One way I explain Ryan’s injury that seems to people who just meet him is “all the hardware is working, it’s the software (brain) that isn’t”. This quick sentence seems to get to the heart of the challenges he faces and, so far, everyone quickly understands exactly what I mean.
It was difficult for us just after the beating (by Jonathan May and Austin Vantrease) to not see ANY reactions. We would tickle his feet and he would do nothing. Then, a few months later, he began to “spray” his toes when stimulated. This progressed to “curling” his toes. After many, many months (at least a year) he would curl his toes and twitch the legs.
Withdrawal from a noxious stimulus is a (relatively) big deal. Not ideal, but pretty damned good just the same. Optimally, we would like to see him both withdrawal AND reach toward the area being tormented.
To say I am diligent about checking his responses and reactions is an understatement. For me, it’s almost an obsession. Most times it is met with disappointment. Yet, now and then he shows something new or different. It keeps me going, like a gambler who wins the payoff just enough to make it addictive.
Last night after I put him to bed around 9:00 PM I noticed his legs were active. He was moving and twitching. I began to tickle his feet. This is what happened:
This is very exciting for us to see. He clearly was not happy about it.
Today’s Poll…
[poll id=”3″]
Ann H Tearle says
August 15, 2011 at 7:42 PMOh,my! Shivers down my spine to see Ryan’s reaction(fantastic!) to your tickling his feet:) Ooooh, are you in trouble now, Ken. Love it! Annie
deb says
August 11, 2011 at 11:18 PMYou are in SO much trouble when Ryan wakes up. He will be well rested and readyt ot ake you on for all of the things you did to him while resting.
Lynne Mandel says
August 11, 2011 at 9:51 PMAwesome! Small miracles, one by one…
Anna says
August 11, 2011 at 11:22 AMWas Ryan ticklish before the attack?
ryansrally.org says
August 11, 2011 at 11:48 AMYes, very. Why?
Tim Williamson says
August 11, 2011 at 10:45 AMAwesome!!! Video, Ken you are the number one dad!!!!
Jane Martellino says
August 11, 2011 at 7:04 AMSuper encouraging!
Excited for your moving day! Keep everyone posted for any material needs – I know our prayer group is responding to your wishlist!
Together we stand in faith, believing in and for Ryan!
Donna Zimmerman says
August 10, 2011 at 9:57 PMAwesome!!! I pray and check on you daily and am so happy that your hard work is getting some really visable results. Next will be a smile, then a laugh! You are an inspiration to all of us. God Bless you all.
Jen says
August 10, 2011 at 9:40 PMKen,
I loved seeing you go back and forth between his feet laughing! Oh, how I would have loved to have been there. Was Sue able to share this moment with you? How your child has touched my heart! I so look forward to seeing you soon! Love, Jen
Gail Doyle says
August 10, 2011 at 6:59 PMKen How great to see Ryan’s reaction.Keep up the good work,you are doing wonders with him. Good luck on moving day …..Love Gail
Morgan says
August 10, 2011 at 5:00 PMYou should have seen my face after watching this video…a big, goofy grin on it 🙂 Thank you so much for posting. It is great to see him reacting so much! Thinking about you all, always!
love, Morgan
Rachel Mckinze Dublin says
August 10, 2011 at 3:48 PMIt seams like Ryan really liked being tickled on his feet.
Carla Liberty says
August 10, 2011 at 2:35 PMThis video just made my day!!!! Ryan’s reaction is proof positive that you are doing an amazing job getting him where he needs to be. Kudos my friend, and thanks for the smiles 😀
Will says
August 10, 2011 at 1:56 PMOMG, what a fantastic stimulus and response and in both feet. Have you tried his hands? His brain is active. OMG, Lord continue with Ryan’s healing.
mford says
August 10, 2011 at 1:13 PMGreat video, Ken. Thanks for sharing. It’s so good to see such improvement and reaction from Ryan.
Keep up the good work.
Rita says
August 10, 2011 at 12:35 PMOh my gosh, how awesome is that? I can just hear Ryan: “Stop it, Dad!” Love the progress, special father-son bond and hearing you laugh, Ken 🙂
Peggie says
August 10, 2011 at 11:29 AMLoved the video Ken! Ryan is coming along, slowly but very surely…he most definitely IS coming along! We are encouraged by each bit of progress he shows us. Thank you so much for sharing the video. Loved it, loved it, just loved it!!!!
xo Peggie
Vicky Scott says
August 10, 2011 at 10:54 AMNever, never, never give up!
Kathy says
August 10, 2011 at 10:23 AMBless his heart !!!!
Ms. Blasé says
August 10, 2011 at 9:52 AMRyan’s gonna get you back for that later 😀
Mary M says
August 10, 2011 at 10:32 AMYou got that right Ms. Blase, ah haha!
ryansrally.org says
August 10, 2011 at 10:39 AMI can only hope. That would be great!
Dianne says
August 10, 2011 at 11:24 AMI think Ryan will have his share of ‘payback’ opportunities, and I welcome it, too!!
Jo Hobbs says
August 10, 2011 at 9:15 AMDelightful! You have me laughing. Thank you. Yes, tomorrow is a biiiiig day–moving day! Wish we could have a “Digs Warming” party–we would surely be there! If you could please at least name a few gift ideas–not necessarily medical supplies. Colorful linens, wall plaques, decorations, books, sports clothing–ideas are endless, I suppose, but what might be useful that Ryan would like? We wouldn’t want to clutter his new digs with “stuff.” Be thinking about this, please. Thank you. Love
ryansrally.org says
August 10, 2011 at 10:39 AMHow generous. Let me give it some thought.
Nicole says
August 10, 2011 at 3:10 PMWhat a great idea, Jo!
Ken, I just sent you a message through your “Contact Me” tab, get back to me with your thoughts!
ryansrally.org says
August 10, 2011 at 5:09 PMGot it. Check your inbox for my reply.
Lorraine says
August 11, 2011 at 1:02 AMI love this idea!
Kathy Zimmet says
August 10, 2011 at 9:10 AMHow exciting it must be for you to get a reaction like that from Ryan! Thanks for sharing that great video with us. Keep up the great work, Ryan 🙂
Bryan T says
August 10, 2011 at 8:49 AMYea, I’d jump around if you did that to me too.
Ryan is more alert and cognitive every time we see him.
I’m not surprised….delighted and encouraged?
Beyond Words!
Mary M says
August 10, 2011 at 9:01 AMMe too!
Becky says
August 10, 2011 at 8:45 AMVery exciting to see! Thanks for the video.
And I like the newly integrated polling feature — once Ryan is fully healed, you may have a new career ahead of you in web design!!
Paula says
August 10, 2011 at 8:45 AMWell if that didn’t put a smile on my face — and I am so happy to start my day with a smile!! Thank you, Ken!!! That was so wonderful (and sweet) to see. To see Ryan responding to you in this way — wow — it makes my heart full with joy.
I hope you and Ryan enjoy a smooth and productive day together. You guys have a big day tomorrow!!! I have no idea what the basement will look like, but I know it will be fantastic!!! Thank you again, Bryan and Michael & Sons!!
Love & hugs, prayers always….Paula
ryansrally.org says
August 10, 2011 at 10:40 AMA big day tomorrow, indeed.
Colleen says
August 10, 2011 at 8:33 AMGood to see Ryan reacting. That surely is a positive sign. I hope you get good news soon from IBRF, it’s just got to be good with all the progress you are making with Ryan. Love seeing the videos.