My apologies for not posting yesterday. I tried several times, but so much was happening that it simply wouldn’t allow. It was crazy-busy — but in a good way — with one thing on top of the other. It was all-day pandemonium, starting at six in the morning and not settling down until eleven at night.
The forthcoming list is by no means everything. Not even close, as it turns out. I’m trying to hit the major topics of the day without losing your interest (or, at least, as much of it).
Here’s an update on this weeks activities:
- Kitchenette.This hit a slight (and unavoidable) delay, pushing completion back about a day-and-a-half. The
John Ronay, Owner
area is fully functional now, but needs some touch-up and finish work. Expected completion is before noon today (I’ll include photos in an upcoming post). It’s so much better than we ever imagined. Blue Moon Construction is a wonderful, caring company. I’m not joking, they actually leave their work area cleaner than when they arrived. Their attention to every detail is remarkable, right down to their appearance and clothes. The neat thing is he hires a staff that is not only extremely skillful, but equally intelligent and courtesy. He has made his company an outstanding culture to work in. This is a direct reflection on him… a great guy. I could go on-and-on, but I’d just seem sappy. Let me just say, he ranks right up there with Dr. Hinkle… my gold-standard of a great man.
- Van (Chick Magnet). The last part is (finally) due in this morning and they say the van should be ready by late this afternoon.
- UTI. Ryan is seemingly responding well to the antibiotic and no change in medication is necessary. The urine culture identified the strain of bacteria as Escherichia coli (E. coli). This is the most common type of urinary tract infection since it often resides in the bowels and is easily spread. I’ll need to completely check our cleansing practices on him to make sure we’re not somehow spreading it. We’re so careful about how we tend to him that this is driving me crazy trying to come up with any possible way this might happen.
- Kari. She’s home! She arrived last night and our home immediately became much happier. Except for one class (Spanish II), all her grades are in. So far, she’s earned all B’s and one A. I had to laugh when she brought in one of her old diaries she came across in her room. She was 7 years old when she wrote in it. The entry reads, “My brother is so annoying. Ryan said it’s okay because it’s the law”.
- Let Your Voice be Heard Fundraiser. It’s happening all day tomorrow (Saturday, December 17th) at the Herndon Mediterranean Breeze! Sue or I plan on attending in the evening when the event takes on a party atmosphere at their sports bar and Ryan is settled in. Click here for details.
- Baclofen Reduction. Ryan is handling the reduction without any clear negative effects (I think). We also feel he is more alert (but not necessarily more aware). I’m wondering if we are nearing his ideal level.
- Concrete Project. The plan is to hold a final design meeting next week and begin the work on Wednesday (December 21st). From what I’m told, this should be a two day project.
- IBRF/3-D Brain Model. We scheduled a Skype video-conference with the IBRF team on Tuesday, December 20th to review the details from their last visit.
- Respiratory. Ryan is doing better with this over the last two days. I continue aggressive therapy to help him overcome it.
- Holiday offerings. So many people are asking what they can get us for the holidays. Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts. Really though, we don’t need anything for us, but we do appreciate any help with items from Ryan’s Wish List.
I never hide that I do everything I can to help Ryan’s situation. I’m a bit mad about it, actually. But, here’s the thing… you are too! I looked over my list (above) and half of the items are possible because of you. Ryan was always selective with the people he surrounded himself with. Nothing but people of high character, no exceptions. For us, you actually sought us out and circled your wagons. I still can’t believe we are this protected and cared for — in every way — by so many people. This is an amazingly strong social circle.
You treat us so well. Thank you!
Related articles
- The Week Ahead: 10 Things (ryansrally.org) 4 days ago
- IBRF Visit Recap (ryansrally.org) 1 week ago
Not the ideal place to post this but I woke up last night wondering if you’ve tried the band-aids specifically designed to heal blisters. They really work and enable you to continue to exercise with them on.
I was only there to meet you for a few moments. I posted a link for ryansrally on my face book. I watched as the others work in the kitchen but the amount of work we do in a week as a team can not compare to the amount of work you do every minute of the day.
A very strong report card for Kari. Congrats!
Good report on Ryan too. Glad to hear it. Thanks.
Thank you for updating us, Ken. Based on that list, I sure can see why you didn’t have time . I always feel like something is missing when you don’t get a chance to write. Really looking forward to seeing the pictures of the new kitchenette!! Hope you have a smooth weekend…are we going to hear you and your beautiful daughter sing : )
Love, hugs, prayers, faith…Paula
Ken- it’s an honor to know you, and to be part of your ever-growing extended family. I hope the gig tomorrow night is a huuuuuge success; I’ll be there in spirit.
Blessings and Peace to the Diviney family-
Ken, Thanks for all the news and did miss no post ,but with all going on, ( thank goodness ,good stuff) ,I see why. So glad Ryan feels better and Kari is home. And you are so right ,you have so many,many people who care about Ryan and your family. Hope fundraiser is a HUGE success and try to send pictures . Thinking of you all always . Give Ryan a hug from me love gail
Hey Ken!
So glad to hear all the good news today 🙂 I have a bit more to add to the pile. Is that called piling on???? 🙂
Check donations have been coming in this week from some very special people: $810 so far payable to Ryan Diviney Special Needs Trust. $200+ is from pre-collection COLD HARD CASH at the Mediterranean Breeze where there are cups on every table and even the bar area. This has been going on for about two weeks. They have also been selling some of the Rally for Ryan Bracelets that you featured on your page. Their wait staff will be wearing the bracelets – probably 5 deep on each arm to sell them while they are waiting on the patrons tomorrow. They will also be wearing Team Diviney/We Got This shirts…. This is an outfit that has gone the extra mile! On top of that, they have some amazing banners advertising the event. I will try to take some pics today with my regular camera as my cell phone ones are too dark.
Folks, if you don’t live close but wish to donate to Ryan, please consider sending a check payable to: Ryan Diviney Special Needs Trust, and mail to me at the following address:
DRC Insurance Agency Inc.
Attn: Carla Liberty
773 Station Street
Herndon, VA 20170
This holiday season, let’s take care of our neighbors in need! Together, WE GOT THIS!
Hugs, carla
Carla- I will get a check in the mail to that address tomorrow.
Thank you, Carla, for posting this. Yes, pictures! Lots and lots of them!! We will be there in thought and here praying for a huge success!
Thank you, Ken, for thinking of us on the beautiful golden morning. It is so warm outside that I actually didn’t need as much as a jacket while sitting outdoors saying my prayers. There’s just something about looking at the sky — it makes me feel closer to God, even though I know He is always with us. And the sunrises He paints for us on some mornings are beautifully indescribable! I know you know what I mean. 🙂
Your agenda looks like that of a busy CEO, which you are. We are so grateful that you keep us in such close touch.
I am praying that support for Ryan continues, financially and otherwise. There will be big bills to pay over the winter. For instance, we just received a bill for heating oil of $600+ 🙁 ! How the heck (no quarter in the jar this time LOL) are the poor and needy paying their bills!! It is very scary! Enjoy your family today. Love to All.
I guess this is pointless, because you’d never have the time to sit back and enjoy it–but if I could wish you anything for Christmas it’d be a fine Cuban cigar (my whole family smokes cigars)! Your dedication is so admirable; you are the greatest father your kids could possibly have. Do you ever get the chance to take breaks?
No, not really breaks… but I do get some less busy times that I try to savor.