Even in this time of intense grief, Mary Ellen has been thinking of others, writing an email to let her friends know more about Ryan's last moments. Although she wrote that I should feel free to share it, her words seemed too personal to post on a blog, and I have been sitting at my computer, unsure of what she would want me to do.
I decided to post a portion of her message because Ryan's story should be told accurately in his mother's own words. As you will see, the poor child never "went missing" or "wandered off," even though, for a long and torturous night, he could not be found.
Mary Ellen writes:
"I know it’s been difficult for everyone, getting information piecemeal. Here are some details, please feel free to share them or any part of this email.
"Ryan was playing in a little stream a few yard from the campsite. His father and the others knew where he was and he was in view. Other kids were near him but after a bit they spread out. They were all very excited to be in the campsite, they had only just arrived. When they called the kids for prayers Ryan didn’t come and after a very short time the rangers were called and then the state police and fire marshals. They searched with dogs (my poor Ryan so terrified of them). Dave called me at 11:30pm and then every hour until our dear friend, who was scheduled to go up there Sat with his four boys, drove me up at 4:30am. I arrived there at about 8:00 and they were searching with a helicopter and infrared radar as well as divers. He was found at about 10:30. In the five minutes between the other kids being there and his being called Ryan had a grand mal seizure and slipped into the stream, his body was found a few feet away in a drain in a culvert. It is believed the seizure is what killed him although we don’t have confirmation of that yet. When Dave and I saw him, he looked very peaceful and that was of great comfort to us.
"Ryan received last rites at the campsite, two priests against all odds showed up in the middle of the woods at exactly the right time to administer the sacrament. Only Ryan could have arranged that."
May God lift up the Barrett family during this terrible time of grief.
Thank you, Alice.
Much love, Chris
Posted by: Chris Volpe | August 17, 2009 at 06:24 AM
Alice, every time I read about the Barrett family and especially their faith-filled words at this time, I am so humbled. They remain in our prayers. Thank you for posting this. Although we didn't know Ryan at all, I have been thinking of his last moments, and it seems that, in God's grace, they were more peaceful and swift than I had been imagining. May God be very close to the whole family.
Posted by: Lucy P | August 17, 2009 at 06:36 AM
Oh, Alice. I can barely (Oh, the very thought!) imagine how deep must be their pain, and am moved to tears with every thought of them and their beautiful son. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in passing along some of Mary Ellen's words. I am both deeply moved, and deeply saddened for them. The Barrett family remains in our prayers.
Posted by: Eileen | August 17, 2009 at 06:40 AM
Thank you so much Alice for posting this ... I didn't know Ryan, but "knew" him thru ME's and your writings ... he is in God's loving embrace!
Prayers continue for all of you and PLEASE don't hesitate to "holler" if there is anything I can do for you or yours ...
Posted by: Mary G. | August 17, 2009 at 07:21 AM
Thank you Alice. Mary Ellen has been constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 17, 2009 at 08:10 AM
Thank you Alice. They are in my round the clock, tearful prayers here. Much love to the Barretts and also to your family, Alice.
Posted by: Amy | August 17, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Continuing to pray for the Barretts and all of Ryan's friends. It must be so hard for your children as well.
Posted by: KC | August 17, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Our prayers for this precious family are ongoing. May God bless and keep them.
Posted by: Kimberly | August 17, 2009 at 09:37 AM
You are blessing to Mary Ellen, Alice, God Bless you!
Posted by: aussieannie | August 17, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Thank you, Alice, for posting this. We're continuing to pray. It's a comforting thought to know that as the Church Militant we are *doing something* by praying and offering up for the Barretts!
Posted by: Jennifer Gregory Miller | August 17, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Dear Alice,
Thank you I have been thinking and praying constantly.
I have no idea of the deep pain the family is going throough and can only offer these brief words of care.
Many Blessings
Posted by: Gae | August 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Continued prayers for Ryan's family and all who love hin and miss him.
Posted by: Ruth | August 17, 2009 at 12:11 PM
They are all I can think about and I just pray at every thought that the tiniest bit I carry lightens their burden of grief. God bless them and all the dear community who loved Ryan so very much.
Posted by: Marisa | August 17, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Alice, My heart aches for them and for all who knew and loved Ryan. I will continue to pray fervently. I am just so sorry. Thank you for posting the email. Love, Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | August 17, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Thank you Alice for posting this. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Ellen and Dave and their entire family during this difficult time. May God bless and keep them in His care.
Posted by: Maria Cunningham | August 17, 2009 at 05:23 PM
The Barrett Family have been on my mind a lot since this has happened. Thanks so much for sharing Mary Ellen's letter with us. I will be praying for their family.
Posted by: Therese | August 17, 2009 at 06:21 PM
I'm so sorry. My prayers will be with them.
Posted by: Subvet | August 17, 2009 at 08:05 PM
Alice, my heart and prayers continue to go out to the Barrett family. After reading this post, I felt led to let you know that we lost our own son to a seizure 2 years ago. If you think that Mary Ellen would find comfort in talking to someone else who has had a similar experience, you may give her my name and e-mail. Yours in Christ, Jenny
Posted by: Jenny | August 17, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Our prayers are for the Barretts.
Posted by: Marymargaret F | August 18, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Thank you, Alice. Prayers will continue. My heart cries for them although we know Ryan is with Jesus.
God bless,
Donna-Marie
Posted by: Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle | August 18, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Thanks for passing this along, Alice. I think every mother fears the "untimely" loss of a child. In sharing the little details of this tragedy though, I see the delicate hand of God moving gently according to His purpose- and that is always consoling. God bless Mary Ellen and Dave and all their kids. I have been praying that they would have those consolations from God that might take some of the edge off the delay between their being with Ryan again someday.
Posted by: Jo Flemings | August 18, 2009 at 09:25 AM
My heart aches for Mary Ellen and her family for the loss of their son and brother, Ryan. Continued prayers.
Posted by: Karen | August 18, 2009 at 05:58 PM
God bless all.
Posted by: Claire | August 19, 2009 at 12:29 AM
Thank you for keeping us posted. I am trying to contact someone who knows the family. I have made contact with Mary Ellen online but don't know them very well, especially personally. However, I am so touched by this family. I would like to do something in relation to my Catholic lapbooks, in particular the Year for Priests Faith Folder. Can you please contact me. Lindy Meyer [email protected]
Posted by: Lindy | August 19, 2009 at 02:53 PM
Thank you so much Alice. I didn't know Ryan personally but he has touched our family deeply. Praying for the Barrett family alot here! God bless you all!
Posted by: Renee | August 19, 2009 at 06:06 PM
I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by: prayer request | December 02, 2009 at 04:36 PM