I want to take some time to share about my good friend Ryan (also known as Hender, Hennasen, Wryn, or, as I call him, Rye). I’ve known Rye since I was 15 years old. I picked up the phone at a friend’s party and Rye was on the other end. We talked online. We made a date and went to different theaters. We went to prom as friends. We grew close. We grew apart. Then, through God’s grace and Rye’s endless forgiveness, we began a friendship that’s lasted over a decade.

I waved goodbye to him as he left for boot camp. I waved goodbye as he left for Iraq. I answered a call from Germany that said he wasn’t coming back…then one that said he was losing a leg, and finally - I hugged him hello back home - two legs and all. We fight harder now than we ever fought while dating. We ask tough questions of one another. And we’ll support each other through all. 

I’m writing about Rye because he is in the midst of a new beginning: He is engaged! To a beautiful, wonderful, amazing, fun-loving girl. I’ve watched Rye grow through a lot. People tend to change pretty drastically over a decade. And this… this is the happiest I have seen him. Ever. I have been praying consistently for Ryan for years. Praying that he would find peace, find answers, and find peace with the questions that don’t have answers. Praying that he would know how loved he is…by his family, by his friends, by me, and by God. And it feels to me, looking in from the outside, that Gabby has brought all these things to him and more - a sense of peace, a comfort, a love. And I know how committed Rye is to everything meaningful in his life. He has a passion and dedication few men have. I know he’ll protect and love his bride to be with everything he has. 

Gabby & Rye: I wish you all the best. I’m so excited to watch you grow together. Your future is bright. Your someday just began.