He Was The Son I Never Had
Posted: Sunday, February 06, 2011
by Kenny St.pierre
Ryan Kelly evolved into a man who had no knowledge on how to raise his voice in anger against anyone, nor was he ever physically violent. He was intelligent and educated, and enjoyed music sufficiency to thrust himself toward an interest in guitar playing and self-expressed song-writing. Ryan excited me - I too play guitar, take a great interest in subjects worthy of dialogue, and always enjoy learning new things, just as Ryan did.
Some say that daughters unite with men much like their Dad's, and that the majority of son's connect with women much like their Mom's - and I say, if that is true, then Michelle's connection with Ryan was a great compliment for and to me.
I always felt at home with Ryan. He was the son I never had. He never called me Dad, nor did I wish him to, but the level of comfort within and between our personalities was enormous.
We planned to write a song together one day; we would argue about religious ideals when the subject was induced; we'd talk about music, whether it be about it's flaws or genius; and at times we'd exchange old ideas as if we had just wiped them clean from a dusty retired shelf ... BUT quite frankly, the thing I found most impressive about the young man was, much like me, he had a great love for children.
Ryan,and his parents welcomed Michelle's brothers, sisters, and nephew into their life as if they were their own. The Kelly family should be commended for their excellence as humans. In my eyes, Ryan Kelly portrayed human kindness. Surely an impressive breed.
I am so honored to have celebrated Ryan's last Birthday with him and his family. He thanked me numerous times that night for the happy unexpected surprise we had planned a month in advance.
In 1980 John Lennon wrote a song entitled "Beautiful Boy" for his beloved son Sean... but in all honesty, John could just as easily have written the song with Ryan Kelly in mind.
Rest in Peace Ryan, you beautiful BEAUTIFUL BOY.
[ On the eve of January 29th 2011, my son-in-law, Ryan Kelly collapsed and was brought to Charlton Memorial hospital in Fall River by my daughter Michelle. After some blood test it was determined Sunday morning that Ryan had pnuemonia and streptococcus. He was put on oxygen, a heart rate machine, intravenous, lung monitor, and anti-bacterial medication. At 3am Tuesday morning Ryan went into cardiac arrest 3 times. Wishing to give him the best care, we had him transported to Brigham and Women's in Boston. The doctors there gave Ryan a cat scan and told us the terrible news Thursday that Ryan was 100% brain dead. Yesterday my daughter had to pull the plug on Ryan. Last night Ryan was pronounced dead at 8:14] What a great kid he was. I will miss you Ryan Kelly!
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More commentsKenny, I am so sorry for your loss. You wrote a wonderful tribute to your son-in-law.
Ryan kelly was one of my best friends for many years. I still am in denial love and miss you ry.
Oh my, this was heart rending. I am actually crying. My heart goes out to you, your daughter and your entire family. There is nothing that can be said that will truly help you right now but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Ken. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Ryan was an amazing man, who loved your daughter dearly. He will be missed...
Cassie Placido Davis
BCHS '04
I am so sorry that the world has lost him; a kind and remarkable person. The article is perfect, beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Michelle and the family.
Lindsey Viveiros
Connolly '04
Excellent memorial sir. May Ryan rest in peace, as he surely remains alive in all of those that he touched in life. My condolences.
Thanks everyone for your support and comments. Ella, I am very saddened to learn about your son. Same to you Greg. Such things seem surreal.
I am so sorry for you loss Kenny, and for your familie's loss. As parents we can only hope our children find a loving partner to share thier life with. Ryan sounded like an absolute wonderful guy. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sincerely, Brianna
I'm so sorry, Kenny. You've written such a beautiful article about Ryan, such a tribute to him. Thank you for sharing this. My thoughts are with you and your family.
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