This Fall Ryan finally got to go to school like his big brother Patrick. He has waited for this moment(and not very patiently) for a long time. So far Ryan has been in school for a little more than a month and he LOVES it! I knew that he would. He just craves structure and has such a curious soul that I imagine he loves learning new things.


Patrick was so excited for his brother as well. Mostly so he could tell him how it is and what to do and what not to do. You know how older siblings can be. We also know how Ryan can be; a little boy with NO fear ready to conquer any challenge that lies before him. There is no doubt in my mind that Ryan will go on to do some incredible things in his lifetime.

Mrs. Ames is Ryan's teacher and she sent us some pictures of him hard at work learning new things.

Ryan shows us what he thinks of school.


Ryan love's school. When I drop him off on Wednesday's he gets out of the car and off he goes excited for his next adventure. No looking back, no "see you later mom," no hesitation. I pray for you young man to be led by the Holy Spirit and to do GREAT things. May God bless each of your footsteps my sweet Ry-Guy. I love you Bubba!

"BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO PERSEVERES
UNDER TRIAL; BECAUSE WHEN HE HAS STOOD THE TEST, HE WILL RECEIVE THE CROWN OF LIFE THAT GOD HAS PROMISED TO THOSE WHO LOVE HIM"
James 1:12



August 23, 2009

My Dad lost his battle with lung cancer and went home to be with Jesus. His pain is gone and he is in an awesome place, but he leaves behind a big hole in the hearts and lives of those who love him.

My dad was a great father, husband, brother, pappy, friend, person. I have so many memories of him and don't know where to begin. Dad loved sports and especially golf. In June when I last saw him, he was thrilled when I told him that I had watched the US Open and actually enjoyed and appreciated the sport. Sports were our thing. Especially FOOTBALL!


I will thoroughly miss our Sunday night phone calls in which we discussed not only the Steeler game but every game that had been played that week. I will miss my phone ringing immediately after either a really terrible play or an awesome one. I will miss yelling into to the phone for him not to call me because it was bad luck and then hearing him laugh at me as I hung up. I am so thankful that our last football game together was watching the Steelers win the superbowl for the 6th time. The 6th's one's for you DAD!

My dad was such a smart man. He could figure out anything, and it always seemed so effortless.

He was a man of principle. He lived his life with integrity and never compromised his beliefs or faith for any situation. Some of my most memorable times with my Dad were our trips to Washington, DC every January to the March For Life. I remember one particularly cold trip where Dad and I took a detour on our march to the capital through a museum or two. We hunted down a giant portrait of Napolean(our alleged long lost relative??), and he snapped a quick illegal picture and we ran.

So many memories; Our trips to Pitt, chasing him through the streets of D.C., track meets, telling him that I was pregnant with Jack Thomas, watching him play with my kids, hearing my kids pray for their PAPPY every night, listening to him argue his point, Obsession cologne, having him make scrambled eggs and bacon or pancakes every Sunday after church, having him walk me down the isle,......

There are so many memories I can't even begin to list. One thing that is consistent to all of them is that my DAD always supported me in everything I did. He always showed up with a smile and an encouraging word. I love my DAD and I miss him very much!




See you later DAD!
Thomas Andrew Fortuna, Sr
June 2, 1941 ~ August 23, 2009