When we are young, many of us have faith that we will reach old age having lived our lives to the fullest.
For thirty-three year old, Ryan Jessen, that dream was tragically cut short. Ryan passed away after suffering a massive brain hemorrhage last year.
Ryan spent his last days at Rideout Memorial Hospital in Marysville, California where he was surrounded by his loved ones.
Throughout his life, Ryan was loved and cherished by those who knew him well. One of his most loyal supporters was his beloved dog, Mollie. His most faithful companion, Mollie showered her owner with daily love and affection.
His entire family respected the special bond between the two and knew that Mollie would be crushed, as they were, by his absence.
Ryan’s sister, Michelle, shared, “The hospital did the sweetest thing for us and allowed us to bring my brother’s dog in to say ‘goodbye’...if you knew my brother, he really loved his sweet dog.”
Mollie and Ryan’s final moments together were caught on a touching video which has gone viral.
In the video, Ryan’s mother holds Mollie close to her beloved son and gently tells her, “say ‘Bye, Bye’ daddy Ryan.” His father lovingly strokes his son’s head and can be heard encouraging Mollie to, “smell him” and say goodbye.
Through tears and intense grief, this family pulled together to be there for Ryan until the very end. Ryan’s final farewell with his beloved pet was the last kindness they could offer.
Indeed, sharing love, a deep support and warmth towards each other, comes in many forms: family, friends and often, if we are lucky enough, through the enduring loyalty of man’s best friend.