Thanks Ryan
It is with mixed emotions that I reflect on today, May 8th, 2010. In just a few hours I will finally attend my graduation ceremony at Miami University. It’s been a long and hard, but well worth it, journey to this point, and I am proud to be here.
I also just learned that someone I went to (Madison) school with, Ryan Lozier, was killed in Afghanistan less than 24 hours ago. While I was never “close” with Ryan, he was always someone for whom I had the utmost respect (even through Jr. High). Over the years, as he has crossed my mind, I’ve always thought of him as a natural-born leader. Those who have known him in recent years, and served with him will likely say the same and more.
Ryan isn’t the first classmate that the Madison High School class of 1998 has had to say goodbye to (note: Ryan ultimately graduated from Middletown, but went to Madison for most of his school career). 12 years ago, when we were all looking forward to getting our high school diplomas, none of us would have been able to believe that life would be so fleeting for some. It’s a solemn reminder that we have no promise of tomorrow, and that our lives should be spent working toward what we know our purpose to be. I believe that’s what Ryan was doing, and it’s with pride that I can say that I knew him, if only for a little while.
So tonight, as I pass from one era of my life to another, I will pause to remember a life well lived, and life given willingly for the sake of freedom, passing from one era to another. Please join me in doing so.
