We had a wonderful weekend. Kari was home for a day to attend the memorial for Marty Mesmer. She brought along two of her close friends, who are also two of Ryan’s close friends. Brian, his roommate, was the other one attacked. Austin Vantrease, in a uncontolled frenzy, broke his jaw and knocked him unconscious. Like Ryan, Brian never saw it coming. He had to spend a good deal of time with his mouth wired shut afterwards. Hannah is one of Ryan’s best friends. They met in their freshman year at WVU and stayed close even after moving out of the dorm.
Hannah, Brian, and Kari with Ryan
Hannah made us the best tacos! The secret? A-1 sauce and onions baked into the taco meat. I’m still craving them two days later.
I’ve said it before, and it still amazes me how Kari has such a positive aura that captures all who are near. It’s magnetic. She just makes everyone feel better, happier. I’d just love to hug her and never let go. Ever. We are so fortunate to have two children that make the world better for others.
Today, or later this week, I’ll share two “texting events”. One, involving Sue, is just plain hilarious. I laugh every time I think about it. Classic Sue. The other, with Katie Mesmer, is so touching and heartfelt that I feel compelled to share it. In contrast to Sue’s, I fight back tears every time I re-read it.
Very nice picture with Ryan surrounded with sister and friends. All good young people. Reading good news and seeing good pictures like this helps in our prayers for Ryan. Don’t ever think God is not involved. He is. God bless you.
Waiting to read the text messages has me in suspense.
This is a Great Picture i agree with the others Ryan, His Sister and Their Best Friends. Its a Great Blessing for Ryan and Kari to have friends like that to be there when they need them. And Im sure a Blessing to Their friends to have them also. I know i just feel touched by the family from just reading this each day. One thing missing in that picture and thats Duke. I agree with Colleen on no post yesterday i kept checking all day. God Bless All The Diviney Family and Their Friends
Ken,
I have never had the privilege of meeting you or your family, but I have heard so much about you. My sister, Emily, is friends with Ryan, and she always shares your stories. I have become addicted to your blog, but have never had the courage to say anything until now. Your family is amazing, and I pray for you all the time. This past weekend, I told my Youth Group students at church about Ryan, and they asked if they could do a fundraiser for your family during Lent. I cried. I have sent money to events for Ryan, but always feel like it’s never enough. I only teach a handful of kids because our parish is small, but I know they will work hard to send you everything they can around Easter. I just wanted to let you and your family know that you touch the lives of strangers, and we all care about you deeply. Much love and prayers!
What a nice thing to do…I know the feeling about not being able to do something concrete for the Divineys…but helping any way is a blessing to them I’m sure …God bless you and your Youth Group~. Gail
Erica,
As we know, God works in mysterious ways. So awesome to hear that he is moving your youth group and they are following his call. God will bless them for having serving hearts, especially to a complete stranger in need! Thank you for sharing your story and can’t wait to hear the stories/blessings that will come from it! Do keep us posted.
Thank you for your kind words. I absolutely will.
This is simply beautiful. It is so heartwarming to see Ryan surrounded by his loving sister and friends. You and Sue must have been bursting with pride and joy during this visit, and I’m sure Ryan felt the extra love in the house. So glad you captured this moment on camera so you can treasure the memory of it always. And you’re absolutely right — the world could sure use more awesome young people like the 4 in this photo!
As the taco girl’s mother I would love to say I taught her how to make them but I can’t take any credit for the A-1 sauce. I think that is something they all concocted on “Taco Tuesdays”. I know this visit was good for Hannah’s spirits. She will be turning 21 on Sunday and I know it pains her deeply that one of her best friends will not be there to help her celebrate. Hannah loves all of the Diviney family. She had a wonderful time, thank you for being so kind and generous. The pictures I was sent I will keep forever. Duke will always make me laugh! On a lighter note I can vouch for Ken’s vinegar and water foot treatment. My feet have never looked so good on so little money. I hope you have a peaceful day.
Dear Ken,So glad you all had a wonderful weekend with Kari and Ryan’s friends.A little fun and laughter never hurt anyone and it did good for you all to be together.May Ryan ,you and Sue have a peaceful ,calm day …God bless ~ Gail
Now isn’t this a fantastic picture, I love it!!! Having Kari, Hannah and Brian there had to lift Ryan’s spirit and bring him great joy!! It will be wonderful when Kari is home for the summer — all her positive energy will fill the Diviney home with happiness and fun : ) And what wonderful friends Hannah and Brian are — all these beautiful young souls are gifts from God, they are precious and just their presence is a healing force. So glad you guys had a good weekend, though I know the joy was also punctuated with sorrow for Katie and her family. Dear Katie, we love you and are praying for you. You are such a wonderful human being, and I pray the Lord will comfort you and bless you. You are a treasure, and new dreams in life await you.
Love the photo! Thank you.
What a bittersweet weekend this was! Thank you for sharing it with us. So now, we need Hannah’s recipe for Tacos. We make them all the time, but what can I say?
They’re just tacos — not craving them 2 days later! Who would have have thought to add A-1 sauce to tacos — our kids, that’s who! 🙂 So we will be waiting for you recipe column: Food Kenwork! We are thinking of a Ryan’s Rally Recipes book. What do you think? Still here.
I’m so happy that you had a wonderful weekend and I’m sure these visits mean the world to you and Sue and especially Ryan. I was very nervous all day yesterday not seeing any posts. I’m glad all is well and I’m sure Ryan is still smiling thinking about his visitors. Good friends are hard to come by and I’m glad you are all blessed with that comfort.