Ryan "Dolla" Bell Memorial Dog tag

Ryan was in his last year at Cascade High School, graduation Class of 2024
He was tragically taken in a single car accident in the early hours of July 31, 2023. It was a devastating loss for his family and friends and to those whose life he had touched. He will never have the chance to know just how much he blessed so many lives, but it can be shown through the stories and actions of those that knew him.

His loss will remain a painful memory for many, however, if anyone knows Ryan, they know he would not want them to stop living because he passed. The stories from loved ones of times he impacted their lives are astounding.

I hope his mom Denise is able to have some peace with the knowledge that Ryan is still being there for those that carry his memorial with them. They have their friend, anytime and anywhere they just need to see him.

While I am not trying to take anything away from Dolla, I am going to include how to have a memorial tag created for a lost one that you would like memorialized in the same manner.

If you or someone you know has suffered a loss and would like something like this, please direct them to me. I will do my best to honor the person they are for, and help the family get a memorial they can place anywhere they need.

For initial order of first new tag:
1 side engraved: $20 for first & $30 for front and back, this includes all work to get the picture edited and ready for engraving, as well as pulling it all together.

Additional tags:
Local
1 side: $10
Front and back: $15

Shoppy
1 side: $11.50
Front and back: $16.50

The additional will cover S&H

Please know the words below are my thoughts and experiences that lead me to creating memorial tags. I share this in hopes that if you are looking, there may be something that you haven't thought of, or any part of what I write, is able to help in any way.

I will ALWAYS put my heart into any items I make, especially when it comes to honoring a lost loved one.

I lost both grandparents in 1985, one in May and one in November. I was 5 years old at the time. I will never forget the moment I learned of their passing, and the various things in my life at that time.

I also lost my mom to cancer in June 2018.

While searching for something in her handwriting, I came to the realization that for most, we seek that something that we can keep with us and be able to touch or see anytime we need. I found a card that she had sent, it stated: Wish I could be there with you. Love, Mom. I find myself touching her handwriting as if it were just written. All of the notes for school, signatures on just about everything in life, the signature and feeling what was from her, helps me feel like she is right there encouraging me to keep going and smile.

With all that I've learned by observing what others talk about and do, I wanted to create a way to have something physical to give people a way to have just what they are searching for.

We never "get over" a loss of someone so close. If we are to honor them, and let their love and light shine through us, it is important that we work towards what they would have wanted for our lives. The WWJD wrist bands that went around are a good reminder to look at the loss in a way of truly remembering them. What would "name of loved one" want for us in life, even if they are not physically here. The image of my mom reminds me that she loved me and wanted nothing but love, security, and happiness. Regret of things past can only bring pain and sadness. Those things are not what loved ones want for us. Let their images and smiles bring you the memories of the good times you shared and the funny memories that make you laugh out loud, even if you are sitting alone. Especially if others are around and you start laughing aloud, I know my lost loved ones would crack up at the thought of me laughing and everyone glancing at me as if I am completely nuts 🙂

Always, give yourself permission to mourn and all that it encompasses. Your grief and processes are yours, and yours alone.

With my condolences for your loss and a hug, I wish you strength and understanding.

~Michelle