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Friday night was overwhelming. The outpouring of support for Ryan at the Battle for a Better Cause football game touched me deeply. So profoundly. The solidarity was something I never personally witnessed. The sea of white spilled from the bleachers, completely filled the “standing room only” lining the field, and even extended to outside the stadium where people gathered on the hillside.
More than once I just closed my eyes and listened. I swallowed hard to suppress the emotion as I heard the crowd chanting “Ryan Diviney!”. It was a new emotion for me. One I never knew even existed… at least not at that level. An emotion of pride and sadness tearing me right down the middle. No, that’s not quite right how I explained it. It was more like it was exploding from so deeply within me. I’m telling you, I felt disconnected from my body.
Thank you, Briar Woods. Thank you, Broad Run. Thank you, Ashburn.
Courtesy of the Ashburn Patch, here are some sights and sounds from the game. I believe the first video might be from when I did the coin-toss. All I know for certain is it was deafeningly loud down on the field.
There is also a nice article written by Game Day Magazine that you might want to read.
[poll id=”19″] See previous poll answers here.
Team Diviney, wow! The Team pulled together for the common good, once again. It was such a beautiful sight in that football stadium!! I know it sounds cliche (especially to those of you in the corporate world), but T.E.A.M. is also an acronym — Together Everyone Achieves More. But it’s so true! How could any one single, caring, loving and faithful individual do as much for Ryan and the Diviney family as we have together as a team? And why do we do it? Many reasons: it’s the right thing to do, because we love our fellow man (whether we know/knew them or not), because it’s a calling, because we always ‘pay it forward’, or many other reasons. I’m humbled to be part of this team and part of the Ashburn community. We’ve done great things, but there are still so many more great things to be done. Step by step, we’ll reach that goal — go team! SHSP, NGA!!
Team Diviney…. the true spirit of giving, love, and friendship. God Bless You, Diviney family!!!
The world can be a crazy place, and life can be a crazy thing…thank God, in the craziness, there is genuine unassailable goodness. And didn’t we see it Friday night, once again, in all its glory!
Thank you, Ken, for continuing to allow us the privilege of being a part of your family’s life. Amidst all the hard work you do, the fatigue you’re constantly fighting, and all the emotions you deal with every day, you still find ways to let us in.
Praying for a smooth day, hopefully some decent rest for you, and for continued faith and love to overcome the craziness in this world. Love & hugs, Paula
Wow! Simply outstanding, buddy!!!
The article is amazing, I had to read it twice. It describes Ryan’s assault and the life of those involved like I have never seen in print before. It also shows what is really important in life, a community coming together to support one of its own. These coaches are teaching these kids what is really important in life, not a game, but family, community and supporting each other.
Ken, the support you have recieved from the community is incredible.
Wow, as a parent, this had to be surreal for you. It shows that it does take a village to raise a child, or in this case heal a child. What a wonderful tribute to Ryan and your family. How is Ryan doing – any results yet from the recent tests he underwent with IBRF?
Wow Ken, Sue & Kari – this is amazing and so so wonderful. I can’t imagine how you felt but I’m sure you described it perfectly Ken. You have a fantastic community. Ryan is so loved and supported in Ashburn, as he should be. Love and prayers to you all every day through every obstacle and every challenge and every victory. Keep up the good work Ryan – we love you honey.
Ken Looks and sounds like a great night for Ryan and your family .What a wonderful place you live in,,to do so much for you all..Wish I had been there to help and support and to see exciting game. Can only imagine how you Sue and Kari felt to see so much love for Ryan .Peace to you and all the family. Love Gail
United in faith, hope and love!
It has been so humbling reading the articles and watching the videos. Ashburn is becoming a community for others to look up to and use as a model for what it means to “be” a community.
Ken, I can only imagine the feeling you must have had. Heck, I’ve got the darn Kleenex box right here myself!
Blessings to all of you on this day and always.
Thank you Ken and Sue for letting Ashburn (and beyond) embrace the Diviney family! Yes Ken, the love does go deep!