Ryan Michael Hawn – 1/27/09 – 7/28/09

There are small, wet circles covering the surface of my black desk. 

I didn’t even notice them until my typing arm shifted through what felt like a spilled glass of water.

After a second of confusion, it made sense. I am writing through tears.

layingbedRYAN MICHAEL HAWN
1/27/09 – 7/28/09

Ryan Michael Hawn passed away overnight.  He was this sweet little guy.  I introduced  you to him here. (Short video included) He was struggling through Spinal Muscual Atrophy - trying his hardest to give his parents and older sister every single minute he could. Yesterday was Ryan’s 1/2 birthday.  He was only 6 months old.  In that tragically-short time he gave his parents millions of amazing memories, touched thousands of people, and has encouraged hundreds to sign the petition to fight SMA.

I knew him for only a small portion of his short life. 

I can’t even imagine.

I am praying, deep down in my heart, that Ryan’s parents, Jenn and Chris, and his big sister Charlotte, are surrounded by enough love to guide them through this.

If you get a chance – would you sign the petition to help end SMA ?  Maybe someday, families won’t have to lose a child to this disease.

Edited to add: I just spoke with a mutual friend.  Though Jenn and Chris were terribly worried Ryan’s passing would be physically painful for him, it was apparently very peaceful.  He lay in bed between the two of them.  He opened his eyes, smiled and went to sleep.  This is how Jenn hoped he would leave them.  I am grateful her one small wish was granted.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

  • Mary

    So very sad. I’m praying for the Hawn family and sending them my deepest wishes for strength and peace. Thank you for introducing me to Ryan…I won’t forget him.

  • http://www.tobethode.com Stefany

    I had stopped crying and am not doing it all over again. I am so glad he went peacefully but that image just brings me to tears.

  • http://ssmirnov.wordpress.com Stephanie Smirnov

    I don’t know Ryan or his parents but I am weeping and can’t stop. Why why why do babies die? I am so so so sorry for their loss.

  • http://www.asouthernfairytale.com rachel-asouthernfairytale

    Now, I’m crying all over again.
    Blessings.

    D, thank you for bringing this to light. I signed the petition and now I’ll say a prayer for this amazing family and Heaven’s newest angel.

  • http://www.modernmommyblog.com Jill

    What a beautiful sweet boy. Thanks for sharing here with us. His parents are enduring every parents worst nightmare. I can’t even imagine either…

  • http://printedproof.com christian

    I cant hardly read this, I dont know how you wrote it.

    Nothing makes me (and hopefully everyone) feel worse than the thought of something so helpless as a young child letting go of life (on earth).

    God help and bless the Hawn family.

  • http://phdinparenting.com Annie @ PhD in Parenting

    So sad. :(

    My thoughts are with you and Ryan’s family during this difficult time.

  • http://www.peapodsquadstuff.com peapodsquadmom

    my prayers will definitely be with this precious family as they mourn this great loss.

  • http://room704.us VDog

    Tears, love and hugs.

  • http://www.LifeVerseWomen.com Christine Smith

    Praying with love for this beautiful baby.

  • http://lageansgoodies.blogspot.com Gena

    My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family. Ryan is at peace and left this world with his smile.

    Thank you for bringing us this story. I hope that it raises awareness and helps in the fight to find a cure.

  • http://geekmommy.net Lucretia Pruitt

    Sometimes the brightest lights of love are with us the shortest times… My heart goes out to Ryan’s family. May he rest in peace.

  • http://therehanfamily.blogspot.com Ali

    I am so eternally sorry for this family and what they have gone through, but hope that they are able to remember him with smiles, rather than tears…Love and hugs to you all.

  • http://www.casualfridayeveryday.com casual friday every day

    How unbelievable for those parents. I have a baby boy only one month older than theirs and it brings me to gut wrenching pain even thinking about what they’re going through right now.

    Nell

  • Sarah

    Beautifully written. Saying many prayers for the Hawn family as they deal with this loss. God has indeed welcomed another angel home.