Dawns | Luke Hughes

Epilogue: Blue's Farewell

"Ladies and gentlemen, family, and friends,

Today, we gather in solemn remembrance to pay tribute to a beautiful soul, Colton Ryder, affectionately known to me as Blue. Each of you has been touched by the radiance of her spirit, and as we come together, let us reflect on the countless ways in which she enriched our lives.

In the tapestry of our existence, Blue was a vivid thread, weaving joy, love, and laughter into the very fabric of our shared experiences. Her presence was a beacon of light, and her absence leaves a void that seems immeasurable. Yet, as we navigate the depths of sorrow, let us also celebrate the extraordinary person she was.

As we gather today, our hearts are heavy with the unexpected departure of a vibrant soul, let us not only mourn her absence but also celebrate the serendipity that brought her into our lives. Blue's journey into the realm of hockey, an arena she initially entered by chance, turned out to be a twist of fate that brought joy, love, and unforgettable moments.

I remember the day Blue was dragged to a hockey game, not out of her passion for the sport, but as a gesture of friendship to support her best friend Nico. Little did she know that the cold embrace of the rink would introduce her to a world of shared excitement, camaraderie, and love.

I met Blue on a day when the sun painted the sky with hues of warmth and hope. The day where I met the love of my life. From that moment, our lives became intertwined in a dance of love, laughter, and shared dreams. Blue was not just a lover; she was my confidante, my partner in crime, and the keeper of my heart. The nickname "Blue" encapsulated her essence—a cascade of emotions that ranged from the serene calmness of azure to the electric vibrancy of cobalt.

Blue had an innate ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. Whether it was a spontaneous road trip to a book store hours away which she would play Taylor Swift the whole road trip claiming 'Taylor is just a road trip vibe', a quiet evening in her bedroom while she nursed a migraine, or simply sharing stories over a cup of coffee with my family, every moment with her felt like a page torn from a cherished novel. She had a way of making the mundane magical, infusing every day with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of life.

Blue's journey led her from the captivating lights of Broadway to the hallowed stage of 'Hamilton,' where her voice resonated not only in the heart of the theater but in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness her artistry.

I remember the first time I heard Blue's voice soar through the rafters of the theater. It was as if the very air vibrated with the magic she conjured with each note. Blue wasn't just a singer; she was a storyteller, a weaver of emotions who brought the characters to life in a way that transcended the confines of the stage.

As we mourn the silencing of Blue's earthly voice, let us remember the resonance it created within the hearts of those who had the privilege of hearing it. Her voice wasn't just a melody; it was a conduit for emotion, a vessel through which she communicated the depths of the human experience.

Her laughter, a melodic symphony, echoed in the corridors of our shared history. It was infectious, a tonic that could heal the wounds of a difficult day. I can still hear it, like a cherished melody playing softly in the recesses of my mind, a reminder of the joy she brought into our lives.

Blue was not just a lover; she was a pillar of strength and kindness. Her heart was a sanctuary, open to all who sought solace. Her compassion knew no bounds, and she had a remarkable ability to see the beauty in people, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. Blue was a healer, mending the broken with words of comfort and understanding.