After many hours of labor, and one last eager sigh…
Our baby boy named Colter Ryan was born into our lives.
As the doctor laid you gently, crying softly on my chest…
I cried too, because I knew that we had all been blessed.

‘DaDa’ was your very first word, while you were still quite small…
Bubble baths in the kitchen sink; splashing, giggling…having a ball!
You were mama’s precious angel, and your daddy’s little cowpoke…
You gave us many butterfly kisses and loved to snuggle up real close.

Grandma taught you nursery rhymes. You knew each and every one…
We video-taped most everything, for you were our darling son!
Started swimming lessons in summer…up at grandpas one July…
By the end of the two weeks you were a guppy swimming by!

How your laughter was always infectious; nearly rolling on the ground…
Holding your belly, brown eyes twinkling; brought out chuckles all around.
Always loving to our cats and dogs, tenderly kissing them on the nose…
Playing with them or watching them play; you kept each other on your toes.

You made our holidays so special; we loved to watch you deck the tree…
Christmas mornings’ joyful question….What has Santa brought for me?
Your birthday wasn’t just your birthday…but also Valentine’s Day….
Not only enjoying heart cards and candy, but a party and some cake!

Though you’ve tested out our patience, at different times throughout your life…
It never took too long before you would come and apologize.
Colt, you’ve always been tender-hearted, always generous with everything.
You loved spending time together; doing things with dad, with me.

We will cherish countless memories of these last sweet eighteen years…
Our Colter Ryan, beloved son, whom in our hearts we hold so dear.
Words could never express how proud we are to share with you, this day…
This, your High School Graduation; and to God we give our praise!