YWA Memories of Ryan

Sunday, June 20th was an important day in the life of Ryan Colburn. You see, he finally got to go on choir tour after a 2 year absence. He looked forward to our trip every year and when he wasn’t there, things weren’t the same. Every time we sing I see Ryan on the front row with his constant companion Kasey making sure his spot was there. Ryan was my motivation for finally answering God’s call to direct YWA. It was a place Ryan felt comfortable and important. He may not have had the loudest voice, but his dedication and attitude made up for his quietness. I have so many special memories of Ryan but perhaps the lessons he taught all of us will last the longest. Never give up, always cheer for Auburn, and most of all, love unconditionally. Thank you God for putting Ryan in my life. I know he is on a never ending choir tour. Debbie Peavy

Ryan was so much fun on choir tour. His smile, which he always had, was contagious. Susan and Kasey were an inspiration in the beautiful way that they lovingly cared for him. He was blessed, and he was a blessing to us. Susan R.

This is only my second choir tour, but I have always been at the concerts, dinner theater, and other choir events. Ryan was one of the first people I got a prayer card for. I prayed every day during choir tour for Ryan. I remember him saying his speaking parts at the concerts and always doing the best he could do. He gave 110% every time. It is one of those things you remember. His heart was always in the right place. I will always remember Ryan as an inspiration for me to give it my all. Carter

Ryan, you helped me through my first choir tour. Singing with you inspired me and opened my eyes to show me that I really can do all thing through Christ. Some of my most cherished memories are being with you playing cards on the bus even though you accused me of cheating. It was a blessing to have you in my life and I’m glad that you are finally at home with our everlasting Father. Love, Tyler

 When Ryan would do sign language to “Who Am I”, I was just so inspired . We love you Ryan. Dorrie

 You will truly be missed and never forgotten. I remember the fun we had on choir tour sitting in the back of the bus. Your laugh always kept me laughing and your bright smile always brightened up someone’s day. Dayonna

The Chicago choir tour I sat in the back of the bus with Ryan. That was the first time I really got to talk with Ryan. He was always so sweet and ready to talk on the long bus rides. Almost every time I saw Ryan, he had such a smile on his face. Ryan was such a wonderful person and had a great personality. He will be missed by many including myself. Beth

 Ryan loved the dinner theaters. His job was to take up tickets at the door and be the official YWA greeter. He took his job very seriously and did it well! Ryan was the first person people saw when coming to the dinner theater….he was the face of YWA. We may have brought 63 kids on this East Coast tour, but I hear 64 singing at every performance. It is the voice of an angel! We love you Ryan and are blessed to have been a part of your life. Kathy H.

Although I never had the privilege of going on choir tour with you, it was always such a joy to watch you sing in the dinner theaters and homecoming concerts. Paula S.

 One of the things about Ryan I remember from choir tour was his laughter. He was always cracking up and smiling. Every time I saw him he was either praising God, laughing or smiling-usually two or all at once. Paige

I loved Ryan like a brother. At the very beginning when I started, he always had a smile on his face. He was my inspiration to do better. Even if he couldn’t dance or sing all the time, his smile got me going. He is the reason I’m still in choir. It is because of him that I am the singer I am today. We will miss you, Ryan! Be happy, sing and praise God always in heaven. Alex

I will always remember Ryan in my 10th grade Biology class. I looked forward to it every day. He always had a smile no matter how crazy some of the students acted and sometimes he smiled because of how crazy they acted! Having lunch with Ryan and his side kick, Trent McCall was the highlight of my day. War Eagle, Ryan! Jeanene C.

I really never knew Ryan on a personal level, but every time I was around, he always joked around. Ryan never had a frown on his face and was always smiling about something. Ryan will be greatly missed by everyone. We are so glad that he is finally with our daddy in heaven but the pain of his loss will always be remembered. Courtney

I got to know Ryan when my son and I went on our first choir tour to Chicago. Ryan and Tyler played cards on the bus and became fast friends. Ryan brought joy to my life by watching him perform. His love for Jesus was evident! I know Ryan is rejoicing today in heaven and watching over our YWA trip. Mary Ann

One of my favorite memories of Ryan is from the Chicago choir tour. On the back of the bus, Nathan, Tyler and I used to play “Go Fish” with Ryan. This is a memory that I will cherish and remember always. With Love, Matt

Ryan was so passionate – about life, laughing and supporting the Auburn Tigers. His joy of life was evident from his constant smile. His love of laughter showed whenever he told you a joke to cheer you up or to make you smile. His unwavering support for Auburn could be seen from his sporty “game day attire”. What he was most passionate about, though, was His Lord and Savior. Shea

Eighteen years ago, I was a brand new teacher. I took the first job I could find – adapted physical education, with one of my schools being Brewbaker Primary. I had no idea what to expect, and then I met this beautiful, funny child with a huge smile and great sense of humor. Guess who – Ryan Colburn. Ryan taught me more than I taught him….how to love other people, how to keep a positive attitude, how to persevere and overcome. Along the way, I met his family and came to love Kasey and have the deepest respect for Susan, a Mom who fought for her son and demanded the best from everyone around him. I will never forget Ryan, who was someone more than his wheelchair, more than his circumstances – Ryan was a child of God sent to bless and love us. We are better for having known him. “Coach” K. Porter

I did choir tour with Ryan for several years, and he was one person we could all learn something from. No matter where we were singing, how hot it was, how many people showed up – he always had the biggest smile on his face and was truly praising the Lord. I am so thankful for Ryan. He was a blessing to my life and always will be. Heather

I will never forget choir tour to New York with Ryan. Debbie gave him a part to do sign language to one of the songs the choir was singing. Every time he would use his little hands to sign his part, it was so moving. You could tell how much he loved the Lord. Ryan blessed my life so much. Karen

Ryan was always smiling and I loved to watch him pick on the girls and have a good time. He would be out in the middle of the dance floor with the girls. He was such a strong witness the way he lived his life and with his great attitude. He never complained and was always flexible. I know God is saying, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” He has touched the lives of people from Alabama to New York. He was a blessing to YWA, and we will miss him. Nora

I will never forget the way Ryan gave his all. Between all of his speaking parts and sign language, Ryan always gave these things his special touch. Kaitlyn

I got the privilege of knowing Ryan for a while. I got to go on several choir tours with him and really got to know him. Ryan was the best upward basketball coach I ever had in my 12 years of playing. Seeing his smiling face on the sidelines and getting his playing tips really helped me through every game. I was also blessed to be a part of Ryan’s “Helping Hands” group. That one hour visit with him once a month made all the difference in my day. Ryan will always hold a special place in my heart. Sara Kate

Because of Ryan, my daughter is an active member of YWA. When few people would reach out to the “new girl”, Ryan always did. He greeted everyone with a warm smile and knew no strangers. I will always remember his dedication to God and his willingness to give his all. Lauri

 I always remember seeing Ryan at choir, and not only was he there, but he always had a smile on his face. He was full of joy and blessed me with his servant attitude. When Ryan was sick and went to Children’s Hospital in Washington, D.C., someone from Frazer contacted my family living in the suburbs of the city and asked if we could go visit their family and offer them anything they needed. We arrived at the hospital to see Kasey and Ms. Susan’s faces light up to see faces from home. While we were there, Ryan woke up and the moment he saw my family, his sister and mother surrounding him, his face lit up in the biggest smile he could muster. I will never forget his smile. When we were leaving for the trip, I had the feeling we were leaving something behind. Then I remembered Ryan wasn’t with us. It took a while to realize that we hadn’t left him, he had left us to go to a better place to be with his heavenly Father. I know he is up there smiling down on us. He will never be forgotten. Esther

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