Today, a new milestone will be achieved. Readership will surpass 800,000 views. Incredible! Fuddruckin’ amazing!
Thank you! This means so much to us knowing that you check in on Ryan. After two years, he remains relevant. Perhaps even more encouraging is there is no indication people are losing interest. You’ve made our struggle part of your life. You provide comfort, resources, and advice. I wish I could tell you just how much this has helped us. Words simply fall short.
For me it is a way of coping. A way of making sense of the senseless. Sure, I ramble on about things — hoping to make at least a little sense — and you (mostly) seem to enjoy it. I write from the heart. This is all I can really say about my so-called style. I’ve thrown everything I’ve learned about proper writing aside and just let the words flow. I rarely make edits to what comes out (besides running spell check, that is). You tell me I’m “real and raw” and, truth be told, I love this characterization (unless you’re referring to my groin). You appreciate this most basic of expression. Well, at least, you humor this. You’ve gotten me through some rough days.
I’ve opened myself up to you almost completely. You see my faults first-hand. Oh, and there are many. I’m a mess. But, I do have a few endearing attributes too. Right? Right? Right? Okay, maybe not. I take huge risks with what I write — caution be damned — and you give me a free pass when I occasionally frequently step over the line.
I’m really not joking when I collectively refer to you as big, smarty pants. This is an intelligent group of people that visit this site. This includes “emotional intelligence” as well. I love reading your comments. If possible, I usually do the second you post them. I have my computer set with an audio alert so I know when one just came in. You see, this is my way of staying in touch with a world that no longer is available to me. Without you, I would miss something so regular and consistent as the changing of seasons.
Interesting Facts:
- 5,340 comments have been posted, which is roughly 16 per day. This means only 0.7% leave a comment.
- 373 times people wrote to me privately using “Contact Me Form”.
- 254 people receive new post update notifications on Twitter.
- Over 175 orders were placed from Ryan’s Wish List (since June 10, 2011).
- The highest readership day of all-time was November 7, 2011.
- The most read and commented post is Austin Vantrease Request: Denied.
- Google Search, Yahoo, and Bing rank ryansrally.org as the top source when people search for “Austin Vantrease”. (FYI, ryansrally.org is currently 6th for “Gale Vantrease”).
- Google Search, Yahoo, and Bing ranks ryansrally.org in the top ten (#9 and climbing) source when people search for “Jonathan May”.
- Next to the United States, the three highest countries for readership are: 1) Canada, 2) United Kingdom, 3) Ireland.
- ryansrally.org is being followed actively in 49 countries.
- Readers spend roughly 3 minutes per visit on the site.
I no longer mark time, with the exception on the monthly anniversary of the beating. Birthdays are just another day. Weekends are nothing more than weekdays with different names. Nights don’t mean sleep. Summers are void of vacation. Life is now defined by these blog milestones, Wish List updates, and baclofen reductions. Success is measured by the absence of urinary tract infections, the health of Ryan’s eyes, and how many days I can keep Ryan out of the ICU… to name a few.
I use this blog to feed my ego. Really, it’s one of the few things that hasn’t been taken from me. Personal interests and achievements no longer matter. I have a clear purpose. A purpose that doesn’t allow for my wants. By nature, it’s completely unselfish and I had to stop living my life on November 7, 2009. This is not one I ever would have asked for, mind you, but a purpose none-the-less. It was forced upon me and I’m doing the best that I can to accept it (well, at least no dwell on it) and plow through it.
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- 700,000 Views (ryansrally.org)
Been reading since the very beginning and attending all benefits held at WVU for Ryan and I’m still here reading, and I’m still at WVU attending the benefits and thinking of you, Sue, kari & ryan daily. I did adventure WV with Jon Welsh my freshman year and till this day he is still a good friend, Kelsey Allison is also my sorority sister, I feel I have all of these indirect connections, regardless of these connections or not, you & your family remain in my thoughts & prayers along with all of ryan’s close friends as well. TEAM DIVINEY !
I have followed your page daily since I saw your family on the Today show. I happened to be home on bedrest or I would have missed it. You show a true father’s love, a love that every child deserves. I am not sure I know too many men who would do the same in your position. Ryan is a lucky boy to have you! You fight for him when he can’t fight for himself. You give him a chance. I pray for your family every day. You inspire me to be a better mom, wife and, really, a better person!
One reason for the high viewership is the quality of the website. It not only provides us the ability to check on Ryan’s status, it also offers information from you, and the posters, that I characterize as either informative, interesting, or inspitational — depending on the subject. We appreciate you operating the site.
Yes… big smarty, pants.
Speaking of smarty pants….thought you might like this cute video called the smarty-pants dance where a toddler points to the correct states on a map and does the smarty-pants dance each time 🙂
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nn9dd6FfE8
Makes me smile every time I view it
I’d like to see Ken’s smarty pants dance. Anyone else?
Ken, I’m not from US. I’m from Malaysia and honestly I found this website accidentally while I was searching for gastric tube feeding on YouTube. That single video where you showed about how to clean the tube has led me to search more and more and finally I came to this website.
I was beyond shock to read this story and was surprised that this news never reached us here in Malaysia. I cried for many hours after reading especially the post about Kari feeling guilty leaving to college. I could relate myself in her shoes coz I’m not leaving my mum to care for my grandma who is in her last stage of Alzheimer. I feel guilty and trying my best to get a job that is close so that I can live at home.
I am sure that Ryan is proud to have you all as support and felt so touched with all the support that has been given by the public. My prayers and hope that Ryan will get better soon will always be there from now on.
Thank you!
You see, there are miracles. The miracle is the love. Hugs to you, Sue, Ryan and Kari.
Ken, Wow that is fantastic.800,000!!!!!! I am so glad we all help you in some way. Ryan and your family are very relevant and in our thoughts always. Please give him a big hug from me. Love Gail
Holy cow. 800,000. That’s fantastic. We are one big family. Now Christmas is coming. Are you gonna fit all those presents for us under the tree!
My prayer’s all always there for you guys.
Congrats, Ken!! You also have 159 users who have downloaded your app!
Wow! That’s great.
Even having never met your family or Ryan personally, I read every day to get updates on Ryan and how he is doing. Your honesty is what brings so many readers to this site and we are all praying for Ryan every day. I hug my kids a little tighter and longer every night as I pray for Ryan.
Hello Ken,
Your readership will only continue to grow. So many need what you are teaching and demonstrating — emotionally, intellectually and educationally.
The reader who said you have taken Ryan (and us) into uncharted waters is spot on. Everything you are doing, day in and day out, combines to pave a new pathway into this most mysterious world of consciousness and brain injury. Like many, I have always been an avid online researcher. But honestly, there are so many ways that Ryan is unique — there is little to compare him to. The care you give him is in a class of its own – world class.
Ken, thank you for allowing us into your lives and to have the chance to know you and your family better. Though your fan base may not always agree on certain subjects (one hot potato seems to be religion) — we do come together on one thing and that’s our love for Ryan and your family. And I dare say there are many who are up late at night along with you — thinking, wondering, pondering, praying for Ryan.
Thank you for being honest and real, it’s refreshing. Thank you for posting even when you’re so tired you can barely keep your eyes open…or when you feel so down, you hardly feel inspired to write. It’s a gift to us, we need it to feel connected.
One of yesterday’s central themes revolved around miracles. Every day we’re here is a new day of possibilities. Miracles are wonders that can’t be explained or predicted. Ryan is a strong, courageous, beautiful miracle. I will always only see him that way.
Congratulations on 800,000 views! Clearly your writing resonates with many, and as you aptly said, Ryan is more relevant than ever. Keep all your insights coming…you’re inspiring a lot of people!
Love, hugs & prayers,
Paula
Ken,
You have so many endearing attributes. And yes, you have opened yourself up to us. I call this transparency. Wikipedia describes transparency like this: Transparency, as used in science, engineering, business, the humanities and in a social context more generally, implies openness, communication, and accountability. Transparency is operating in such a way that it is easy for others to see what actions are performed.
Does transparency and opening oneself up have risks involved, you betcha! Your risks, your transparency, I firmly believe, are a key attribute that has carried you to where you are today!
Where does this gift come from? Keep the faith; it will continue to see you through!
WOW! Congratulations, that’s a big number!
Without a doubt, early morning is the best time for most writers to write. I don’t know if it is the best time to laugh, because now my stomach hurts (but only a little). However do you come up with these LOL? You need more than a blog–you need your own TV show, or radio, whatever works (in addition to your blog–we would miss you here). I was missing the joke section for awhile, but you are filling in nicely! You are an excellent writer.
Our opinions expressed here can get us into trouble also, but we are all entitled. If we get that dreadful “thumbs down,” so be it. We’re tough–that’s how we roll!
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.,” but we know it is just the right thing to do. One of my own quotes says, “Gratefulness trumps cleanliness as being next to Godliness.” I appreciate how you express your gratefulness. We really appreciate this blog, and you are a big smarty-pants for thinking of it as a way to communicate with us. No words can adequately express our gratefulness to you for it.
Faith, hope, love and prayers from this long-time supporter.
Ryan is Relevant and will continue to be because of you and your efforts. Yes sometimes it’s hard to read your blog, because it makes me feel so helpless. What I can give back is support and yes a prayer or two. I’ve always wondered what makes me so dedicated to Ryan. Maybe because I’m a Mom of two boys (22 and 24). But Ryan has become a part of my daily routine. I think about him several times a day and sadly, it always brings tears. When there’s any victory, ever so slight, like his eyes clearing up, or his UTI clearing up, it’s not only a testament to your unwavering care, but a relief to know that something is going right. I suppose this would be a horrible journey to take on your own. I’m glad we help if only in a small way, you have my support, love and dedication to keep Ryan Relevant. Please keep the updates on him coming, it’s sometimes what we hold on too. Have a great day – on to 900,000 views.
Yes, you are endearing, Ken. Endearing and enduring, as are Ryan, Sue, Kari, and even Duke and Tucker. (I like Maddox too, but he doesn’t get much exposure. He must be the true introvert of the family.) Congratulations on a significant milestone! Your blog has so many faithful followers because we believe in Ryan, love your family and are in awe of what you do every day — every moment — to fulfill this purpose you never asked for. We believe that the incredible love and sacrifices we see in your family will not go unrewarded. We read your posts every day with great hope for Ryan’s recovery, and applaud every sign of good progress. You got this, Divineys!