Bryon Carter

Bryon's Love Story:

Our fragile lives begin with a blessing from God, his blessing is love, a gift that marks our beginning on earth. With his love, God then calls on his family to strengthen, grow and maintain this love for all. God's family has surrounded our dear Bryon with caring love for 35 years. Bryon at three months old had a near crib death putting him in the hospital for nearly a month. As a young couple we were so broken and so full of fear of the unknown with Bryon's brain trauma. However, we were quickly surrounded by family,and friends, and God sent his family from Fellowship Reformed Church to be at our side. Since those early days our family has never felt alone again, God's made sure we were surrounded by his love. Our Fellowship family, along with our close friends, quickly blessed Bryon with a therapy team that worked with him daily for months providing physical therapy. To this day, 35 years later, this group of ladies remain Carol's closest friends and advocates for Bryon. A true story of steadfast, non-yielding love. Because of brain trauma, he was introduced to the Ottawa Area Center infant program at the age of five months old and then spent the next 26 years with a wonderful staff that put their heart and soul into caring for Bryon and others like him. Because of their hard work. Bryon was able to develop physically and mentally with a personality that would brighten your darkest days. He was loved by all, but more importantly, he was able to send that love back with his beautiful smile and for some, a kiss. We thank you, OAC staff, for bringing so much fun and happiness into Bryon's life. We have so many fond memories of Prom, Spring Fling, Christmas programs, road trip outings, special projects and get-to-gethers at the Carter Kids' house. After graduating from the OAC, Bryon joined another great group of people at Community Base Education where he spent three days a week for the last nine years being a part of their daily support and development program. Bryon loved his time at Fellowship Reformed Church where he had so many caring friends. He loved coming through the doors and being greeted by so many, and we all know how much he loved the music. Our dear son, we and so many others are going to miss you always having the last word at the Benediction of the service with your big and loud Amens. Pastor Jim is going to miss his Crop Walk partner of 30 years. Friends and neighbors, thank you for always having an open heart for Bryon and extending the first word of hello to him. You all know how much he liked responding to everyone. We have great memories we will cling to with neighborhood summer end parades, kids knocking at the door to take Bryon for a walk or wanting to read him a story. How special it was in 2005 when you made Bryon a book called "Bryon's Neighborhood," plus so much more. Thank You All! As a family, Bryon leaves his sister and brother-in-law, brother and sister-in-law and our grand kids with so many fun and beautiful times growing up together. Vacationing up north, Disney World, Disney Cruise, and so many vacations from the west to the east. You were always 100% of every thing we did together, never being left behind, even when Uncle Louie had to carry you up the mountains of Colorado on his back, what a beautiful life for such beautiful person. We are so glad that God gave you to us and graced us with your presence. We've watched you over the years in how you were a great teacher of love and inspiration for adults and children. We have so many memories of the lessons in life we have all learned, just because of you. If people could only have recognized how much you understood, yet could not always communicate back. Your love will be etched in our hearts forever. Sadly, only God understands the love we've shared as parents of a special needs son for 35 years and how it's so very hard to let you go. You will truly be in our hearts forever, missing our daily routines of music, TV programs (Judge Judy), gardening (yelling at the birds) and one of your big time favorites (road trips with Mom & Dad). After your passing on 3/16, we will remember you in our reading of John 3:16, " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The following personal testimony is just an example of how Bryon's life touched the lives of the people that loved him.

"I am hesitant to share a personal story with you via email, as it is very informal method of communication. However, you have all been very heavy on my heart and mind so I wanted to share...as much for you as for me.

In the last few years I have had a strong desire to make a career change and work with those in need. In particular the world's poor. Todd and I are avidly seeking out opportunities to move abroad, but to a less developed country. With three young children the timing isn't quite right, so we are just keeping our hearts and minds open as we pursue this journey. As this is not a popular decision for many of our loved ones, I have given it a lot of thought as to why I would like to do it. Truly there are a multitude of reasons, but one reason in particular I would like to share with you and that's the role Bryon has played in my life.

I really don't have a memory without Bryon in it. One of my very first memories is being locked in your house, by myself, with Pogie. Do you remember that? I think I was two. Anyway, I think that speaks to what an important role your family has played in my life.

Bryon was one of my very first friends. I don't think I ever really realized the true physical limitations he had until I was much older. He was just Bryon. He was always happy. Always loving. Always enjoyed being around people, music, outside, animals....he lived life and enjoyed life the way we all want to. Bryon gave me the gift of humanity, very early on. He taught me that all people, were in fact, people. Even if their legs didn't work. Even if their skin color was different. Even if they couldn't talk....they were still people. When my grandmother went into a nursing home it scared me initially. She couldn't talk, she was in a wheelchair, she needed help constantly. However, because I had a friend who was like her, I was able to put any fear I might have had aside and still love her. She showed me constantly how much it meant to her. I have Bryon to thank for that.

Bryon taught me more about people, humanity, generosity and connectedness with one single word, than any other person could teach me in a lifetime. I learned much more from him, than he ever learned from me.

I am so grateful he was in my life. I am so thankful for both of you for treating him just as you did Kim and Johnny. All children and people are the same. Thank you for modeling how to parent, how to love unconditionally and sharing your loving child with me. I am eternally grateful he was a part of my life and he will continue to always be."

Love, prayers and thoughts,

Shannan Conrad (Wall)

Bryon Scott Carter, passed away March 16, 2013. Born in Holland, Michigan October 4, 1977, Bryon passed away with his loving family surrounding him at Great Lakes Specialty Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bryon died due to a lengthy lung issue.

He was a member of Fellowship Reformed Church for 35 years and graduated in 2004 from the Ottawa Area Center and attended Community Based Education. Bryon, with having special needs, was the love of our life, and will be sadly missed by many. He was always an inspiration to those around him with his beautiful smile and great personality. He was a great teacher of life.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Raymond Fields, John and Glenadine Carter and Earl Zimmerman.

He is survived by parents John & Carol Carter of Holland; sister Kimberly (Matt) Kietzman, Springfield, Illinois; brother, John (Carla) Carter, Holland; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins and grandmother, Ethel Fields of Holland.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 23, 2013 at 1:00 pm at Fellowship Reformed Church, 300 North 168th Street. Officiating will be the Revs. James Baar and Brian Keepers. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Friday March 22, 2013 at Fellowship Reformed Church.

Memorial gifts may be made to Fellowship Reformed Church Music Program or directed to the Carter family for special needs children in the OAC program.

Arrangements are by the Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes Inc 295 Douglas Ave.

For more information please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com