Ryan and Ginger are some of the best people I know. They leave every person better than they find them, they infuse every interaction with laughter, and each's sincerity and genuine care radiates off of them. I am blessed to call each best friends, but in reality they are more like family!
I met Ryan when he was an active duty Marine in Southern California while he was a grunt. We met in our Young Singles Adult congregation and he quickly became part of our friend group. He is so genuine, kind, and helped everyone feel included and valued. I missed his positive attitude dearly when he left for deployment.
I met Ginger when she moved into my Young Singles Adult congregation about two years later and knew we were going to be fast friends. She loves all things 1940s, is an amazingly talented musician, and her smile lights up the room. We bonded over music and some deep discussions about overcoming trials. Ginger taught me how to be strong without becoming jaded and I am forever grateful!
Ryan came back from deployment and jumped right back into being social. Ginger kept herself busy with her commitments to music, student teaching, and being a great friend. All the adult leaders in our congregation kept telling Ginger and Ryan that they should date, but little did they know, that they were actually dating in secret!
Long story short, these two amazing people made it official and got married in early 2015 and have continued to grow together through the good times and the bad! I admire them a lot and am so grateful for all they teach me! They have a cute son who has a joyful smile just like his mom and kind eyes just like his dad! I am so excited to watch as their sweet family keeps growing!
I felt so much love for this dear family as I was taking their pictures. There is one picture I took of their son (the picture below at the top of the steps), where I became overwhelmingly emotional. In less than a second, I thought of all we have been through together and all the stages of life we have seen each other in. I could picture myself sitting with Ryan and Ginger's son as a young man and telling him , "I took this picture of you and I knew you as a small boy!". In short, I saw many years pass by in an instant and I realized these beautiful people are always going to be a part of it.
I am going to miss them as they head off to their next adventure at Med School, but I know that even though the miles may be long, our friendship will continue to grow. Oh how grateful I am for eternal friendships!
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