand whay these things happens…..but my faith tells me your Ry is an angel in heaven and one day you will meet him again…..for now Bethany and as painfull as it sounds cherish you memories together. You really had a love story together and you made Ryan absolutely so happy. I bet Ryan is in heaven telling God about his gorgeous wife.
You both are a blessing. Your parents did an awesome job raising both of you!!!.
God be with you and your family.
Adriana
Keep Going Bethany!
Create awesome, mind blowing stuff!
I’m just a stranger who saw your story on the web and was struck by its relevance today…how lucky you were to experience something that some people search for a lifetime…
I saw your story and it was very heart felt. I am indeed sorry for Ryans’ passing. Life can sometimes be unfair. I have been through a almost similiar situation. It is good that you had that time together. God bless.
What a beautiful story of such love. I do not know you, but read your story on msnbc.com — how tragic to lose the love of your life at such a young age, Ryan had so much to live for. You are all in my prayers.
Liz
Bethany, thank you for sharing your story. The love that you and Ryan shared will continue to live on in all of the hearts you have touched. ((HUGS))
Bethany,
I dont know you…or have never met you or your husband…but this story has moved me in ways I cant explain. What a beautiful love you have found. I know words will never help, nor bring Ryan back for you… but God had you meet for a reason, not only to show you what a real love is, but to let you know there is good out there.
Many Blessings,
a friend from afar…
Kara
I just read your story on MSNBC, and it was really beautiful. I looked at your wedding and engagement pictures, and I just wanted to thank you for sharing. Your miracle was finding true love and for keeping it as long as you did. I wish Ryan were still here and sharing the miracle with you.
Bethany,
You are such a beautiful and brave young woman. I was so touched and moved by your videos and pictures. You and Ryan were very lucky to have met one another and shared such a wonderful love together. The pictures that you have are priceless. My son too was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, although it was leukemia and he was able to be treated. These forms of sicknesses change your life forever. Stay strong and keep your head held high. I know he is watching you from above. Thank you so much for sharing. My thoughts are with you and your families.
I have never met you, but your love is beautiful.
I’m so touched by your story, strength and love. My family is also dealing with medical problems so I can feel the pain. I love the videos and the pictures posted. I’d like to download the music used in Ryan’s video, if you wouldn’t mind sharing its title.
Please know that you have an angel in Ryan. Your story is an inspiration to many. God bless you for your strength and everlasting love.
I read about y’all on MSNBC, Such a sweet love story. Glad you were able to get married and have such a beautiful wedding.
What a beautiful, beautiful love story!
Dear Bethany,
I don’t know you, but I read your story at msnbc.com and I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone. I’m 27 and my husband was diagnosed in November. Our baby daughter was born in January and he passed away a month ago. Only someone who’s gone through the same thing understands how painful this is and I hope that everyday it will get easier. It doesn’t, but if this is the way it was meant to be, I am grateful for the two months we got to spend as a family, just like you probably cherish the moments you got to spend as husband and wife. Hang in there!
Dear Bethany,
Your story touched my heart and I just wanted to let you know that your story is not only touching but amazing. We also lost our son to a rare form of testicular cancer that developed in his liver and chest wall. He was only 19 and passed away 4 months after being diagnosed. It will be 5 years next month and your story helped me to see we are not alone. Please take care of yourself and I hope that all your hopes and dreams are realized. God bless you and please take care of yourself.
Just read the article on MSNBC.com. Broken down when I read about Ryan’s attitude, “It is what it is.” Wow. Now I understand grace. Thank you so much for sharing your love and your story. I needed a good dose of being grateful!
It is not the amount of time spent together that counts but the quality of time and the eternal love for one another that will last forever.
Very touching story and I’m glad you shared this with everyone.
Thank you,
Will
Bethany,
Although we do not know each other, my heart goes out to you and Ryan. I don’t think I’ve ever been so captivated with such a beautiful and heart wrenching love story. It is truly an inspiration to us all.
Bethany and Ryan,
Your story is a true inspiration! Thank you for sharing your lovely story and your beautiful pictures. I have much respect for the two of you and envy your strength. I myself am in the middle of planning a very low key and small wedding and I am overwhelmed, I give you so much credit for planning such a beautiful wedding in three days. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Angelia
I heard about your love story and just wanted to tell you what an inspiration it is. What a blessing to have found a love like this, now matter how short the time on earth together. Blessings to you and to Ryan in heaven.
Watching your video is helping me realize more than ever how precious life is. Thank you, and you are in my thoughts.
Bethany-I just saw a link to your story from a friend, and read about your wedding and love story with Ryan. I am a complete stranger, but filled with amazement both in the love that is evident in all the pictures and the video, the maturity both you and Ryan showed through an unbelievable struggle, and the strength you both unknowingly give to a lot of people. My heart is breaking for you, but @ the same time happy that you got to know this kind of love. You will move forward, and I’m sure be very successful. And one day you’ll find love again-but it will never be the same as this. You have something, someone to cherish forever, and I’m quite sure he will keep a watchful and protective eye over you for as long as you wish. I wish for you peace, and the knowledge that people like you come along once in a lifetime, and Ryan was incredibly lucky to have you by his side supporting and helping him when he needed it, and I’m sure vice versa. Your story has touched so many, and tonight it has really touched me. You are an amazing woman, and your husband was an amazing man. I’m so glad you guys got to have the happiness you did, even if it wasn’t for as long as you may have wanted.
Sending you strength and hugs from afar.
I came across your story while on my Facebook. You have truly moved me. After reading through your story, I felt for just a minute some of the love that you and Ryan shared. Thank you for helping me realize to never lose faith in impossible situations. I hold a place for you both in my heart and will cherish every moment. My next goal is to tell those closest to me how glad I am to have met them.
Your story is inspirational and truly moving. It is more than clear that your love was a special one, tough enough to withstand serious adversity and you two were both incredibly lucky to have known one another. Thank you so much for sharing your story, and making me realize how spectacular love really is.
wow! It was worth every bit of it. Love at its crescendo. You found it! God bless you and your memory of Ry.
Bethany~
I read your story on msnbc.com today. What a beautiful wedding you two had. Words can not express how much my heart hurts for you, even though we’ve never met. My fiance’s name is also Ryan. I never met a Ryan I didn’t like
I’m sure your Ryan was an amazing person. Thank you so much for sharing your story with the world, as well as your beautiful pictures.
Wishes that you have the long and happy life Ryan would have wanted for you Bethany. May you always feel his presence by your side.
Hi, I saw your story on the today show on my facebook page and I had to read and look at all of your photos! I was in complete tears by the end of your story and in the middle of your wedding photos! My 1st wedding anniversary is coming up on Monday and reading your story has made me start thinking differently. I couldn’t not even believe or think of having to say goodbye to my husband after only 6 short weeks! Bethany you are such an amazing and inspiring person! The love that the two of you shared beamed off the photos of your wedding. Thank you so much for sharing your story, it has truly touched my heart, and I will NEVER take my husband for granted ever! Thank you for helping me, and I hope you are doing well and know that your amazing husband IS looking down and protecting you with all his heart!
Love,
Roberta
Just read of your story on the internet and it is so touching. You brought SO much joy to Ryan’s life and he was lucky to live in joy. Some people never experience this their whole life through. God Bless you Bethany! Never forget the joy you may bring to other’s lives! The world is full of lonely souls.
I saw this on MSNBC and all I can say what a lovely couple you made and such a tragic loss. Ryan will always be your guardian angel.
Bethany,
I just stumbled across your story and cried while seeing your beautiful pictures and reading your gorgeous love story. There are not a whole lot of words that I can say, but I do hope you are happy. I pray for you and hope to know a love like yours and Ryan’s some day. Thank you for sharing your story.
Love,
Jaquielyn
Beautiful couple, beautiful love story. I pray that my daughters find love like this
Bethany,
I have never met you as today was the first time I came across your story a friend had pasted on her Facebook wall and I went to your website and read….. It was the most beautiful love story I have ever read and it puts childhood fairytells away…. That is what a true fairytell romance is and y’all not were but are the perfect example of true love and I cried as I read that story!! He was a very lucky man to have met you and had you in his life as your were just as blessed to have him!! Words cannot express my sympathy for what u must be facing and feeling but you’ve touched so many people and I’m sure yalls story has made an impact and made many people think twice about their words and actions within their own relationships, it has me as well!! Thank you and I know he’s watching down so Ryan, thank you for the person you were and the dignity and love that you showed in the times of roughness! Y’all are a beautiful love story!! I’m praying for peace for you Bethany and comfort for all families involved!!
This is such an amazing story! Thanks for sharing this with us. This is the way love is suppose to be!!
I just read your story on The Today Show’s website, tears – joyful & sad came. Bethany you are amazing, I have so much admiration for your strength. Ryan is quite lucky to have a girl like you. I will think of the story Bethany & Ryan often. I recently found a love like you describe & I can not imagine losing him. Stay strong!!!!
My thoughts, prayers & love sent your way!
Tracy
Hello. I came across your website through Pinterest and I really felt the need to share how moved I am by your story. You are part of such a beautiful love story. Never let that go.
All the best. Stay Strong.
Hi Bethany and Ryan,
I came across your touching story today and I am speechless but also glad that two amazing person found the love of their lifetime. Thanks for sharing your life with the world.
Ryan will never be gone, he is watching over you Bethany and he will let you know that he is there
I found my love in the States coming from Germany and your story gives me even more strength to walk my life in Happiness. Thank you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Jutta
I saw this on one of my friend pages on Facebook so I looked. It’s amazing how in a short time, life can change so much. I am glad I read your story and looked at your pictures. It makes you realize that life is to short. Your story will change a lot of lifes. I know it has changed mine. Thanks for sharing your story. I am a ducks fan as well and I know when I look, watch, or see anything about the ducks, I will remember your story.
Tiffany
God bless you both. What a beautiful and moving story. Its a testament to what is good and true about love. Having faced the sudden loss of my finance 8 years ago at the age of 26, I just wanted to share a website that was a tremendous help. http://www.ywbb.com I found it indispensable in my healing journey. Good luck to you. We never forget, we always love, with time we learn to look back and smile on the memories. The only thing that heals is the passing of time. Thank you for sharing your story, it touched my heart in the deepest way.
Dear Bethany (and somewhere up in heaven Ryan too!),
You don’t know me, I found Yours and Ryan’s wedding video through a wonderful website called pinterest. Even without knowing ya’lls love story in its entirety I had tears streaming down my face watching it. I came to your website, to read about your story, and I was so touched I felt I just had to write something here. Love like You & Ryan, Thats special. It doesn’t come around for everyone, and when it does its only once. Thank you guys for loving each other with everything in you, and creating a story that will span on through eternity (because your journey together has not ended, I truly believe that), and thank you for being a role model of perfect love!
Know that when Ryan left Heaven gained an angel, One who is watching over you in every step. You will be in my thoughts, and Prayers.
Always, Elizabeth
Beautiful…May the love of God uphold you, and surround you with a peace that passes understanding. Oh, the wonderful things He has ahead for you..hold on! Ryan has his already! You will be together again, if you believe.
Dear Beth,
I’m jealous. I think that you are so blessed for having such a love story like that. so true and pure while many of us here need to deal with living jerks.
I can only imagine the pain of losing him. However, i believe that the happiness from having had loved like that is even more superior and harder to imagine.
Live, laugh and love more tho the future may be uncertain..
i’ll keep you in my prayers
my eyes were in tears after reading your story and seeing the video made me realize how wonderful love is…my heart goes out for you gyz…take care B..R will be there forever am sure!
Bethany, I am so in love with you and Ryan! It’s been a very long time since I have been so touched by a personal story such as this. I’ll be thinking of you for a long time to come.
God bless,
Barb
I came across your story from a friend on Facebook and felt compelled to read about your love story. I watched your video montage and felt like I knew you 2. You could just feel the love that the 2 of you had for each other. It’s what everyone hopes for in a lifetime. Just wanted to say it touched me and as sad as it is that he was taken from this earth it makes
Me happy to see that that kind of love still exists and that both of you experienced it. I can only pray I experience that in my lifetime
I saw your story on Facebook. I work in Corvallis for an Oncology group. Your story was inspirational. What an amazing love story, and a beautiful gift you gave Ryan. Many people wish for this kind of love; unselfish, devoted, and enduring. You are an amazing woman Bethany, with a beautiful heart, and lovely smile. Ryan was lucky. Share his legacy, his gifts, and what you received from this journey throughout your life. Find happiness and love in the long future you have ahead of you.
I wish all couples had the unconditional and carefree love you and Ryan seemed to posses. May this always be a ‘walk to remember’
I just heard and viewed your story. I am so touched by your love for each other and for the graceful and brave manner that your husband and you carried yourself. I lost my mom to Lou Gehrig’s, life changes when you get the terminal diagnosis and as you mentioned, you learn to appreciate the very little things life has to offer, like taking a breath each day.
May God bless you and you receive comfort in the very good memories you and your husband shared!
Bethany,
Your love story is an inspiration to all and it has travelled the world. Thank you for sharing and take care – from Malaysia.
I read/watched your story. How sad, but at the same time full of love and yes happiness. God Bless you all. My God Daughter is getting married this October. I sent her the link for your story and told her to watch AND told her and her boyfriend to enjoy each minute of prep for the wedding and most of all enjoy the wedding day and ENJOY EACH DAY OF LIFE TOGETHER – good and bad – take it IN each day. Again, Bless you all and THANK YOU for sharing your love story.
Dear Bethany and Ryan,
Your story was posted in Fb wall by a friend of mine.
Thanks for sharing your story and wedding photos. Both of you looked so wonderful, happy and loved by your family and friends.
Please do not lose that beautiful smile you have, Bethany.
Take care.
~Sannis, Singapore
Hi Bethany,
I came across your story through a friend and wanted to let you know it really touched me. I think you are such a courageous and sweet women and I hope to find the same kind of beautiful, unconditional love that you and Ryan have both found in each other. All the best. Form Vancouver, BC
This story broke my heart, yet stitched it back together to a newly refined strength. What a wonderful, courageous Duck you are, Bethany. Wish you the best in life. RIP, Ryan.
As cheesy as it sounds, this is the true meaning of “Ducks fly together.”
-Geoff
Wow. Such an inspiring love story. Praying for peace for you Bethany <3
Dear Ryan & Brthany
That was a beautiful video i just hope my fiance and me can be as happy as you two. we have had our share of struggles two with our son even before his birth and after it too. the only one that kept me going and still going is gerald (fiance). you both look so happy together and this website is a great way to show the world the love you have for each other. congratulations.
Bethany & Ryan, I just came across your story and find myself crying on my steps. You have an amazing touching story, and Bethany you are obviously an amazing and courageous woman. I thank you for sharing your story with the world, it truly shows what love is, which I believe gets lost in today’s crazy world. I know that Ryan is watching over you, and I hope you both realize how many hearts you’ve touched, from those who knew you to those like me who just happened to be blessed enough to find this story. I wish all the best in life for you Bethany, and know that someday you and Ryan will be re-united again.
Sincerely,
Meghan
Meghan
the same happened to me! couldnt agree more with your comment!
such a beautiful story!
Bethany, I just came across your inspiring story on Facebook. While you have suffered an immeasurable loss, you also are one of the luckiest people – you found true love. I’m getting (re)married in June, and feel so fortunate to have found someone so special at this stage in my life. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
What a love…..I am still crying as I try to write….This was truly a love sent from above.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world. My prayers are with you and both of your families. The Lord will definitely give you the strength and peace you need at this time.
Blessings to you,
Beth
I have been -more or less- following your story since Ryan’s diagnosis; we don’t know each other but have several mutual friends.
The diagnosis itself was shocking. Because you’re both so young, of course, but in a (kind of messed-up?) way it was so shocking because your life and relationship seemed charmed. Improbably good-looking, successful young people in their early twenties? I figured this was a small speed-bump on the Bethany Schmidt Personal Highway to Awesome… one that would make the eventual Happy Ending that much more awesome-ly awesome.
Bethany, I’m sure that’s still true. You are still an improbably good-looking and successful young person in her early twenties. But… the magnitude of your tragedy is unspeakable. I wonder if, like many of your followers who have offered their good wishes, you’re yet able to thank god for the time you had with Ryan and feel fortunate to have found him at all; or if, like I’ve been, you’ve been inescapably mired in the sadness of your loss.
I haven’t been able to shake it. I think of you and Ryan and your beautiful love and your tragic loss daily. I look at my partner and am flooded with emotion — in imagining what my life would be like if I lost him, I can only conjure up what must be the palest of imitations of what you’re feeling — and it’s unbearable.
I wish so badly there was something ANYONE could do to make this better. I bet a lot of people who don’t even know you, like me, would give anything. Anything to kick unspeakable tragedy like this in the ass. And I know there’s nothing. Remember how badly everyone wants to make it hurt less, though — taking advantage of the kindness of those around you would truly be an act of kindness on your part, because everyone just wants so badly to help you right now.
The only other thing I want to say is this: the picture taken of you and your father at the head of the aisle is… so moving. Your caption for this image read that though everyone had their eyes on you, the bride, you were just looking for Ryan — that you couldn’t wait to see him. The picture is so poignant because it needs no caption: the look on your face says it all. In your face is the excitement and love you feel for Ryan on your wedding day, of course, but there’s something else… It’s not just the face of a woman looking expectantly towards the man she loves, but a woman who knows that soon she will no longer be able to hope to find him. Your face shows me what it must have showed Ryan every time you looked at him in those last months — unspeakable joy at finding him still, waiting for you.
Hi Bethany,
Your story moved me and reminded me of how important it is to treasure people around us. I’m glad you guys stuck together through the disease and created all the lovely memories that you’re sharing on this website. I’ll keep you both in prayer, and wish that more would love each other like you guys did. You’re a strong and beautiful girl with an awesome smile and amazing heart.
Connie
Bethany,
This is so poignant yet what you’ve written says so much in so few words. The pictures truly captured the depth of emotion that special day and beyond. The occasion that you and Ryan planned together was filtered to its essence. Isn’t our uniqueness and imperfection as humans filtered by love into something greater together?
I wish you strength and guidance down this part of your path. I’ve heard grief doesn’t go away, it just changes shape. You cute little Boots will help you more than you know.
I normally wouldn’t have seen your story, but one day last week I was serving as nurse to my wife after a significant radiologic procedure requiring strict isolation from our pets and I for a few days. It was so strange being in the same house, but not being able to see her or be near her, so my reaction to your story on MSNBC and beyond was more intense than I’d imagined.
So, from some guy in Los Angeles, thank you guys for all your’ve shared… it’s timing and essence has touched me more than you’ll know.
I just saw your story on the today show and cried threw every minute of it… I myself got engaged on Easter Sunday and plan to get married in January 2013… Some people wait their entire life to experience what you and I have found in a man just breaks my heart to see that your life together was cut so short… You are a strong woman because I personally wouldn’t have been able to handle what you have been threw… I wish you nothing but the best and I keep you in my prayers. God bless
*hugs*
Bethany, What a brave woman you are. I just watched your interview on Today. I am sitting here in tears. Tears for the heartache you must fee and selfish tears just imagining not being with my husband (been married 34 years) May God bless you and in time heal your broken heart so that you may experience love again. You are in my prayers.
Thank you so much for sharing your story- I cannot imagine what you must’ve gone through and continue to go through. Your love was beautiful and strong and it gives people hope. Thank you so much. May God Bless you both.
Hi Bethany, You do not know me, and although our stories are very different in many ways, I feel as though we’re linked. I met my husband when I was 15 in high school and in June of 2010, we got married. The end of this past November my husband wrecked his truck and died in the accident. I saw your story on the news this morning and wanted to reach out to you. Although life goes on, even when we don’t feel like it should, its amazing how someone can touch your life in so many different ways. I feel blessed to have had the years with him before he was taken too soon, and I know you feel the same way. I heard you say this morning that people wait their whole lives to find love, and you were lucky enough to find it with Ryan so soon. I am sure you will get an outpouring of love and admiration for your strength and many stories much like yours and mine, but I still felt compelled to let you know that you will be in my prayers. I can’t write anymore because sometimes my strength wears off, just like yours will, but keep your head up and remember that you will get through, as hard as it is to believe that right now. Love and Blessings, Sarah-
Just saw you on the Today show and can’t stop crying. I love the fact that your website still says “leave US a message” because I know Ryan is always with you, always watching you and seeing all of these messages from his place as your angel in heaven. I wish you peace and comfort in the coming months and years. I will never understand or accept why God takes amazing people like Ryan when so many evil horrible people are walking the earth hurting others. But my faith tells me he was here for a reason, he met you for a reason and lived his life for a reason. My prayers and blessings go out to you and your entire family — even Boots !! — that you continue to have the comfort of knowing that Ryan is always with you and that you are strong enough to handle this. May God bless you and bring you peace. Mary Young from Massachusetts
Such a beautiful story. Just watched it on the Today show here in Boston this am. Remember all the good time and the love.I lost my spouse 17 yrs ago just 3 months before our wedding. I think about him everyday still after all these years. Stay stong.
What a “Love Story” to say the least! Your story is one that is shared by another beautiful young lady – Heidi Lowe. Her husband passed away in the hospital just 2 days after they married. They exchanged vows as his life was about to be taken away from testicular cancer… Here is her story: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1654564324795&set=a.1654562764756.2080234.1257686124&type=3&theater
Please contact me and if you would like to be voice for this disease that strikes many young men. They are misdiagnosed, mismanaged and suddenly taken from us at such young ages.
Here is my son’s story. He was diagnosed stage 4 at the age of 13 and inoperable. . . YES, 13! This is why I started the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: http://www.TesticularCancerAwarenessFoundation.org
Jordan’s Video: http://youtu.be/RtpDQsoTuxk
Please join us on Facebook for the greatest support group across the globe.
http://facebook.com/tca.org
My heartfelt thoughts, prayers & strength to YOU!
Kim Jones
Founder of Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
kjones@tcafinfo.com
970-216-1364
Bethany,
I am truly sorry for your loss, I know exactly how you feel. I lost my Husband to cancer almost a year ago in June. He was 30yrs old. We were married for a little over 2 years. We also planned our wedding in less than a week after finding out about his cancer. I know one thing that has given me comfort through all of this is that, I know I did my best to take care of him, just like I’m sure you did with Ryan. People said to me after he died what a gift I gave him by being there for him and caring for him, but the true gift was to me because he changed my life forever. I go through each day (even though it hurts) reminding myself that my husband would’ve wanted me to be happy and live my life to the fullest, so even when i don’t want to get out of bed i remind myself of all the times that he didn’t feel like it but went for treatment and was poked on and pumped full of meds, he did it anyway for me. so the least I can do now is carry on and live each day for him because he can’t. It’s not easy Bethany but it becomes bearable after alot of time and not everyday with be filled with happy memories but the days that are, are the ones to focus on. I know first hand what kind of sacrifice you have made and just know that God takes speacial care for his children that take care of his children. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of yourself now!!!
Bethany, I saw you on the Today show this morning and wanted to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. You are such a courageous and lovely young lady – a true inspiration to others facing such challenging circumstances. You and Ryan are so fortunate to have found each other!
Your touching story is yet another reminder for us to accept each day as a gift and never take anything for granted. Much peace and happiness to you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.
What beautiful hearts! Thank you for sharing your joy and sadness with us and letting us get to know you both a little.
Bethany, I watched you on Today’s Show today and my eyes filled with tears. Your love has inspired me to believe that true love is still alive. I, too, was in love, but it ended after 17 years leaving me with four boys. Love can be fragile, but your story has reminded me that to not love is the saddest thing of all. Your love will always be alive and inspire others to love and/or to love again. May the Lord bless the love you and Ryan shared together, always. He will always be with you and may you know that you will one day join together for eternity. Be strong, Bethany, and may you be blessed. Thank you for sharing the love of Bethany and Ryan with us.
Dear Bethany, your love story is one that transcends this life. I suspect it will sustain you forever, and until you are with Ryan again. God bless you and thank you sharing your love story with all of us. It is very touching. Susan
Your story of Love and Courage inspires me everyday. It lets me know that love can conquer all and the greatest of loves last beyond our time here on earth. Prayers and Blessings to you Bethany.
Bethany, Your story could be my story. In 1979 I was widowed at the age of 26 when husband, Grey, died suddenly. We were also college sweethearts, soul mates, best friends and inseparable. My heart ached so badly that I thought I would never heal. Going on with my life was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But I survived.
My heart goes out to you, but you will survive. You have your memories, and those will keep you going. As I type this, I am crying. For you, for me, for love lost, for lessons learned. I found love again in 1987 and after only 6 weeks of dating, we married. I was 34, he was 36. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this year. We have two sons, 22 and 20, who are the joy of our lives.
When you do fall in love again, and you will, be honest with your new love. From the very beginning, I spoke of Grey and our life together. How could I not, he is a part of me forever. (I still smile and think of Grey when I smell orange blossoms, he proposed to me under an orange tree) My husband has never been jealous or intimidated by Grey’s memory. That makes me love him all the more. For our wedding, my former in-laws sat in the pew with my parents, and joined us in the receiving line. They were a big part of our lives until they passed away. My sons called them Grandpa and Grandma.
Please feel free to contact me if you just want to unload with someone who has been in your shoes and walked the same path.
All the best, Candace
What a beautiful story about two very beautiful people. With tears in my eyes, I just read your story and viewed your pictures. You two are an inspiration to everyone. That is by far, the best love story I have ever read. You are in my prayers…
Dear Bethany,
I watched your story on Today and just wanted to let you know that you are a true champion. Your courage, strength and devotion to your husband is nothing short of amazing. You have been given a powerful testimony and I know it will reach and help many others who have faced this type of tragedy. Stay strong and may God bless both you and your family and the family of your late husband.
Sincerely,
Robert Michael
I watched you on the today show this morning. First let me convey to your families my heart felt condolenses. But I was truly moved by your story. It is just so wonderful to know that two people can feel this much love for each other. Its just so sad that your marriage lasted for only a fleeting moment. May God Bless you.
R.I.P. Ryan; and Bethany I hope you find peace and love on this earth until you are reunited with Ryan! You are an angel obviously placed in Ryan’s life to add an amazing love to his short journey!
Gwen
I saw your story on a preview for the Today show and was compelled to watch. I too, lost my husband just three months after marriage (unexpected.) Your and Ryan’s story, your love story was so relatable and beautiful. Just wanted to commend you on your strength, beauty and undeniable love you both had for each other. I know the days and nights almost seem unbearable, your support system and your special memories will be the rocks that aid you in your strength. Its beeen 2.5 years since my husbands passing and though there are days/weeks that have got easier…I’m still very much in love and grieving his loss. Bless you in your journey and keeping his memory so alive.
All the Best,
Jami
Thank you for sharing your beautiful love story! I wish you strength and happiness, as well as peace in knowing that one day you and Ryan will be reunited.
Sincerely,
Alyssa
Hello Bethany,
Your love inspires me… So few are as lucky to have found such an amazing love as the two of you did. After watching your video and reading your story, I know now more than ever that I will hold on to my partner for life. You have touched my life.
I wish you continued blessings and happiness.
Sincerely,
Jasmine
YOUR STORY IS SO PURE AND THE LOVE YOU BOTH SHARE ARE TRULY A BLESSING FROM GOD.I CAN SEE THAT HE WAS A TRUE SAINT AND ACCEPTED IT ALL THRU GRACE.BE STRONG BETHANY BECAUSE HE’S STILL WITH YOU ALWAYS.YOU HAD WHAT SOME WOMEN CAN ONLY DREAM OF FINDING AND NEVER DO.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband. Betheny, not many women would have done what you did. The love you shared in such a short period of time is more than most people have in a lifetime. I am sure Ryan is watching over you and will always be with you. I wish you all the best in your life. Stay strong and know you are an inspiration to so many people.
Dear Bethany,
I am so,so sorry for your lost. I too know a little about what you are going through. I was married for only 4 months before my wife passed away of breast cancer. It took me a long time to even be able to deal with the pain.However, I do not think that I will ever overcome it.I just have to cope with it.I do hope all gets better for you in the near and distant future.Take care and feel free to email me back if you want. May God bless you and family.
Sincerely,
Derek
Good Bless your heart … You stay strong. Your story is inspirational and a way to get the message out to help people know about this rare disease. You are in my thoughts and prayers. thank you for sharing this beautiful love story.
I just came across your story. You both have touched my heart so much. Bethany your are a very strong women through all of this. I am very sorry for your loss he was a great man. Who just became one of Gods most precious angels watching over you and your family. You will be reunited once again. I am getting married in four months. And Jason and I are just like you both. Your story has made me cherish the moments and time that i have with him. You have opened up my heart so much more. I hope that you keep telling your story and God bless you and your family.
Cristina
Bethany, I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my wife very suddenly 2 years ago and of course my life suddenly changed, as I know yours has.
Please feel free to contact me if there is any way I can help or if you just need someone to listen.
Thank you for being so brave and sharing your story.
Michael
Bethany, Thank you for sharing your amazing love story with us… I am the mother of a 22 & 23 year old son & daughter can only hope and prayer they wll find that perfecr sombody some day too..
God Bless you .. Sincerely Tammy
Pray* perfect* Sorry
Dear Bethany,
My name is wendy and i saw yours and ryans story on today. I cried so much. I was born with cystic fibrosis which is a chronic illness. many of my friends have passed away from this at a young age and never got to experience true love. I’m so glad there are people out there that will stay with their loved ones even through illness. you don’t know how amazing that is to have. You are a true angel. i know ryan is in a better place watching over you and in no more pain. I wish you the very best in life. My boyfriend is so supportive with all my hospitalizations and having to use oxygen, he’s my heart. it’s so important to have that person by your side. There should be more people like you out there. much love to you and ryan’s family. may he rest in peace and you’ll see each other one day. take care, wendy.
Beautiful Wedding! He had true love. As long as he had someone who truly loved him and he truly loved someone, he had a wonderful life. I am so sorry for your loss. However, very few in this universe get to experience true love so, in that respect he was blessed and so are you! Good luck to you in the future.
GOD BLESS YOU,YOUR HUSBAND AND YOUR FAMILY….
Dear Bethany,
You are truly one of Gods angels. Ryan was very blessed to have you in his life and thank you for being so strong and faithful to him. Cancer is a wicked disease. My husband so far is a survivor of Lukemia.
Going through a horrible tragedy as in Cancer, also showed me the many gifts of so many people who care and give of themselves to others. The experience changed my life as to being thankful each and every day for the beauty that surrounds us. Ryan will always be looking over you with his beautiful smile. Take care and thank you for giving such love to others.
Julia D.
Bethany,
I found your story, oddly enough, through MSN, the old fashioned way. They had a link to Facebook, and a link to some Today story, and a link to your personal site, and for the honest story, the best place to look is always from the source, is it not? So, I came here. And I never comment, especially not in personal places, but your story, and your strength, are too moving to be denied recognition. You have a glorious soul, and a beautiful heart, and a strength of character that was equaled only by the man you married. You truly found your mate, and in every still shot, and in every video, it just shone off the screen. You have reminded me to be thankful for the joys in my life, and I thank you for that.
I hope that you find the peace and hope that you bring to so many others with your story and your pictures. Above all of us, you deserve to have that in your life.
May Peace Be With You~
Dawn
Bethany, my heart goes out to you after learning of your beautiful love story. My mother lost her soulmate very suddenly when I was 18 and to watch her go through that pain and suffering and ultimately come out stronger on the other side is one of the many reasons she is my hero. Whether you realize it or not, I am sure you are a hero to many people now also, by sharing this story with us.
I watched your video smiling the whole time thinking of how much fun you two seemed to have all the time! I pray that the rest of your life is as blessed and happy as this part with Ryan was.
I wish for peace for you and your families.
All the Best,
Joy
Hi Bethany,
Your story is inspiring to me for more than the usual reasons. My good friend Stefan Zedlacher passed away on Easter Sunday, April 8th 2012. He fought a brave 8 year battle with cancer. He was diagnosed immediately after high school but still went to college and maintained a 3.9 GPA throughout. His freshman year at Lynchburg College he met his future wife, Cassie Gregory, and they married in May 2010. She had been through two remissions and two recurrences with him and shortly after their honeymoon the cancer came back for the final time. There are so many similarities to your story but what really strikes me are the paper planes that were at Ryan’s memorial service. We recently held Stefan’s memorial and one of our fellow high school graduates made over 600 origami paper cranes. She asked that we keep them to remember Stefan by. The crane seemed fitting since Stefan’s spirit always soared even through his courageous battle. I am so sorry that you lost your husband as we lost Stefan. Just know you’re not alone…Cassie is on Facebook and if you would like to contact her please email me personally at the email address above. I think you two should be friends. She is your age, and there’s not too many women who know what it’s like to lose their husband at such a young age. Please accept my condolences and know that Stefan and Ryan are looking down on all of us and wondering why we’re so sad. Sending love and prayers your way.
-Katie
Bethany, this morning i was floored by the similarities between your story and that of a family friend, Emily Ihrke Akerberg. At the age of 30 she suddenly passed while battling colo-rectal cancer after being married for under a year. I thought you might want to read her blog and know that her spouse is sharing a similar situation. This in by no means makes things any better, but i thought connecting the two of you might help in some way. I am so sorry for your loss. much love, Jen
http://colorectingcancer.wordpress.com/
Bethany and Ryan,
I am so saddened after reading your long courageous journey. You both have given a new meaning to the word LOVE. A word that is used sparingly, but both you and Ryan have lived LOVE. The Love that you both shared is now forged in Heaven forever, and I believe Ryan will always be there with you – he is your Guardian Angel.
Only so many tears you can cry
Til the heartache is over
And now you can say
Your Love will never die
-Journey
God Bless –
Mark
I was very moved by Bethany’s dedication. I have seen many spouses walk away for a lot less dramatic situations like one spouse becoming a quad or similar reasons. Since I am disabled and single women like this are very rare.
I am blown away, your story and how you describe what you went through with Ryan reminds me of me and my late husband. We were together 3 very short years, but in those 3 years we grew so close becasue of his fight with brain cancer. He was in remission for 2 1/2 years and we had put off getting married because he was rehabilitating from a major stroke his first brain surgery caused. The day in January we found out he was ternminal I asked him to marry me – he was only given one moth to live. I am still touched and overwhelmed when I think about everyone who came together to make this happen for us. My husband was a strong man, he made it to April, but with a lot of pain and struggling. When you talk about the “blackout” I completely understand. My memories from that time are so confused and disoriented, every day I woke up after January I would wonder, is this the day I will lose the love of my life? He too died in my arms on April 9th, 2006 – there has been a hole in my heart ever since, & I would not trade one day of knowing him and being with him for anything in the world. I thank you for sharing your story & I am glad it was deemed newsworthy so that many people can see how cancer affects so many and how important the fight to find a cure is.
Bethany & Ryan, your love story is truly touching and overall an inspiration. Bethany, you are an amazing and strong woman, it takes a special kind of person to go through what you did and still be able to open up to the world about it. May Ryan rest in peace and Bethany i will keep you in my prayers and ask God to continue to give you stength in your journey of life
With lots of love from TEXAS!
Of all the consolation that can be given at this difficult time …The most powerful can be found at John 5:28,29.
The joy of seeing Ryan again is all (I’m sure) you are thinking about.
This is a promise from our heavenly Father and his promises never go unfulfilled.
Draw strength from his word.
Sandy
Hey look it these way You Just have now a Private Angel in Haven, we lost a 17 years old son few years ago But our Angel is with us forever, Keep talking with him allways
You both inspire me so much to believe to love despite the obstacles that are thrown our way.
I truly believe, Bethany, that Ryan is now an angel to watch over you as you continue life.
THANK YOU for your courage to get married and thank you for showing us all what love, commitment and dedication is.
Many wonderful heart-felt blessings to you, Bethany.
SM
Your engagement photos look beautiful. Your wedding photos look like LOVE. God blessed you both.
Ryan and Bethany
I just saw this story and to be honest there’s no words that I could come up with. It’s an amazingly beautiful yet heartwrenching story. I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Take care and God Bless
Derick
Dear Bethany,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a spouse is not easy, no matter how long you’re married. In 1991 I married the “man of my dreams”. His friends called him “Mr. Duck” since he was such a UofO football fanatic. In 1993 we moved to Eugene so I could get my degree…I too majored in Fine Arts and worked in Eugene for Bi-Mart as a Graphic Designer. We were both close to 40 when we married. My husband also lost his battle with his illness…that was in 2004; just short of our 13th wedding anniversary. I have many beautiful memories of our time together, and even though I’m remarried (to an old high school sweetheart), I’ll always cherish the love we had. It never goes away…it just gets easier to cope with. I wish you my heartfelt sympathy, Bethany. And if you believe in God, you will see Ryan again someday…just as I will see Steve. May the Lord bless you!
Bethany and Ryan.
I am about to get married in a few months and can not tell you how much your story has made me appreciate Ashley, my fiancé more than I already do. I honestly can not thank you enough. Your happiness and love radiates and is contagious.
All my love,
Dave
Dear Bethany,
I saw your story today on the Today show. I looked at your website and you where married on my 44th birthday 12/11/11. I have come to realize in life more than ever that what counts the most is to be happy and make every day count. You where truly blessed with and by Ryan. I feel that your story has truly touched me and I wanted you to know that life will get better. What you had with Ryan never goes away and is forever! It is a gift of a lifetime to find your soulmate and you are truly a one of a kind girl. I wish the very best for you and hope life is good to you. Your family is lucky to have you and so was Ryan. God Bless.
I saw your story online. As a fellow Duck, I wanted to offer you my condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your story will stay with me as it is such a beautiful testament to the love you shared. I wish you all the best.
Real wonderful info can be found on this web site.
Dear Bethany,
I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Ryan, It saddens me deeply that your both so young and that you weren’t able to spend the rest of your lives together. I truly believe that he is your angel watching over you. Your story is truly sad but it has touched so many hearts. I hope your story becomes a movie so that it can reach out and touch even more people.
God Bless You Sweetheart!
Tracey
I don’t even know how to begin, I’ve been married for 14 years to a wonderful man and now that I see your videos and read your story I’ve taken him for granted MANY times. I feel so sad I will definitely will pay more attention to him and love him much much more. I will have you Bethany in my prayers because I know that Ryan is with God. God bless you and I wish you a very happy life. And my condolences to all the family.
Bethany,
Words cannot express the depth of the sadness I feel for you. This story has touched my life in a way that nothing else has. The love you have for Ryan is incredible, and you are an extremely strong person for being there for him the whole time. I’m so sorry for your loss, but I am very thankful for having had the opportunity to read this story. It gives me hope that one day I’ll find a love as deep and as special as yours and Ryan’s. I know Ryan is keeping you safe everyday from Heaven, and one day you’ll be together again. <3 Thoughts and prayers are coming your way from Georgia!!
xoxo- Preeti G.
Simply….Thank you
Bethany, you and Ryan are such a beuatiful copule. The videos were remarkable and showed how much in love you were with him. Please know that Ryan is in the hands of God and he suffers no more. My prayer is that God will give you peace so that you can move forward. You are a beautiful young woman and Ryan married a jewel. May God continue to keep you in his care, we know he is taking very good care of Ryan. Much love to you!
Life is such an amazing journey now matter how long you experience it. Your story is one that has touched my heart. I know you will forever cherish your time together, but I believe that your souls will be together again, because they are destined to. He will find you again, dear Bethany. Trust in that.
Bethany,
I just saw your story on MSN today and it toucehd my heart. I couldn’t imagine what you are going through and it does break my heart to hear of this sweet romantic yet heartbreaking love story. I know that God watched over you and Ryan every step of the way. I am sorry to hear that he lost his battle with cancer. Losing someone is never easy, but your story is one to be treasured forever. Thinking of you even though you don’t know me. Please know that everyone around the world is praying for you.
Sincerely,
Amy
What a gorgeous wedding. Beautiful bride/groom and love story. God is good and your love will endure.
Gorgeous wedding and what a beautiful bride/groom and love. The love will always remain. God Bless you.
Your wedding was absolutely beautiful! After seeing that I wish that we had focused more on our marriage than the wedding! Our 17th anniversary is this Sunday and while it hasn’t been easy, seeing your story makes me refocus on what is important. December 11 is a very important day for me as that is the day my oldest son was born. It was one of the most amazing days of my life even though he is now 16 and I am so happy to share all of my happy memories on that day with you! It was very evident that you were soulmates and I hope you take the love and memories and treasure them even as you move forward! You are an amazing, beautiful, and STRONG woman and you have obviously handled more in your short life than many people handle in their entire lives…Thank you so much for the inspiration!
Bethany and Ryan,
First, My condolences to you, your family, and Ryan’s Family. This story made me think about how life is precious and how we sometimes forget the little things in life. The love you have together will never change and nobody can take that away from you. You are an amazing woman, wife, and friend for Ryan. He couldn’t have asked for anything more. Your story is an inspiration for me to remember to hug my wife closer and enjoy the moments in life. Thank you for sharing your personal story to the whole world.
Dana from Yakima WA. OMG, How terribly sad, i cried. God bless you both and great memories made, priceless.
Dear Bethany, I am so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your young husband. I have a special empathy for you – my husband died of cancer just 6 months after we were married (five years ago now). But we did not know he was ill at the time; he was diagnosed 2 months after the wedding. We were at a different stage of life, quite a bit older than you & Ryan. We had both been through tough times and sadness in our lives and were so grateful to have found each other. The journey through grief is tough and not a straight road, but I am glad to read that you have great support from family and friends to help you through the pain. What you can be sure of is that nothing, not even death, can break the bond or take away the love between you and your Ryan. His spirit will always be with you, his love will be in your heart forever, and your love went with him. This is what I expressed to my beloved a few days before he died, and it is true. I know you will miss Ryan terribly; take care of yourself and don’t be afraid to seek support. You are very young and I’m certain you will have a bright, full future. God Bless and keep you, Leslie (Mrs. Donald) Dohler
Bethany,
I just saw the story on the Today show this morning, and for the rest of the day your story has been in my thoughts. You and Ryan grasped the true importance of life very young, whereas most people don’t ever in a long lifetime.
May God and Ryan continue to give you strength. You already have the best heart and have a known a love so deep. You are blessed.
You have both touched my heart and that of many others… what a gift to us all. And just so you know… you had the most perfect wedding, and most importantly, marriage I have ever seen. Keep you chin up and your beautiful smile showing. You both have blessed us all.
My best wishes,
Suzanne
I sit here crying tears of sadness for you, mixed in with tears of joy. So much love… it was just amazing to watch. Thank you so much for sharing yourselves with all of us. I think seeing that gives people hope that love really does exist and also teaches them to find the joy in every day. I try very hard to live my life by the following… don’t regret what you have lost, rejoice in what you had. Blessing to you, Bethany.
Ryan was a very lucky man to have found such a beautiful soul as yours Bethany; Your courage is awesome to behold. The love you have for each other is inspiring. Many never find real love. Thank you for sharing it and may your heart find peace. Please keep that smile….
Bethany, I just saw your story on MSNBC and I’m in awe of your beautiful, kind and loving spirit. May God continue to keep and Bless you. You and Ryan’s story of love/dedication is a remarkable story never to be forgotten. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life. Although I’m a stranger from the east coast, I will always keep you (and Boots) uplifted in my prayers. Ryan, RIP my friend…
Peace, Love, and Blessings
-Lisa Philadelphia,PA
Hi Bethany,
I just got done watching your interview w/ Ann Curry on the Today show. First, my sympathy goes out to you, your family and Ryan’s family.
Second, I am married and will be celebrating my 6th Anniversary this year. It is a blessing because before we got married, my husband was diagnosed with an illness (I prefer to leave at that) and I remembering tell my mom and closest friends “I’d rather ride the merry-go-round than watch it”. We have had our share of joys and sorrows because of his health but I’ve felt more love than most people. It sounds like from what you shared (and even the pictures I’ve seen (“pictures say a thousand words”) that you and Ryan had a love only few ever experience. Take it with you..tuck it somewhere in your soul so you’ll also have it to feel and share.
Take care,
Stacie
Bethany…Thank you for sharing your story with the world. God’s peace and love to you and know that you will be re-united in eternity. Praying for your comfort as you have him with you in your memories….Kathy
This is the most beautiful love story of the century. Thank you for Sharing those special moments . God bless you .Bethany I will keep you in my prayer that the Lord will sustaine you each day. You could write a book . God bless you
You guys figured out in 6 weeks what 55% of all married couples couldn’t figure out in a lifetime. God bless you and the love you shared. You are an inspiration and a testimony to the power of love and absolute unconditional commitment. The world is better because of the love you shared. Be strong, and never forget.
Bethany and Ryan, words can’t express what and how I feel after reading and seeing your story and can’t imagine how much harder it is for you and your loved ones. It’s the little things, day after day, that we take for granted. May you continue to be blessed with strength and love to overcome this obstacle. You’re a very strong woman and you will always have an angel watching over you.
Sincerely,
Indy
First I have to say I think you two were a beautiful couple, and I know Bethany you will have a lifetime of memories… Back in 1991 my little brother(26) was not feeling well and was going to the drs for treatment on his back they thought he had a back problem because he was a roofer!!Well on a saturday morning my brother called me up stating he was not feeling good at all so I told him go back to the drs and I will meet you there, I lived about an hour away, my mom lived 4 hrs away, well by the time I got there the dr calls me into his office to talk to me(my brother is not anywhere to be seen)he asks me if my brother is gay!!!! I was taken back, you don’t ask his sister that, he was thinking he had aids because his blood work was off the chart,I go to the hospital to see him in the meantime I have my mom coming and my dad, I go to see him and he looked good, my parents see him he ate dinner. By the time we all reached my grandparents house which was 35 mins away sat down I had a bad feeling and went to pick the phone up to call the hospital and there was no dial tone.. the hospital was already on the phone to us, hurry up back here he had a massive heart attack, I think we made it back in 15 mins!!! As we go to walk in the drs stop us and tell us now that he is not going to be ok that he has testicular cancer and that all his organs are starting to shut down, oh my goodness I can’t believe what they are saying to me I was just with him he was laughing with us. Well that was sat evening, monday morning he passed away, we had no time to do last minute things with him he was gone before we had the chance to process what was going on….. I am so happy that you got him to be your husband even if it was for a short six weeks. It has been 20 years for me and as I sit here writing to you I am crying I always cry, he was my only sibling and we were so close. I hope you have a happy and healthy life. <3
Bethany,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. True love is such a special and precious thing. I lost my husband to lung cancer on Feb. 8 2012. He was 31, a non-smoker, so his diagnosis was such a shock. We had been married almost 10 years and have two amazing sons. Everyday I am so thankful for the memories I have, but I still miss him dearly. Your story touched my heart. You will be in my prayers and I pray for peace and strength for you.
~Heather Teaters~
Dear Bethany,
I just saw your story and am moved to tears. You and Ryan are both beautiful and brave souls. I am so sorry your time together was cut short. It has made me realize that I need to treasure each and every moment with my husband and children. Treasure your memories. I wish you all the best in your future. Thank you for being such an inspiration. I am so very sorry for your loss. Sarah
Bethany,
I just read your story and looked at the videos. What a heart warming story! I lost my partner of 51 years just 4 days before you lost Ryan. You must feel greatful that you
have those videos and I am sure you have many pictures to help with your memories of
your life together.
Did not see the Today show,if I did I am sure I would be crying the whole time,you are
so brave. God bless you and fine some happiness soon.
Peace & Ciao
Bethany, this was the end of a long and frustrating day for this married mom of 2…Your video with Ryan showing your smiles, your joy, your hope and those achingly bittersweet moments…it uplifted me and reminded me of the sweet grace of God in our lifes. May you find strenght and peace in the days, months and years to come. Ryan lives on through this beautiful testimony of your love for one another. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gift with the rest of us.
In peace,
Lyly xoxo
Bethany:
You demonstrated great loyalty and courage when you married Ryan, knowing that he was fatally ill. Your dedication and strength will see you through to a brighter tomorrow. As Ryan loved you, he would want you to be happy. Let yourself recover naturally. When the time is right, find new love in your life and be happy knowing that you did the right thing. Your strength and dedication is a lesson to everyone.
Best wishes,
Marvin Balamut
Hi, Bethany! Like so many others, I saw your story online and was touched by your courage. You and I have had very similar life experiences, and I just couldn’t NOT write to you. I hope you are still reading the messages posted on your wedding site. What a beautiful wedding. To share with you…I met the man of my dreams when I was 25. We dated for 4 years and he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. We got engaged, faced the nightmare that you know too well, and battled cancer for a year. We lived in hospitals for months at a time and hoped for the best. After some really bad news one afternoon, we planned our wedding in four days with the help of amazing family and friends. We were married about two months before he died. That was three years ago. When I look back on it all, I can hardly believe the things that my husband and I endured together. It’s incredible how happy moments can be when faced with such hardship, right? Like you, we were fortunate to have a wonderful support system. Anyhow, I’m not sure if we are meant to be friends or not, but it seemed like emailing you might be the right thing to do. If it does bring you any peace…it was so hard to listen to people comfort me with kind words saying that I would find love again and that there was a plan in all of it. I can only tell you that it was all true–even though I could hardly bear to hear it back then. I met a wonderful man about two years later and we plan to be married some day. Through grief, I found healing, and through love and friends, I found rebirth. I don’t know why we have to go through some of the pain in this world, and I may never fully understand. I used to say that it made me different–not in a way that was better–just in a way that yields a different perspective. God bless you Bethany and surround you with many friends and family. If it could be helpful to email with a stranger, please don’t hesitate. (Please also don’t feel that you have to email me back if you are too worn out). Take time for yourself. It’s tempting to be courageous just to show everyone that you are ok to keep them from worrying, but give yourself permission to fall apart sometimes amidst the people who know how to love you best. Peace and blessings to you–and to your future. Warmly, Jess Eiler (If you want to read my family’s story, you can find our old blog here: http://brenaninfo.blogspot.com)
Bethany,
Saw your story on “Today”, and it touched my heart. A very moving story indeed that has truly touched many people around the world!
God Bless,
L.M. Cox
Such a touching story. I am so sorry for your loss. It truly breaks my heart because I know what you are going through. You see; I lost my husband to Pancreatic Cancer 4 years ago July. He passed away in 6 weeks from diagnosis. There was not much time to do or plan anything. The pictures and videos are so beautiful. I would have loved to have something like that as well. He was my best friend and soulmate. We were more in love then ever. He was my rock and I miss him terribly. He was so funny! Sounds like maybe they were alot alike. My husband said the same thing, “It is what it is.” Never complained and fought to the end. It progressed faster than they expected. They were shocked to see it move so fast.
So Bethany..I am so deeply sorry for pain and I know I don’t know you, but I wish I could do something for you. I wish you all the best and hope you find comfort in the time you both had together. If you need to talk I would be more than willing to listen. I am still going through the emotions; this is the hardest thing I ever had to face. I expected to have the life we planned and grow old with him & sit in our rocking chairs in the back yard admiring the beautiful arizona skies. Our daughter had just graduated a month before from high school. It was to be our time together because we raised our daughter and she was headed to college. We did our job and now was to be about him & I. I am heartbroken still over my loss and so taken in by your story. I wish you all the prayers, thoughts & blessings.
Best article today
Bethany, reading of you, as many have recently, I appluade you and admire you for your love and devotion. Few people in this world will ever find the powerful love and true wonder of what you shared and had. I am an older man and have yet to find such a love that is as magical as yours to Ryan. You give me and many im sure, hope it exists for others. Ryan is truly blessed by you, and you by him.
Ryan was so lucky to have Bethany. She gave him such a wonderful life, though cut short, she made his remaining time on earth so wonderful. Bethany, you have so many wonderful memories. More then a lot of people have in longer lasting marriages. Thank goodness you were there for Ryan, he was a very lucky man!!! I pray you find happiness in knowing what you gave Ryan, Bethany!
OMG! just learned about your story! Im sorry for your love my prayers are with you Bethany! Stay strong!
Bethany,
I did not know either of you. This is absolutely one of the most intense, touching love stories I have ever heard… May God bless you and may Ryan RIP….
Sincerely,
Tammy
Bethany,
You are a pillar of strength and an genuine inspiration to anyone who has looked cancer in the eyes and continued to fight through it. With your beloved Ryan’s loss, you gained an angel to look after you always.
Best wishes,
Telisha
Thanks for sharing your story….I loved your video….I’m truly sorry for your loss. I do feel your pain since I have experienced family loss. Your story and video are inspiring – I need to now go fix my relationship.
I know Ryan is watching you and your loved ones. I wish you all the best and happiness.
Dear Bethany & Ryan,
Thank you for sharing..I sit here crying remembering my own brother that passed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best,
Hannah
What a beautiful love story, a life well lived, a short well lived life is better than a long life full of just ok. Thank you for sharing your wonderful story.
Thank you for sharing your story I dont know you two and had tears for you two sending prayers to you Bethany and Ryan may you rest in peace.
Dear Bethany,
I read your story and just wanted you to know that although most of us have not been through such a loss as yours, our hearts are breaking. Where does one begin-in a world of so much suffering, violence, and so many negative things, it’s so touching to see that people can still be selfless in such a trying situation. You both displayed the love and courage that so many of us lack and made your special day and time together so meaningful that most of us will never have experienced the love that you and Ryan had in the short years that you were together. Life is so full of challenges some wonderful and some that cause a person to question our faith and wonder why-just why? There is no reasonable answer. We can only give up or move forward. We can always remember the positive and try to push aside the negative and just go on knowing that someday we will see our loved one again-for you-Ryan. He is not suffering anymore and he knows you will always love him and he loves you. God bless you, your friends and family. May you always and forever be strong.
Sincerely, Tammy Hirsch
Ryan is watching over you Meghan. I felt tears running down my eyes from reading your story. You are a woman of courage. Keep on the good fight, and keep living life to the fullest. It will get hard at times, but just keep reminding yourself that Ryan would want you to keep moving on. He is in a better place. Thank you for sharing your story. It is refreshing to know that love still exist in this world.
Always
Beverly
Bethany, my heart goes out to you and your familly. I had been diagnosed with testicular cancer in febuary and i think that i shed more tears for ryan any you than i did for myself. What you had together was true and untarnished. I am sure that he is with you as we speak. I bet that on a clear dark night, when you gaze up into the stars, he will be there looking right back down at you.
With love,
Chris
better to have loved and lost than to never love at all. I think how i’ll never have anything as sweet as you did
Wow what a touching story, hats off to all your co workers who give you their vacation time to spend time together!!! Thank you for sharing it’s made me stop and think about my life!
Ralph Ohio
I just seen your story on MSN and I started crying. I am so sorry for your loss and I can’t imagine what you are going through at this moment. While I was reading your story it made me think…wow…that’s what true love really is. In this day and age most people would walk away knowing that the person they “love” has an illness and could leave at any moment. Instead you embraced the time that you had with Ryan…and made every day count. I am so sorry for your loss, but I hope all that read this really look at what love stands for and how moving and powerful it can be. If the people of the world would give just a tiny bit of themselves like you did for the man you loved…the world would truly be a different place….
Becky
Bethany,
Wow, loved learning about you both here. Thanks for sharing your story, these photos and videos. I appreciate this site so much. Beautiful wedding! Love your wedding dress with pockets. Saw you on Today Show, don’t take off that ring because your guys love will last forever…
Thank you so much for sharing this. It’s wonderful to see two people so deeply in love ~ the Universe celebrates with you !
Hi my name is leanne I know you don’t know me or anything but I saw your story on the today show and saw your beautiful video on here of you and ryan.. you two are a very gorgeous couple. My thoughts and prayers goes out to you and your families. I would think you never lost Ryan he will always and forever be in your heart and up in the sky looking down on you. Each nite when you look up in the sky the first star that you see that shines so bright will be him looking down upon you telling you that he is ok and to live your life with the beautiful woman you are.. and the memories you two hold forever.. GOD BLESS!
sincerely,
leanne
Sometimes the Lord takes us away home earlier than we would want or expect. No one can explain why except for God. But have peace knowing that he is in a better place and the Lord needed his spirit with him in Heaven. I am 29 and have been married for 10 years. They were not all glorious and lovey. Recently we have tried ro rekindle our love and now i look at my husband with a whole new light and love. Your story has also made me really realize how short life is and how specail a Love is. Thank you for sharing that with me so that i can apply it to my life and marriage and make the best of the time i am here on earth. I know that this all will make you a strong woamn, a wonderful wife and mother one day, and an inspiration to thousands. Thank you for your strength and courage.
Much love
Tanya RT (R)
Dear Bethany,
Thank you for sharing your amazing love story. May you find comfort and strength in the love and memories that you shared as you move through this next phase of your life. Wishing you a blessed and joyful life.
Your story is so touching! I found myself crying reading it. I am just starting to plan my wedding and you’ve made me realize there more important things than worrying about all the decorations. Its just important that I’m marrying my best friend. Thank you for sharing your story.
Bethany & Ryan,
What an amazing story!!! As I sit here reading it and going through all of your engagement & wedding pictures all that stands out most (besides my tears) is…how you both seem very courageous and full of love for one another.Those that are in your life must be blessed to be in it.
Life is so short and precious and its awesome to see that you both made the best of what you had together. But as this well shows tomorrow is never promised to anybody and you have to live every moment as if its your last. I pray that God wraps you in His loving arms and warms you with His unconditional love and fills you with His overwhelming peace that surpasses all understanding. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and I can only pray that you both knew Jesus as your personal Savior..but if you havn’t that you can do so right now…just go to http://www.claybe.com
Respectfully,
Lydia Victoria
I hope to know a love that strong one day. This was trully inspirational and touching. You were an amazing couple. take that love with you on your journey through life. Thanks for sharing your story.
With warmest wishes,
Michelle
Bethany,
I want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss. I can tell you and Ryan had an amazing, passionate true love. My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer in Oct 2010 just 18 months after we were married. We have been through 3 different chemotherapies and surgeries as well and I know how hard that is. Please know that Ryan is watching over you. Your love is amazing to watch in your videos and pictures. May Ryan rest in peace & God give you the peace and comfort you need to know he is now flying free from that horrible disease. God Bless!
Ashlee
Such a heartfelt story. I would have done the same thing. Remember, he has not left you. He is just changed. That is all. He lives in another dimension and can see you. What a wonderful reunion you both will have when it is your time to leave the planet. God bless you both always and forever,
Tinalat
Bethany my heart goes out to you… I saw your story on NBC and have looked at all your photos and read all you romantic and cherishing memories of you and Ryan. I am so sorry for your loss and the strength you have is remarkable. I would have been a complete train wreck. I have been crying for hours and will be sure to pray for your health and healing. I am so thankful for hearing your story! You and Ryan’s remarkable love and enduring friendship is so touching. I envy you and hope you keep the faith. You and Ryan will be reunited one day.
All my love and prayers to you and both of your families,
With special intention to Ryan
Jennifer Allison, Michigan
I’ve never seen a couple more beautiful than you two. It’s amazing how strong the power of love really is-that it can weather a storm and get stonger at the weakest points. May the Lord take care of you Bethany and one day may you see Ryan again.
WOW ! what a love story. i just read your story on msn.I’m still crying, most of us can only hope we find the kind of love you two shared,even tho it was so brief.I wish you the best in your futurer,and that you find love again for you so deserve it.
Bethany,
I came across yours and Ryan’s touching story this morning and completely became overwhelmed in emotions. You two have a beautiful love that not even the distance of heaven and earth can interfere with. I know hes watching over you right now and you’re surrounded by his embrace. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story, I’m so glad I came across it. I needed to be reminded the true meaning of unconditional love. Take care and more than anything, stay strong. You’re an inspiration.
sincerely,
Hannah
Hi Bethany, just read your story on the internet. I could not help crying. My heart breaks for you but you ought to be proud of yourself, you stood by his side when he needed you the most. I pray God gives you the strength to cope. I know that love never dies and that one day you will meet him again, just know that and be strong.
Bethany, I read your Love story and viewed your wedding pictures and was brought to tears by the love you shared. I will say a prayer for you both and I wish you peace and comfort in knowing that you and Ryan have known true love. You showed the world what “true love” means. Bless you.
Sincerely,
Tobie
A lovely and moving tribute to your love. My heart is with you Bethany.
Thank you for sharing yours and Ryans story. I am so sorry for your loss. Both of you showed so much courage through it all. Ryan is and always will be proud you. Both of you had to live a lifetime in such a short time together. You and Ryan have been a blessing to many.
You dont know me but your story has touched me so deeply. I pray for strength to you and your family. Words of condolence cannot help bring back Ryan or heal the pain of your loss but hopefully they will give you strength to keep going and to know that Ryan’s watching you up in heaven. The love you two shared can never be diminished and will forever be with you. Hold on to those memories that you two made; they will last forever. Not even death can diminish it. After reading this, i can honestly say that Your love gave him hope and a reason to keep fighting. You will be in my prayers and sending my love.
Wow! I wish I could have lived one day in the lives of you both! I’ve never seen anything captured in photos and video like you have. You are both blessed to have been able to have the wonderful but short time together. It’s more than touching. It’s not to quantity of time in life it’s the quality. You two looked like you lived it to the fullest. Many more blessings heading your way. God speed.
Dear Bethany,
You do not know me yet what you have shared with all of us makes me feel like I know you. Thank You for letting us into your life with beautiful videos and pictures. The life you shared with your husband seems to be as if it were dream like. You traveled, adventured and LOVED! That’s the most important thing – YOU LOVED! Being truly in love, even for a second is one of the greatest gifts in the world. I know what it is to be in love. I feel like a piece of your tribute to your husband will forever stay inside my heart. You were a beautiful bride, stunning! The gift you are giving in honor of Ryan is exactly how you would want to honor him. A perfect stranger, like me, has been touched by your story and your love all because YOU made it happen. I wish you happiness and strength always! God bless you!
Much love,
Danielle
Bethany,
I am so sorry for your loss! I read your story and looked at all the pictures! You guys were so happy together and you can see the love. I hope your days and nights get easier and that you are able to move on, but never forgetting the love, the good and bad times. I found this poem and I dedicate it to both of you.
A Face Among The Stars
© Rebecca Ginns
I looked for you this morning,
I looked for you last night,
I looked for you everywhere,
But you were not in sight.
I looked up to the night sky above,
And saw your face in the stars.
It was then I realized,
You’re not here anymore
But you’ll always be with me…..
You will always be in my heart.
Life is something all of us must borrow
Returning it in time, to whence it came.
Good-bye doesn’t mean you’re gone,
So long as I still love you,
Your memory will live on.
My heart goes out to you!! I was very touched by your story because you are blessed in a way that you were able to share such rare love. May your soul feel joy from all the loving memories you both shared and be at peace and have comfort knowing Ryan feels no more pain. My condolences for you, may Love forever fill your heart.
My heart goes out to you!! I was very touched by your story because you are blessed in a way that you were able to share such rare love. May your soul feel joy from all the loving memories you both shared and be at peace and have comfort knowing Ryan feels no more pain. My condolences for you, may Love forever fill your heart.
What a “Love Story” to say the least! Your story is one that is shared by another beautiful young lady – Heidi Lowe. Her husband passed away in the hospital just 2 days after they married. They exchanged vows as his life was about to be taken away from testicular cancer… Here is her story: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1654564324795&set=a.1654562764756.2080234.1257686124&type=3&theater
Please contact me and if you would like to be voice for this disease that strikes many young men. They are misdiagnosed, mismanaged and suddenly taken from us at such young ages.
Here is my son’s story. He was diagnosed stage 4 at the age of 13 and inoperable. . . YES, 13! This is why I started the Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation: http://www.TesticularCancerAwarenessFoundation.org
Jordan’s Video: http://youtu.be/RtpDQsoTuxk
Please join us on Facebook for the greatest support group across the globe.
http://facebook.com/tca.org
My heartfelt thoughts, prayers & strength to YOU!
Kim Jones
Founder of Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation
kjones@tcafinfo.com
970-216-1364
This story is truly inspiring. Thank you for showing everyone the love you two shared. Seems you two are both angels for each other!
You dont know me but your story has touched me so deeply,Words of condolence cannot help bring back Ryan or heal the pain of your loss but hopefully they will give you strength to keep going and to know that Ryan’s watching you up in heaven.Hold on to those memories that you two made.I know what it means to lose a loved one, I lost my husband before 4 years.He also died of cancer. I understand your pain, but life must go further. Your story touched me.
this is the most beautiful story I have heard, and I think you are the most brave woman in the whole world. You just proved to the whole world what is the real power of love and what it really means. You are my hero and I hope, one day, you will find someone, and you’ll love him like you love Ryan. Thank you.
DEAR BETHANY
I AM NOT ANY RELATIVE OR FREIND BUT I WANT TO ADD THAT I AM SOMEONE VERY CLOSE TO YOUR HEART OF LOSING A LOVED ONE..I LOST MY BROTHER FROM CANCER ON THE 30TH OF JANUARY THIS YEAR..PEOPLE THAT FIGHT THE WORST BATTLE OF THIS CENTURY ARE IN MY HEART BASED AS “HEROES”..YOUR STORY IS SO SPECIAL TO ME I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR FUTURE..LET THE ANGELS SHINE UPON EVERY PERSON THAT HAS LOST A LOVED ONE..LET THE ANGELS TAKE OUR LOVED ONES HIGH SO THEY CAN FLY..VERA
This is what I call LOVE!
You are the BEST COUPLE EVER!..
Hello bethany.. I’m fascinated from this story, i’m from Macedonia and I’m happy because in this world have some people who believe in love and do hard steps for it. I wish you luck, you deserve all the best
I was shocked…you bring my hope for true love back…
Thank you. Thank to both of you… 
This is just amazing…I’ll never say again that I am not happy… if you can go on everybody can…we are with you ♥
Bethany -so strong from your side .. true love never dies , be strong ,deserve all the best!
Hello ,
i want to tell you that both of you are in my prayers every night … i’m with you . this story made me think more positive as usual . love you <3
Bethany, I am a friend of Carrie’s. You are a strong role model for the modern woman. Your love for Ryan is incredible. It is so wonderful that your story has become a catalyst to inform the public about Testicular Cancer. I think Ryan is doing his job; making all the good things that are happening fall into the right places.
Dear Bethany !
I have read your love story and I am very touched,believe me…I am younger than two of you,I have relationship almost 8 month,I adore my boyfriend and I don’t wish to anyone to survive what you did. I will pray for his soul and for your mental helth,life goes on – I know that you are aware of it.
I wish you the best.
I am from Macedonia..I read your story here and on a Macedonian page.I am glad about you and what were you do about love..u can say love..It’s beautiful to see your photos from the eng. and wedding.u were awsome.your drees and the other stuffs.
Kisses and hugs.
)
R.I.P. Ryan :/
Be happy,always with smile and Take care Bethany
Lots of love ♥♥♥♥♥
I have no words to express myself. All my prayers go to you guys. I admire you both. Lots of love from Macedonia.
TRUE LOVE NEVER DIE!
Bethany,
Your story is…Well, I’m not sure how to put it. Inspiring and heart breaking at the same time. I pray that Almighty God will lift you up and hold you close during this season.
I thank you for sharing your story with us and wish I had known Ryan. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Steven
I wish you all the best Bethany.I’m so happy to hear you’re wery strong.I wish you all
the best <3 .GREETINGS.
You are so brave to tell the world about your sad story! I am sure that you will keep him in your memories….. Love Jovana
Good post and straight to the point. I am not sure if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to get some professional writers? Thank you
Love you and keep you both in my prayers everyday.
Peace be with you Bethany!
Hello Bethany. My daughter, Kelly Smejkal, went to grade and middle school with Ryan and told me about his passing a couple weeks ago. I used to have coffee with his mom, Carrie, and 2 teachers from Gilham once a month and always wondered where they moved to. On a “small world” side note, Ryan lived in my husbands childhood home during his Sheldon years. I just read your story in Bob Welch’s column. Bless you and Ryan for your love you share.
If you get a chance, please give my best to Carrie and feel free to give her my email address.
Cheryl Smejkal
Wow! Very touching.What a wonderful expression of love.God bless you Bethany.You have shared something very special in this life.Thank you for sharing it with all of us.I am praying for you and all of Ryan’s loved ones.
A beautiful couple..beautiful love. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
Pleased to see until this site works well on my iphone 4 , every thing I must carry out can be practical. Appreciate your maintaining it up to now with all the most up-to-date.
God bless. He is a lucky man to have been loved by someone so special. I’m happy because he had a chance to experience love, something that was meant to be. I’m sad because he didn’t deserve to leave so early. ALBERT (HAWAII) OREGON DUCK 1995
God Bless. Happy that he got to experience true love where he can take that with him. Remain strong you gave him th greatest giddy of all- your being. UP Duck 95
Boots came into your life fora reason. Interestingly, I lost a very goodness H.S. friend of mine at a young age. She was from Texas. I was in Hawaii. We saw each other and picked up when we left off ten years past, as if I never left. I got back to Hawaii where a motherles black baby kitten wandered into my doorstep. She could not eat solid food or walk, BC she was so tiny. Two seeks later I got a call that she had past awayaway leaving behind a beautiful baby boy. She survived breast cancer and p ast away from an intestinal infection. The kitty has been with me ever since and she helped me cope and take care of her. Black velvet is her name… there’s a reason boots is here. How ironic.
What a beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing it.
I just read your story in the paper and immedietly finished on your website. Instant tears were brought to my eyes and it is so amazing how much love you have for eachother. You seem like an amazing person and I hope you and both families the best.
Thought you should see this. Its touching, though from like-minded strangers.
Sorry about your loss.. http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,372250/highlight,/
Bethany-I am a friend of Bob Welch’s, and I just read his column about you and Ryan with tears in my eyes. Your story touched me very deeply. First, I am so sorry for your loss, but happy that you found and experienced love. My wife died not quite 2 years ago after a 5-year battle with breast cancer. Our children are now 14 and 6. Not that I planned my next big steps, but I met an amazing woman last year and we are engaged to be married. You seem like an incredible woman with wonderful parents and in-laws, so I hope that wherever your life journey continues to take you that you enjoy the experiences. May Ryan’s memory always be a blessing to you. Thank you for sharing your story.
I heard/read about your story on MSNBC Today. In your time of grieving, it’s wonderful that you can share with the world your “Love Story.” Your love reflects the intensity of a timeless story. The love that you two shared will be emblazon upon many hearts. Movies, songs and poems are written of this intense type of love, but only a very few get to experience/feel it.
Time will ease the pain, the love will give you comfort.
I read Bob Welch’s story about you and Ryan in the May 6 Register-Guard, and the tears were rolling down my face. Your love for each other is a beautiful inspiration to behold. Take care.
Your amazing Bethany! My thoughts and prayers are with you. May Ryan rest in peace.