Christopher Ryan "Chris" Ritchie

My friend died last December and wasn't able to get a burial due to the circumstances, so i walk the cemetery finding people her age and i sit at their graves. Maybe this is odd, but i always stop and visit Richie and chat for a moment, so i thought id find his family to pay my respects. I hope you all are doing okay <3

18 years seems like forever ago I got to hug you but the day you died feels like yesterday. I love just as much as the first time I saw you. You made me a momma for the first time. I got to do all things mommas of boys get to do. I loved it all. Thank you for being part of my earthly journey. Until I can run into your arms I´ll keep you in my heart.

I miss you and miss my hugs since I didn't
have a daddy to give me hugs. Remember?

No farewell words were spoken. No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. I love you, aunt Linda.

I have been thinking of you lately. The times we had at Preston on Lake Texoma. The nights we would stay up late and go swimming and talking for hours. How we would be so far apart during the school years but each Summer... we knew where we would be... and we would always have each other...I miss you, my friend. I miss your smile and your laughter... Keep watching over me.. I love you.

I remember you bringing Chris into the office. He was so little then. So sorry your time was cut short with him. take peace in knowing he is in a better place and you will see him again in heaven.

Wow, what a wonderful Sunday being in touch with you through the psychic in Frisco. You touched my heart when you said you felt bad that you left us suddenly in the accident without time to prepare for your passing. You knew how hard that was for us. Always thinking of others my sweet boy.

I was comforted by you telling us you were in an amazing amazing place and that your faith allowed you to enter there. You admitted you had lost some faith but was gaining it back before the accident and that's why you were allowed to come to the amazing place where you are growing and learning.

I was in complete utter amazement when you said you knew of Katie's pink and white wedding and Jesse. You said you were responsible for hooking them up and you knew Jesse was a good man with good roots to take care of her.

It was good to have confirmation that you are with us still just in a different energy. My energy and soul is renewed just visualizing your wonderful smile, strong bear hugs and always saying "Goodnight momma I love you." I can't wait to visit with you again.

You've been on my mind more than usual. When I see some child struggling to fit in the expected norm my heart breaks. When we're planning Katie's wedding, I'm thinking of you too. I know you will be celebrating with us. One tradition is to have the brother of the bride escort her mother. If I walk down the aisle physically by myself I know you will be there. I will not be hesitant because I know I am not alone. We will have a place for you there. It will say "I know you'd be here if heaven wasn't so far away". It will be for you, mammaw, papaw and the granddad you and Katie never knew. Luv You

there isn't a day goes by i don't think of chris. a life cut far too short with too much potential. I love you with all my heart Chris I always will

I wish you knew how much I still miss you. You always made me smile. i have never had a better friend then you and I probally never will. I think of you everyday. You will always have a special place in my heart. I love you.

I remember the first time Glenda brought Chris to work. He was just so precious and loving. He ran all over the office and the look on Glenda's face was one of the deepest love you could ever see in a Mom's face. What a precious gift.

Although I did not know Chris I extend to you my deepest sympathy Something that has helped me in times of distress is reading Jehovah's Word, the Bible, which assures: "There will be a resurrection" (Acts 24:15). May this divine hope comfort you during this difficult time.

Chris was so good with our Sunday School Class. He accepted everyone as an equal and all the class members loved him and looked forward to seeing him. He also made me feel special. I always felt better after seeing and visiting with him.

I will always remember Chris for having that wonderful smile. He would take everyone in his heart and I will always love him. I wish I could have spent more time with him. I wanted to laugh with him and be with him when he was sad. I wish you peace and tranquility and you will never be away from the people that loved you.

Oh this is the Chris I remember... I first moved into the neighborhood and he was a greeter, the first person I met. Not only did Tim and I meet him but he made friends with our kids. Jessica and Lauren hold very fond memories of Chris. I have to laugh because he would come by my house on his way home and tell me things, that im sure he would know I would tell Glenda. But he would tell me anyway. Wow, kids will make you shake your head, bow your head, but always love them. Because they are yours. Thank You Joe, Glenda and Katie for letting Tim, Jessie, Lauren and Myself to be part of your family. We will remember Chris, for the young man he was. We love you all, and think about you.

The saying goes that it isn't the years on the tombstone but the dash in between that represents the life and legacy of a person. As short of a life as it was for Chris, it was one full of LOVE, JOY and HAPPINESS given and received. Every time I think of him, I laugh at how mischievous, innocent and sweet he could be all at the same time. That is the Chris we all will always remember.

Awesome book ! He was a very handsome guy. I'm sure he was lucky to have you both. And you were lucky to have him, I just wish you had more time with him. Love ya

Chris was so full of life and so happy to be around people. I miss him so very much and will never forget the day I met him. He could sure make his Uncle Jerry laugh. He brought many happy moments to Joe, Glenda and Katie's lives.

Once he asked me why I didn't have a "Daddy." I explained that not everyone had a "Daddy" and I just happened to be one of those people. He asked "Who gives you hugs and kisses?" I told him I just accepted them from whoever offered and he told me he would make sure I always had them and he kept his word. From that day forward I received a hug and a kiss from Chris. I feel so blessed to have heard that last "I love you Aunt Linda." I knew that God had a purpose for Chris the day he saved a little boy from drowning at the pool, nearly drowning himself and when he saved his Mom, Dad and Katie when the toaster over caught the kitchen on fire. He was sooo special.

Chris was always the first one out of the door to greet us when we came to visit. He was incredibly hospitable to his younger cousins, entertaining them, taking them for 4-wheeler rides. I'll never forget that he carved Halloween Jack-o-lanterns with my kids while Glenda and I picked up the flowers for Mama's funeral.