Ryan Beaulieu, Eileen Burke's Son: A Short, Extraordinary Life

"The Earth speaks. It speaks to us through its most precious manifestation, It speaks through nature. .. All worries gone with these sounds, every problem solved, every answer found. All it takes is time, just listen." -- Excerpt from a poem written by Ryan Beaulieu earlier this year, Eileen Burke's son, published in Akira Literary Magazine in New Mexico during his senior year of high school.

When we announced Ray Polk's accomplishment (Susan Corey's son) a couple days ago, we asked that you tell us about the accomplishments of your teenaged or 20-something child -- those of which you're particularly proud -- so that we can vicariously share your thrills. Eileen Burke (76) emailed to tell us about her extraordinary son, Ryan Beaulieu, and the pride he brought his whole family during his short life.

Ryan died in a tragic automobile accident on August 28, 2005 when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer. He was 17 years old and had just begun his freshman year at the University of New Mexico.

A member of the Audubon Society, Ryan received national recognition and awards for the rosy finch migration research project that he spearheaded in the Sandia Mountains. He was an avid birder and environmentalist who, from a very early age, developed a true love and respect for other human beings, nature, and the environment. He believed that "the only way people can truly love God is to truly love the Earth." You can see that love and inner joy in his photos. Click here to learn more about Ryan. You'll quickly understand why Eileen will forever remain proud and grateful for the time she had with her extraordinary son.

"He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has enjoyed the trust of pure women, the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction." -- Betty Anderson Stanley, 1904, reprinted by the syndicated advice columnist Ann Landers, March 11, 1995.

Comments

[Doreen Trevino White]

Eileen, you know how I feel about your son. I am still at a lost on how to comfort you. I pray that the strength you have shown through this ordeal and the love you have for Dylan will sustain you. I am always here to lend an ear. love you, doreen

[Nina Pierce Baker]

Dear Eileen,

Your son lived a lot of life in his 17 years and made quite an impact on many people. I am sure that you are quite proud of him. He was very mature & wise for his age and his contributions to the community were a testament to his character. Know that you did a wonderful job raising such a fine young man. My heart aches for you, Nina

[Yolanda Fisherman Santana]

Hi Eileen,

I was very touched by this story. I too experienced a neighbor's son who was killed in a car accident. This young man was like my own. Our family had known him since 2nd grade and he was killed in a car accident his senior year. He was also an extraordinary young man. He was both of my sons best friend. He travelled with us and was very much a part of our family. We miss him dearly. Reading the story, I can feel Ryan's warmth and spirit. I too love birds and nature. Somtimes in life, we are given a chapter that we don't understand or can't accept. It's not until later are we able to reconcile or understand the faith that has been given to us. People like Ryan live freely and ultimately enjoyed life to the very best. They always say, the good dies young.