September 10

Right after midnight, in a quiet New England town, a baby boy was born. The only baby in the labor department. so his wail echoed in the hallways along with laughter of parents and doctor over the joyous occasion of a successful, healthy birth. Ryan Keith Denlinger had arrived. Our “little king,” would be the perfect protector and cheerleader of his older severely disabled sister – we thought.

That was not to be. Almost 6 years later, he returned to dust as we laid him in the grave and trusted his soul to God. Our wailing, we thought, would never end. A five year-old should not die!

“Weeping remains for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning!” And as I wrote in our story “Joy in a Foreign Land,” that ‘night’ was a long one. But truly, only because of Jesus’ merciful love for us, joy does come! It comes slowly, subtly, abundantly, and before I know it, I am celebrating a life I am so privileged to know and one day be reunited with. And in the meantime, I have so much to be thankful for!

“God, you have turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. God, I will give thanks forever!” Psalm 30:11,12

My forever thanks: The picture above, three of whom would never exist had Ron and I not been convinced that every life is valued, even ones with severe disability. We took the risk of having our 3rd child Jeremy, who in turned blessed us with d-i-l and granddaughters. And Matthew was ‘”birthed” out of our Ryan’s Home Ministry – fostering special needs children.

They sent balloons to heaven today, celebrating a life never forgotten! Happy Birthday, Ryan!

Joan