Funeral Eulogy for Doreen Ryan

Written and given by her Father, John Kuhn

We are here today to say our final good-byes to our daughter Doreen. As we look back over the years of her life, our hearts are filled with joy and happiness for having her as a child. The memories of her will be with us forever.

Doreen was not a famous person but will be remembered for her love of life and her wonderful gift of humor.

Whether you knew Doreen for a short time or a lifetime you will always remember her for the way she could change a serious moment into a time of laughter.

Even though she suffered daily with her crippling disease, she would never complain or feel sorry for herself. She never asked the question, "Why me God?" and in the end was able to look at death without fear.

My mother used to say that God only gives the pain and suffering to those who can handle it.

Doreen never asked to be sick. This was decided by God before her birth. In God's mercy, he did however bestow upon her a man named Jim Ryan who became her husband for only 9 years. Jim was Doreen's rock and strength to get her through each day.

As her disease progressed and her ability to perform her everyday activities became almost impossible, Jim was always there for her.

Doreen spoke often of the talks she had with Jim about their life together and their plans on their wedding day in comparison to the life they now had due to her illness.

Jim would tell Doreen that the vows said, "for better or worse, in sickness and in health." She was his wife; his best friend and he would never abandon his best friend.

Jim cared for Doreen for 8 years and never once complained. He never shared his burden of pain but bore it silently within himself and how his best friend is gone.

How do we ever find the words to describe such a man? We can only say: Thing of something you couldn't live without…and multiply it by 100.

Think of what happiness means to you…and add it to the feeling you get on the best days you've ever had.

Add up all your best feelings and take away all the rest…And what you are left with is exactly how we feel about you.

You mean more to us than you can ever imagine and much more than we will ever be able to explain.

Jim, you represent the true meaning of unconditional love and the real meaning of the word husband.

We want you to know that you have our undying love for making our Doreen so happy. As bad as her days were she always knew that when evening came that door would open and her strength was home. You gave her so much joy and happiness. Jim, you have a very special place in our family's heart. You will always be our "son" and "brother" for John, Christine, and Jean Ann. You are loved, respected and appreciated and have our unending admiration for the man that you are.

Thank you for the yesterdays, today, and all tomorrows. You will always be a member of our family.

You are one of a kind Jim and our love for you is forever. Thank you Jim, for loving Doreen as you do.