Ryan Garrison

Ryan, my friend, my brother. The written word is something that usually comes easily to me, but this is going to be tough. But I think of how brave and strong you were in the face of everything, and I know I can find the words to express how much you meant to myself and all of your family and friends. Friendship. It’s a word that means something different to everyone. Some people have friends they go to school with. Or friends they hang out with. Some people have friends they go on road trips with. Or friends you can ask for help on moving day. There’s also the kind of friends you can turn to when your down and out and need a place to stay, a friend that is there for you at your lowest when you need a friend the most. Finally, there’s friends who are all of that wrapped up into one, and that was you Ryan. You are the true definition of a friend, and I personally will never forget the kindness you displayed to me and my brother. I don’t know where I’d be today without your compassion Ryan, and I will forever be grateful to you. But it’s not just me. Whether it was someone you knew your whole life or someone you just met, you invited everyone in with that same warm, comforting smile. I still remember back when we were just little tykes in Pinckney Middle School and we met and became friends. We went to Brighton Cinema to see Cable Guy! I had no idea back then what a genuine and true friend I had made in you Ryan. I hope you know how proud all of your family and friends are of you, and rest easy knowing you will live on forever in our hearts and in our memories. I’d like to share a few of those memories real quick. First one that comes to mind is the road trip to your Aunt & Uncle’s house in Indiana. I’m sure just the mention of it brings similes to the faces of everyone who share the memories of that trip with us. I also think back fondly to our adventures at Marty’s in Ann Arbor, and all the trips to Pinball Pete’s and “Back Door”Pizza. Speaking of food, I also have to mention Chinese Buffet, truck stop Arby’s, and munchie missions to Busch’s. But some of my fondest memories were the simplest. Bonfires down at the Tribal High Council, or just chilling in the basement watching new episodes of South Park and playing X-Box. I can still see Jason mixing up homemade milkshakes and Freebird passed out on Disco Couch. It’s funny how much those little memories mean the most. The first thing I thought of last year when I found out you were gone was of us sitting in the basement at your parents house watching the Daily Show with John Stewart. I’d give just about anything to watch just one more episode with you. Someday, God willing, we’ll meet again my friend. Until that day, you be the Angel in Heaven that you were here on Earth, and you & Juices stay out of trouble up there!