It’s been a long time. Sometime around a almost year ago. But, on Thursday night, this all changed. Ryan traded in his bed sponge bathes for a full-blown shower. Thank you Michael and Son for helping Ryan! This is a company with a heart.
We lowered him into a shower chair that was given to us by a family in Morgantown. True, it is a shower chair but I call it the “Renie Chair”, after the truly wonderful lady (and her parents) that thoughtfully let us have it. I rename everything, by the way. It’s a simple method I use… first the name of the person who donated and then the item. It is my way of thanking and remembering people that unselfishly give to our family.
This all began early on (in Atlanta) when Ryan needed packed in ice to control his fevers. A women, Stacy, would bring us dinner every Sunday. She packed her food in these flexible ice packs that would conform to the shape of the contents. Long story short, she noticed how these ice packs would help us cool down Ryan and bought us some. We used them immediately and the first time I needed them I asked Sue to grab the “Stacy Packs”. The name (and naming method) stuck.
So, we get Ryan in the Renie chair (with the Renie sling) and wheel him into his massive [Basim] shower. In the upcoming video, you’ll see Ryan’s reaction to the water initially washing over him. Keep an eye on his mouth, it’s very telling of his pleasure.
[poll id=”5″]
See previous poll results and correct answers at Poll Results page.
Diana says
August 16, 2011 at 3:13 PMRyan,
God Bless you and your entire family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggie says
August 15, 2011 at 4:24 AMHow wonderful! It feels so good Ryan, doesn’t it? So happy and grateful to all of the many hands that made it possible for Ryan to enjoy one of the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Love, Peggie
Jen says
August 14, 2011 at 7:22 PMRyan, you continue to amaze me with the progress you make, seemingly everyday. To see your mouth move to taste the water was a beautiful sight. Hearing sweet Sue’s voice in the background, showing such happiness is a true blessing. Tell dad (the 6th Beatle) that he continues to amaze with his loving care of you, and the lengths he is willing to grow his hair (LOL):)! Keep the video’s coming, they keep joy in each of our hearts! When I am back able to drive, I will be hounding Ryan with love and kisses~
Way Too Tired says
August 14, 2011 at 3:07 AMTHANK YOU for posting the video. I’m thrilled that you can use the chair and sling in that beautiful big shower. :)))
Donna Zimmerman says
August 13, 2011 at 9:09 PMSo wonderful to see progress in Ryan’s expressions and the wonderful work done for his and your sake, Ken. God bless all of you.
J.R. says
August 13, 2011 at 8:46 PMThat’s pretty cool. They did great work. And as an aside, with your longer hair, you kinda look like a Ramone!
Karen says
August 13, 2011 at 6:23 PMIt looks like Ryan is really enjoying his shower. It’s funny how we take things like being able to take a shower for granted until something happens. We did the bed baths with my daughter at first, then lowered her into a tub in a bathchair (backbreaking), then we finally moved to a home that had a wheel-in shower. I’m glad you were able to stay in your home which is familiar to Ryan.
Please if you have time would you let me know the brand of shower chair in the video. We are currently using a Rifton shower chair but are looking for something with more support for Kerri’s head. Thank you!
Way Too Tired says
August 14, 2011 at 3:05 AMThe chair is an “Aquatec Ocean VIP Tilt-in Space Shower Commode Chair.”
Karen says
August 14, 2011 at 11:52 AMThank you, Ken!
Christa says
August 13, 2011 at 5:20 PMMy four year old just watched the video with me. She said “mommy, that’s a wonderful video.” If she only knew how wonderful it REALLY is!!
Rita says
August 13, 2011 at 3:18 PMToo wonderful for words! What a blessing and relief for all 3 of you — we are so happy for Ryan and so thankful to Michael & Sons (and Bryan T!).
Jo Hobbs says
August 13, 2011 at 3:17 PMI’m batting a thousand on the poll–I’m just sayin.’
Dianne says
August 13, 2011 at 1:53 PMThe shower looks like it’s just what Ryan needed–he’s certainly enjoyed the first one. Thanks so much for sharing the video! I just love the videos!! Congratulations on a very quick remodeling job — I think it’s a record!! SHSP, NGA! Hugs to Ryan!!
Kathy Zimmet says
August 13, 2011 at 1:46 PMSo glad to hear that Ryan’s move went well and that he is in your newly finished basement (Thank you to Michael & Sons.) Our thoughts and prayers are with you all each and every day… The Zimmets’
Anna says
August 13, 2011 at 12:21 PMWOW! Amazing job by Michael & Sons, looks like a wonderful and workable shower for you all. Thanks to them and Bryan for coordinating. You are so lucky to have the support of a wonderful community. Water has such healing powers, praying for Ryan as always.
Paula says
August 13, 2011 at 11:34 AMHello Ken, it sure looked to me like Ryan was enjoying his shower!! What a beautiful shower, too!! Don’t forget to let us all know what kinds of things you guys need for your new space. Can’t call it a basement anymore, what should we call it lol.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful day. And praying those fevers do not return. Perhaps they occurred from too much stuff going on? Hope Ryan is feeling better and that you’re okay too. Thinking of you all!!
Love, hugs, prayers, happiness…Paula
Dianne says
August 13, 2011 at 1:48 PMI think we should call it “Ryan’s Rumpus Room”. We all know that after Ryan is up and about, there will be much more going on down there besides therapy!!
Jo Hobbs says
August 13, 2011 at 3:15 PMIs Ryan’s Tiki Bar or Ryan’s Beach Club too tame? Sports Bar? Hmmm–
Paula says
August 13, 2011 at 6:49 PMHmmm…I just re-read your post — guess I was too excited about seeing the new shower and misread that Ryan had a fever … sorry!!! Now that I’ve re-read your post and watched the shower video seven times, I’ll be on my way : )
ryansrally.org says
August 13, 2011 at 11:25 PMSorry. No fever. I was talking about early on in the injury.
Vicky Scott says
August 13, 2011 at 10:37 AMGreat video! I remember Jonathan’s first bath when we could finally maneuver him into a tub after almost 18 months of bed baths. What a gift you have been given by so many different people. That shower is beautiful but more so the gift of the look on Ryan’s face and the joy in your voices. Bless you all and I know the Lord will bless each and every one who has blessed your family,
Never Give Up
Meg says
August 13, 2011 at 10:02 AMJust amazing! What a wonderful thing Michael and Sons have done for Ryan. You can tell he just loves it. WOW.
Gail Doyle says
August 13, 2011 at 9:45 AMKen and Sue, How wonderful to see Ryan enjoying his refreshing shower ..Again I say what a WONDERFUL and Caring company Michael and Sons is .Looks much easier for you too Ken which we’re all glad for ..Keep up the great work and I don’t think Ryan will video when he takes his own showers 🙂 :). Bathroom looks so good ,nice and big …All have a peaceful day and praying each day brings Ryan more healing. Love Gail
Helen M. Causin says
August 13, 2011 at 9:41 AMWell done “Michael & Son” and everyone one else involved. Ken & Sue, thank you for keeping us posted on the day to day happenings with Ryan “and yourselves”. Last but not least, to Kari…here’s wishing you another wonderful year at WV.
Natalie says
August 13, 2011 at 9:34 AMThat is a HUGE shower. Michael and sons are amazing.
One question though Ken, whats going on with the hair? 🙂
ryansrally.org says
August 13, 2011 at 9:49 AMI’m rebelling.
Paula says
August 13, 2011 at 11:28 AMGo Ken!!! : )
Dianne says
August 13, 2011 at 1:46 PMSo you’re the fifth Beatle, or is it the sixth? LOL
Miranda says
August 14, 2011 at 11:48 AMDon’t cut it!!!! 🙂 <3
Beth Wilmoth says
August 13, 2011 at 9:13 AMSo happy for you all and your new space for Ryan. Still here everyday checking in on him. Thoughts and prayers always and keeping the faith. Have a beautiful day!!
Stacy Schnetzka says
August 13, 2011 at 8:14 AMTears watching Ryan enjoy this simplest of pleasures, that I just take for granted. Funny story, Ken…my sis recently broke her ankle (ok, that isn’t the funny part), but I took some ‘Stacy-packs’ to her! 😉 Still here….still praying…love and miss you guys. Now that I’m settling into Richmond, I hope to travel up to visit soon.
ryansrally.org says
August 13, 2011 at 8:36 AMBring lasagna!
Jo Hobbs says
August 13, 2011 at 6:49 AMDear God, thank you for this wonderful family, for Michael and Sons and for Ryan’s healing.
Never thought a video about a guy enjoying a shower could capture my interest like this! Wow! Thank you, Ken; what a joy for all of us to know that Ryan is aware of what is going on. This tells us a lot.
Always here with you on my mind. Love
ryansrally.org says
August 13, 2011 at 7:46 AM“Never thought a video about a guy enjoying a shower could capture my interest like this!”… Jo, you just defined the difference between men and women. Men would be riveted to a women enjoying a shower… hopefully all soapy.
Jo Hobbs says
August 13, 2011 at 10:12 AMI probably just need a cigar, and a video of a man my age all soapy… …we’ll never know! Hahaha! Seriously now, this scene took my breath and made me cry with happiness for Ryan. Love that young man!! And, of course, all of you. Hoping, praying always.
Kathryn Beggs Howlett says
August 13, 2011 at 6:28 AMThis company should give seminars to other community run businesses on what it means to to part of a community and the value, importance and responsibility to give back. Bravo for Michael and Sons!!!
Ryan, may you enjoy every shower, every drop of water and every soap bubble!!
Wish I lived I the area so I could hire Michael and Sons!
Lorraine says
August 13, 2011 at 6:04 AMThis made me cry! A shower is uplifting for the human spirit. Fantastic!!!!