What more can be said? Happy Birthday Ryan!!

There will be a lot written about September 11, 2001 today, but I think there will be very little that hasn't been said, written, thought about. So today I'm going to celebrate life while honoring the loss of same.

Today is my son-in-law Ryan's birthday and that is what we are going to be focusing on. Happy Birthday, Ryan...I don't think my daughter could have chosen any better. Love, da Muddle in Law

While looking for all the ingredients that will be part of what Ryan wanted for his birthday, to sleep as long as he liked and then, basically, staying home and doing nothing except being with his family (hey, I can't tell the plans, he reads my blog), I came across a figure of Astro Boy, who, for some reason, reminds me of Ryan, which he may or may not consider a good thing.
 

If you aren't familiar with Astro Boy, this is his story below, taken from his website. It seems entirely right for both Ryan's birthday and some somber reflection of a more modern day memory of a tragedy. We need more Ryan's and more Astro Boy's. And that's what I think about that

Astro's Story

"In the year 2000, robot technology has advanced to an astounding level. Robot workers are common, and can be found performing duties in virtually every occupation around the world, from factory workers, to fireman and even nurses.
Doctor Boyton is the Head for the Ministry of Science. A brilliant professor who is dedicated to his work. For months, Doctor Boyton has been trying to create a new type of robot; A robot with a soul, a robot capable of human emotions. After many failed attempts, his son, Toby, suggests that his father creats a "boy robot". Inspired by his son's idea, Doctor Boyton relaunches his research with new found enthusiasm.
Unfortunately, Doctor Boyton's obsession with his research causes him to miss a lot of time with Toby. After breaking too many fatherly promises, Toby runs away from home and is tragically killed in a car accident. Doctor Boyton, driven mad by his grief, goes on to secretly complete his robot with a soul in the likeness of his son.

This robot, is AstroBoy. A thinking, caring robot with a heart and soul.

Living with his newly built parents "Mum" and "Dad" his sister Uran and his dog Jump, AstroBoy lives his life as normal and happily as he can. He goes to school and has made many friends along the way. However having the abilities that he does, it is sometimes hard to stay out of trouble. Especially after he finds out that he has a brother by the name of Atlas, who has a hatred for humans and the way they treat the robots of the world. Using this hatred, Atlas tries to eliminate the human race.

AstroBoy, along with Doctor Elefun, are sometimes asked to lend a hand to help where they can. This can lead them into catastrophe and peril. Although with a lot of effort and a bit of luck, they manage to make it through in the end. Most of the time."

Astro Boy's creator says:

"What I try to appeal through my works is simple. The opinion is just a simple message that follows: "Love all the creatures! Love everything that has life"! I have been trying to express this message in every one of my works. Though it has taken the different forms like "the presentation of nature" "the blessing of life" "the suspicion on too much science oriented civilisation" anti war and so on." 

 

So as you go about your own September 11th, 2010, have courage and share love. That really is what it's all about.