"If you don't eat your pancakes, they'll eat you." Ryan Fitzpatrick

This is a tribute to my friend Ryan. He suddenly  passed away last week. It's funny, I didn't know Ryan and his wife Tilney for more then 2 years(?) but when I met them at a Buy Local event at MSOE ( they were my neighbors that day) we became fast friends. I remember  that was the highlight of my day, laughing and talking with them while time passed. I guess when people come into your life it doesn't really matter  for "how long" it's how much they touched your heart that matters most. I am deeply saddened and still a bit in shock. Ryan was a guy that  always ALWAYS made me laugh, a quick wit, creative, and a gentle and kind soul...... he will be greatly missed. 

This is such a good reminder.......
“As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.” -Unknown

All images are copyrighted under Man vs George and Stephanie Bartz Photography.