Monday Night
Monday was just a tough day, all around. Kari and I departed (with Bryan Tiplady driving, thank goodness) just after 8:00 AM. We arrived sometime before noon. The court deputies took us to a secure parking location and escorted us into a private room in the courthouse to wait. As more of Ryan’s supporters arrive, they bring them into the room with us. The court posts armed security outside the room.
The court was running late because they were having technological issues linking-up to the Anthony Correction Center, so we waited. Then a communication comes in and we are escorted into the courtroom. Within minutes, Austin is brought in through a side door, handcuffed and shackled in standard prison orange. He avoids eye-contact with me.
Austin’s lawyer did the best he could. Really, he simply didn’t anything to work with and nothing had changed since the original sentencing. Well, at least nothing that wasn’t to his detriment. His motion was denied.
The court allowed the Vantrease family to exit the floor before escorting us into the hallway. I spent a few minutes with the media and talking to the Prosecuting Attorney. Once the defendant’s family was off-property, we were escorted to our car.
Thank goodness that was over. My head was screaming with a headache.
WVU Greeks Support Ryan
We met up with the leaders of the WVU Greek system at the Student Union. They presented us with a check for the money they raised during “Greek Week”. These are young men and women on a college budget that made a difference in a fellow student’s care. My hat is off.
I have a ton of admiration for them taking on Ryan as their cause. Even though I was in a fraternity, I must admit I was more interested in Sue at the time. We met when I was pledging and my days as a frat boy were essentially short-lived. Still, I know how much work went into making this a huge success.
Arriving Home
We pulled in our driveway just before 7:00 PM. Ryan was having a rough time. I could see the pain in his face. Pulse was up (over 100), fever, and very uncomfortable. Sue was wiped-out. I immediately took over, forcing her to go to bed. I worked on Ryan until around midnight (deep suctioning, stretching, etc) before putting him to bed. Throughout the night his temperature climbed to around 101 and his pulse was over 120. I could find little to comfort him. Another sleepless night…
In the morning, we did a “clean catch” of urine and did a quick home test. He has a urinary tract infection that is now being treated. This is all too common with individuals who are in his condition. My heart is aching.
Keith says
May 19, 2011 at 7:59 PMSorry to hear that Ryan has a infection but atleast you caught it in time and its being treated.
The Colangelis says
May 18, 2011 at 11:01 PMI am sorry Ryan is experiening the infection. Thank God you returned home to watch over him. We are praying for you.
Galya says
May 18, 2011 at 8:40 PMRyan’s Rough time:
Temp of 101, high pulse, uti.
[sigh] I want to know about this, but it still hurts to know about this…reminds me of my mom the first three weeks we brought her home…
Good Lord, to think of Ryan goind through this..and to think of you having to see your beloved son in this situation….these thoughts leaves me mute with sobriety…
Keri Dezell says
May 18, 2011 at 7:47 PMAfter such an emotionally and physically draining day, my heart dropped after reading that when you returned home, you walked into an even more stressful situation at home. My heart breaks and is asking GOD on your behalf… GOD please provide this family respite and peace. Please allow them to feel the love surrounding them, lifting them up,carrying them forward. Please place your healing hands on their son to bringing him the much needed comfort and peace he so deserves. Please provide all of us with the continued ability to LEAD those that may be lost, through our actions, our faith and our deeds without succumbing to “ugliness” when it surrounds us, taunting us to join in. Please LORD here my prayer.
In love and in prayer,
Keri and My Frankie
A faithful Diviney Fan from NY
Paula says
May 19, 2011 at 10:30 AMAmen.
Jen says
May 18, 2011 at 5:29 PMKen, Ryan, Sue and Kari~
I would imagine this nightmare feels like it will never end for you. The humor and love I see you show Ryan when I visit is unparalled (sp?). Your composure in this situation amazes me. Give my “boy” Ryan a big hug for me. I hope the infection clears up quickly so that you can breathe a bit easier. Tell Kari I hope her finger is OK:). I will be by your side at least until Ryan reaches a full recovery. I am a patient woman and he is a fatastic young man. I will remain SHSP. Much love to all of you~
Judi says
May 18, 2011 at 5:28 PMGod bless your ever caring presence with your son. I know this is very difficult for you….all of it….May God reach down and give you sleep, and peace and calm!
Jo Hobbs says
May 18, 2011 at 5:19 PMWishing some of us could be there to help you, but we are with you in thought. Antibiotics and XTylenol work wonders. Hope Ryan is feeling better this evening.
Still here, always and forever. LOVE
anna welsh says
May 18, 2011 at 3:18 PMHope the antibiotics kick in and get rid of the UTI, they are Ryan’s enemy! How wonderful of the Greeks to contribute for Ryan, hopefully this fundraiser can be an annual cause for them, promoting brotherhood and nonviolence in the campus atmosphere. Jon rushed this semester, hope he was able to tell you some stories of his experience (eating a whole mayonaise pie….) when he visited Sunday. I heard you were lucky enough to see the video of his groups winning performance, can’t wait to see.
John Maletta says
May 18, 2011 at 3:32 PMI’m sorry. I got stuck at “mayonaise pie”. 🙂
Gail Doyle says
May 18, 2011 at 2:42 PMPraying Ryan is feeling better and you all get some rest……Gail
Carla Liberty says
May 18, 2011 at 2:09 PMHoping that Ryan is feeling better with each passing moment. Still here. <3 carla
Karen T. says
May 18, 2011 at 1:07 PMPraying that Ryan is feeling better. Still here – love you all.
Paula says
May 18, 2011 at 10:45 AMLord, Lord, Lord, have mercy — and pour out Your healing grace on Ryan, Ken, Kari and Sue. We love you guys, and we are here…*always*
Gloria says
May 18, 2011 at 9:51 AMI was sorry to hear that Ryan had a bad night. Hopefully that UT infection will be gone soon. I can only imagine how exhausted you must be. Hopefully, you will get a little shut eye. Ken, YTM and Sue YTW.
John Maletta says
May 18, 2011 at 9:29 AMJust read your morning post. How is Ryan doing this morning?
Ms. Blasé says
May 18, 2011 at 9:26 AMI’ve already prayed for your family this morning… that all of you experience an overflow of r’s: rest, renewal and recovery.
Colleen says
May 18, 2011 at 9:17 AMI’m sorry to hear that Ryan is again having a tough time. He certainly doesn’t deserve to be in any more pain. Reading yesterdays posts was truly upsetting. As a mother, I couldn’t imagine treating you with anything but respect and remorse had my son been responsible for what you are going through. Even after a long emotional day having to face these ignorant animals, you have to come home to the brutal reality of what these thugs did to your wonderful son. I’m so sorry for your family, friends and supporters that someone actually feels justified in making all of you the reason and not the victims. I’m one of those strangers that checks on Ryan everyday and one of those strangers that sends donations when I can, and one of those strangers that says a prayer (or two) every time I’m here. To anyone who says that things are any different than what they are, I’ll pray for them too, pray that they stay out of your lives and never put their garbage on your blog again.
I hope Ryan has a better day, I can’t help but wonder if he feels what’s going on – poor guy – he’s fighting to come back, we’re all fighting with you Ryan.