Pictures Worth Way More Than a Thousand Words

It's now been two weeks since Peyton died. I don't yet have the words to describe or even the clarity to fully make sense of what it is like without our little boy. I find I'm often torn between trying to remember so I won't ever forget, and not trying to think about him being gone so I don't lose it like I imagine I would. Until I figure that one out, I've been working on gathering some of my favorite pictures of Peyton's last weeks.


It all started November 2nd when his P.E. teacher approached me after school and said "Mrs. Ricker, Peyton fell today. He's fine, but we couldn't figure it out. He was standing, and just fell."

6 weeks and 4 hours later he passed away. All of these pictures were taken during those 6 weeks...

Waiting to be on the morning announcements to receive his reading team shirt
The day he was presented his printed book, adopted manatee certificate, and this guy, who he named Nicky. Two of the last pictures we have of Peyton with a natural smile.

Why was he smiling? Because he was hiding under the slide and tossing pebbles onto unsuspecting siblings and cousins as they came down.

A group of clowns volunteered their time and came to Peyton's birthday party. We had been worried about Peyton feeling sad about not being able to do much but these clowns saved the day. Within minutes the 2,327 little kids were all adequately equipped with balloon swords and fabulous apparel. Our last family picture just after Peyton's baptism.

Peyt was baptized on a Sunday just after our regular meetings. He kept asking if it was time yet. He was so excited.

Peyton's P.E. teachers stocked he and Trey (who had long since joined in on the 2nd graders class) with lego sets to work on when the rest of the kids were doing activities he wasn't able to participate in. This time was SO important and special to Trey.After Peyt could no longer attend school I would take him up occasionally to go to class, lunch, the library, music and most often P.E. Why? Because of this ridiculous game...

After this busy day Peyton was exhausted. He was laying on the couch while we worked to get everyone settled and dinner ready. As I walked back and forth for different reasons through our living room I caught bits of what was I realize was a monumental effort to make it over to the duffle bag on our stairs and get suited up in this... I remember how his sweet little body felt at this moment.