Blessed With An Angel

We were blessed with an Angel just 5 years ago,
Why he was taken we will just never know.
His smile and laugh and baby blue eyes,
Will truly be missed...even his "I'm hurt mommy" cries.
Having such heartache is quite hard to bear,
That's why we're glad that you were all there.
Please hug all your loved ones each and everyday,
So we can feel your support from far away.
May God's blessing be with you with our thanks we try to show,
We were blessed with an Angel just 5 years ago.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
08/01/1998
For Thank You Cards

Special Family

Open up your eyes and you will start to see,
A very special family that’s been looking after of me.
They always come to visit to say a little prayer,
And leave a special gift to show me they still care.
I think about the times we had always playing games,
Oh how I wish sometimes that things could be the same.
An angel of the Lord I am looking down on you,
Trying to answer the prayers you send when you’re feeling blue.
Jesus has a plan inside for each and everyone,
I’ll be waiting here for you when He decides He’s done.
Aunt Bev, Uncle Matt, Lisa and Michael is why this story’s told,
I’m sending hugs and kisses down for each of you to hold.
No matter what each day may bring know that I love you,
I’ll always be right by your side in all the things you do.
So the next time you come to visit look up and you will see,
A little angel named Ryan staring back at thee. 

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
01/29/2004
For Aunt Bev – Uncle Matt – Lisa - Michael

Someday

Here we are standing and looking above,
Praying for you and sending our love.
Another birthday is passing without having you here,
We keep track of them all with each fallen tear.
Today you are eight down here on the earth,
We hope the Angels in heaven are celebrating your birth.
Our messages float on balloons up to you,
Unforgotten memories or perhaps something new.
Some days we think you're around all the time,
It brings smiles to our faces when we find a dime.
Your spirit will forever remain in our heart,
Keeping us sane or from falling apart.
We look up to the stars watching for your light,
Picking out the brightest or the first one in sight.
We will always remember the times that we had,
The good ones, the bad ones or even the sad.
In closing these verses we have one thing to say,
We will always love you until we see you someday.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
002/17/2001
Eight Years Old

One Year

It's now been 1 year since that fateful day,
When your heart stopped and ours raced away.
Searching for answers and looking above,
We grasped at straws then turned to God's love.
There are still many of your things that we keep near,
Touching and holding them wishing you were here.
We know in our hearts you are in a better place,
With lots of new toys and puppies to chase.
Angels are little workers doing all kinds of God's things,
I know you must be quite good at it because now you have wings.
The days remain blurry with each fallen tear,
Remember we still love you year after year.
He shoots he scores was surely heard up in the sky,
The day Jesus drafted our little guy.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
07/28/1999
Missing Ryan

I know...

I know there is a place for me up there,
Because in His word it states he will always care.
I know there is a place that is just for me,
Because He said I would live my life for eternity.
I know there is a place where Angels soar,
Because he said there would be pain no more.
I know there is a place that hatred wont see,
Because He sent His son to die and set me free.
I know there is a place somewhere up above,
Because He promised me His undying love.
I know there is a place waiting there for you,
Because you also sent Him an Angel just from you.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
01/15/2000
For Karen

My Big Brother

Derek it is me your little brother Ry,
Saying waazzup from high up in the sky.
I just wanted to send a message down to you,
Just to let you know that I still miss you too.
I remember the times we would ride in the car,
Then we would get in trouble before going very far.
I tell all my new friends how we would watch cartoons on TV,
And although I was little you still played roller-hockey with me.
I've learned of a new way of life up here above,
It's something you and I started with called brotherly love.
It's ok to be sad every once in awhile,
Just know I love you each time that you smile.
Take care of the Lego's I learned to build with you,
Do the best that you can while you're still in school.
I've joined a new league now that someday you'll be in,
So stay away from trouble and ask for forgiveness if you sin.
No matter how many times we used to argue and fight with one another,
Remember I will always be me and you'll be...My Big Brother.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
04/25/2000
For Derek

No More Cryin'

Gramma please don't cry no more because I'm not alone,
For I am with the Lord now and He is always home.
He brought me to this place and helped me understand,
I have a lot of work to do in this Promised Land.
Close your eyes for a moment and picture the most beautiful things of all,
They still will not compare to what's behind these golden walls.
My toys are never broken and the candy is much sweeter,
You may find this hard to believe but my room is even neater.
I get to see all kinds of people who date throughout earth's history,
When we are back together again it will no longer be a mystery.
Grampa D is with me too he is really funny,
He tells me about the time that he first called you honey.
Even GG watches over me like all good mothers do,
She talks about stories of when you were little too.
So dry your eyes of saddened thoughts there will be no more cryin',
This was sent to you with love from your grandson Ryan.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/18/2000
For Gramma D

All You Need To Know

Gramma and Pa it is me your Angel Ryan in the sky,
It's ok I'm better now so you don't need to cry.
I like where I live now and I see you everyday,
When I've finished all my work there is lots of time to play.
I've learned my ABC's real well and still sing quite often too,
If you hear someone whistle it's me sending my love to you.
I remember playing out back and coming in like I was covered up in soot,
Then you would clean me up real good and call me your "Sugar Foot".
I found more Grandmas here in heaven and we are never sad,
There are even a couple Grandpas with one who's named just like my dad.
I like to think about the times that I was being good,
Then Pa would show me how to make bird houses out of wood.
I will send you kisses down to place upon your lips,
They will be as sweet as candy like your cookies with chocolate chips.
Angels have a message to send so listen to what they say,
Ask Jesus for forgiveness and don't forget to pray.
I'll be waiting here for you to show you where to go,
But for now I send God's love and that's all you need to know.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
03/22/2000
For Gramma & Pa

Love From Above

      I see you Uncle George working down below,
      Measuring and cutting things like your preparing for a show.
      You measure twice and cut it once so that it is just right,
      You sand and stain and sand again and then seal it up tight.
      The beauty of your workmanship is very plain to see,
      You put your heart into your craft this we all agree.
      Jesus is very happy you work like He once did before,
      He said to send His love the next time I come to watch some more.
      I often sit and wonder how you create the things you do,
      My Father here in Heaven tells me it's a gift He gave to you.
      He said there is no greater person who toils with his hands,
      Then turns around and gives his gift to the brotherhood of man.
      The other Angels here with me give thanks for all you've done,
      We've seen the things that you have made and have enjoyed every one.
      Remember this the next time you're making beauty for all to see,
      I'm your nephew Ryan sending Gods love down to thee.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/07/2000
For Uncle George

The Day He Went Away

The day he went away my heart skipped a beat,
With no other event in my life will that day compete.
Others may say they know just how you feel,
Unless this has happened to them their pain is not for real.
To lose a loved one is suppose to be a lesson to be learned,
When it's a child it's like blowing out a candle before it's burned.
Unanswered questions will forever run through your head,
Could it be my fault for something I did or said.
There is only one being who holds these truths,
For He is the one who cares for our fallen youths.
You may not believe there is someone with such power,
But you will find comfort from Him in your darkest hour.
It does no good to wear anger upon ones sleeve,
Just trust in the Lord and tell him you believe.
Keep all of your memories both good and bad,
It's ok to have bad days to cry and be sad.
I'll forever miss Ryan until my dying day,
For part of me went with him...The Day He Went Away.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
03/25/2000
Missing Ryan

Message To You

To Uncle Dennis, Aunt Tina and Cousin Dana too,
Here's a little message sent from me to you.
I'll forever love you from the bottom of my heart,
Whenever you may think of me don't let the teardrops start.
For I am truly Home now and wish that you could see,
I get to walk with Jesus and He takes care of me.
With wings upon my shoulders I get to fly all around the sun,
And when He isn't looking I sometimes fly upside down for fun.
It is always sunny here and it is really cool,
You'll never guess what I have now...Yep it is a pool!
Do not worry anymore for everything is alright,
Mother Mary watches over me when I go to bed at night.
There are so many things for me to do each and every day,
For I must be a shepherd and herd up the sheep who go astray.
So listen to my message that I've sent down to you,
I'm your Angel Ryan, watching all the things you do.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
03/11/2000

I Am Not There

To Uncle Mark, Aunt Renay and little Corey too,
Even though I am not there I send my love to you.
I see the Lord has blessed you with another little guy,
Tell him I'm his cousin Ryan and I live up in the sky.
Tell him of the stories of how me and Corey used to play,
Tell him I watch over him all throughout the day.
Give a hug to Corey and don't let him be sad,
Have him learn of Jesus and how God is His dad.
Aunt Renay I miss you too and wish that you could see,
I have special wings now and fly down to give you hugs for free.
Uncle Mark I say to you do not shed a tear,
I have a secret for you, they have hockey here.
My spirit is all around you now to show how much I care,
I'll forever love you all even though I am not there.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/25/2000

Forwarded Prayers

Uncle Steve I'm watching you from way up high above,
But I'm not to far away from you to send you down my love.
Some days when I have finished all the work that I must do,
I sneak down from heaven to come and visit you.
I remember how you used to make me laugh while we were at play,
Then we would take a break for jelly sandwiches just around midday.
I see there is another, who has come into your life,
I hear her name is Carma and soon she will be your wife,
I know she has a little boy named Joseph for a son,
Look after him like you once did me and show him lots of fun.
God will be watching over you as you all join your hearts together,
He will always be there for you in all kinds of stormy weather.
So say your prayers for me to Jesus and look up to the stars and see,
They will twinkle brightly for you when he forwards them to me.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/27/2000

Angel In The Sky

Mr. Doug. Miss Terry, Joy and little Bridgette,
I will always remember you even big 'ole Kizmet.
I'll forever miss our time together because it was so fun,
Especially on the slot machine Mr. Doug rigged so that I won.
Miss Terry I send my love to you for watching me at play,
Reminding me to watch for "cars" is what you'd always say.
Mr. Doug thank you too for all that you have done,
You treated me just as though I could have been your son.
Joy the next time you see a ladybug flying in the air,
Know it's sent with all my love because I truly care.
Bridgette you may not remember me because you where so small,
I have been watching over you since you began to crawl.
I just want you all to know that I'm an Angel in the sky,
Sending Gods love down to you each time you think that you may cry,
With outstretched wings around you all I send my hugs to you,
Remember Jesus loves you and so does your Angel Ryan too. 

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
011/13/2000

Ryan Said

I have been watching all the things that you do,
Now I see you all dressed in a uniform of blue.
You graduated today from a goal that you set,
Following through with a commitment the Lord won't forget.
You have taken an oath to protect and to serve,
I will be watching your backside around every bend and curve.
I am so proud of all the things that you have done,
Remember to play it safely as you greet the morning's sun.
I can no longer give you a charm or a locket,
Or some lucky piece to carry in your pocket.
However there is something that an Angel can send to you,
It's the love of Jesus to last your whole life through.
So say your prayers to Him each night before you go to bed,
Then think of these words that your cousin Ryan has said.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
12/02/2000
For Dana
Graduating from Detroit Police Academy

The Candy Lady

I wake up in the morning and jump out of bed,
When thoughts of candy start to fill my head.
What time will she open I really don't know.
So I run over to the boats to ask Mr. Joe.
With a jingle of keys and the creak of the door,
"Hey Mom and dad can I have some money, she just opened the store.
Pick out the candy and get ready to pay.
Did you have your breakfast first is what she would say.
Fishing and swimming are fun you'll agree.
But nothing compares to the candy lady Miss Dee.
Those days in "my campground" I truly did love.
But now I'm in Heaven and look down from above.
Remember me often in all that you do.
My name is RYAN and I'll always love you.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
07/31/1999

Just Once More

The walls are closing in now I have no place to run,
It's time to face reality that I have lost my youngest son.
Each morning when I wake up the tears begin to fall,
I often think back to the day that he began to crawl.
I try to put away the sorrow of him no longer being near,
Then sadness fills my heart again, I miss that he's not here.
Screws and nails can drive themselves, the job will no longer be quite right,
He no longer fills the space next to me when I crawl in bed at night.
The leaves have all fallen now there is no beauty left today,
Oh how I long to hear his laughter when he was at play.
I even wish for times when he got in trouble from mischief,
Now all I can do is collect the tears in my handkerchief.
Hot Wheel cars and air guitars was something that we would do,
If you ever met him he would bring a smile to you too.
I pray my soul the Lord will take when death knocks upon my door,
So when I get to Heaven I can be with my little buddy...Just Once More.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
11/17/1998
Missing Ryan

Number Thirty-Four

I pick up a rock and smash up my car,
That's ok if it won't roll very far.
It's for a demo can't you see,
Number thirty-four is the one for me.
Hey Mr. Butch I yell to the pits,
I put on his yellow helmet and pretend that it fits.
It may seem funny that I don't drive,
But I'm up in Heaven and I'm only five.
With wings on my back up high I can fly,
I'm part of the team now..."Eye in the Sky".
Butch is the driver and CJ the crew,
Miss Ann saves me a seat and Melissa yells boo.
Clarence and me look down from Above,
Watching your back and sending our love.
The next time you race good luck to you too,
But if you win tell them Ryan helped you.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
07/02/1999

Just Ask

Why must I be the one to die and leave this earthly place,
What things have I done wrong to fall into God's disgrace.
I am just a little child starting life out small,
I just started to learn to walk and before that only crawl.
My heart has not been hardened by this world full of sin,
I never made it to the starting line so now I'll never win.
I was taught that Jesus loved me right from the very start,
When He took away my life it was like an arrow through my heart.
Then an Angel came to me and softly did he sing,
All about God's Grace and then gave me golden wings.
He told me I was needed and there was work to do,
For Jesus brought me home to Him to prepare a place for you.
How wonderful the day is with sun and singing birds,
At night we hear of God's plan for you through St. Peter's spoken words.
The trumpets are a blazing and the end is drawing near,
Take warning of my message that I have written here.
Jesus loves each one of you and is willing to forgive,
Just ask for it in His name and eternal life is what you'll live.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
02/25/2000
Missing Ryan

NO RAGE

The sun comes up the sun goes down,
Things aren't the same without my son around.
The bushes grow taller and grass grows green,
My roots are now shorter, I've lost half of my dream.
The rain falls downward all over the place,
Just like the tears that moisten my face.
Seasons change from summer to fall,
Time now stands still with no change at all.
Heartache inside me with no end in sight,
Put my faith in the Lord to make things alright.
There are feelings of joy with the memories I hold,
Hidden by sadness when his story is told.
Blue skies above me not a cloud in the sky,
Just like the blue I remember in his eye.
Kool-aid stains remain on the rug,
He sends us his love on the wings of a bug.
Put away all the computers and cell phones alike,
Drift back to the days of him riding his bike.
If you see me smile as I pass someone by,
Know my thoughts are of my little guy.
I'll end this one here with no anger or rage,
I'll save that for the next time on some other page.

Written by;
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
08/22/2000
Missing Ryan

Lesson From Dad

Jesus loves me this I know,
For my daddy told me so.
He said he read it inside a Book,
In the Gospels is where you need to look.
Well on the day that my spirit flew,
I felt like I was born brand new.
There were Angels who held my hand,
They led me to some Promised Land.
With outstretched arms there stood someone,
The Angels called Him the only Son.
A hug He gave to me that day,
Welcome home is all He'd say.
Then all the Angels began to sing,
And I was given a pair of wings.
The Son held me close and said you must never leave us,
For I truly do love you and you can call me Jesus.
Right then I was no longer scared or sad,
For I remember hearing this in a lesson from my dad.

Written by:
Don Maikowski
(Ryan's Dad Forever)
011/21/2000
Missing Ryan

A Tribute To Ryan Maikowski

Meet Me at the pond, I'll be there
Meet me at the lake , I'll be there.
See the starts twinkle in the sky?
That's me Mom and Dad
just saying "Hi"!

When the wind blows and the grass grows
or the clouds go rolling by,
Remember me, your loving son
at the tender age of five.

If you spend a quarter in the arcade,
know it's a game that I once played.
While on the lake if you catch a big fish,
know it's wish luck that I had wished.

From the ice cream cones
and the pine tree cones
to the candy in the store,
the demolition derby
and car number thirty four...

From my Red Wing jersey
and collectible cards,
my wooden whistle
and my matchbox cars,

I'm Ryan Maikowski
turn around and you'll see...

I'm the angel with the red wings
watching over River Valley

Written by:
Linda Schwarm
August "98"