When I sat down to begin today’s post I already settled on my opening line. It was going to say something like “well, we made it through our first day of 2012.” and then follow with “It feels so strange”. Then, something sad occurred to me. Namely, our lives are a collection of “making it through”.
We made it through the last months of 2009. All the days in 2010. Then, again in 2011. We made it through years of days! What a way to live, huh? Days are deemed as successful if we can just make it through. Maybe I should just start awarding ourselves a gold star to stick on the calendar every midnight. Or, we could strike a chalk tally on the house walls. Walls that both give safety and imprisonment.
Damnedest thing, we never seem to get better at it. I suggest it’s because we already make the best of it, and the “best” blows. Given the situation, there’s no apparent way we can improve. We are optimized. What we have here is a classic example of our best not being good enough. That’s not to say we won’t keep trying. Still, when we get right down to it, we are at the mercy of the “situation”. It dictates our view on life (in general)… and happiness (specifically). I use to believe everyone was responsible for their own happiness. Clearly, I was such a fool.
Eh, just paint me older and wiser.
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Paula says
We Love You, Ken.
Jo says
“Don’t like” this photo, Kenneth! We here are just going to look at our photos of a smiling Kari and her brother, Ryan. But we will say this, our hearts ache for you and with you. You are Success with a capital S — in every sense of the word! All of us would agree, wouldn’t we, Folks? Stewart says a shot of good whiskey and a Cuban cigar occasionally really improves one’s outlook! Well, you know, he’s something else! 🙂
Jo says
“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal. Walk out of your house like a shepherd.” ~~Rumi~~
We are here for you always. SHSP and NGA.
Hoping and helping your soul to heal, Ken, Sue and Kari amd praying for Ryan to heal
Kathy says
That’s it–I’ll go overseas to get you a Cuban. I’ll smuggle it back in my clothes. And if the TSA tries to frisk me, I’ll turn it into a slapfest! Seriously, hang in there. I’m sorry you’re suffering.
Gail Doyle says
Ken, And you will keep making it through. You and your family are going through the worst ,but are ” making it” The love ,care ,attention and so much more you all give Ryan is truly inspirational. What Rita said, Not knowing a timeline is SO hard . I can only say again ,we are all with you to help in whatever way we can Thank you for your posts to keep us up to date on Ryan and hope writing them ,helps you a tiny bit. Always here. Love Gail
Peggie says
Ken,
I know you don’t have the time to enjoy such a luxury as simply reading a good book now. Oh, all of us out here take so much for granted. You have shown us that we dare not take anything for granted. Truly, we are the fools and the failures. I had trouble sleeping and just finished reading a wonderful and truly inspirational book. I couldn’t help but consistently think about you and your family while I was reading it. While
completely different situation and circumstances from the one where you find yourself now with caring for Ryan, I found and could truly feel so
many similarities. So much of the same common thread…the essence of which is LOVE.
Pure and simple. It also helped to show me a different way of looking at situations of hopelessness and helplessness, by trying to give a glimpse of maybe the overall big picture of life’s purpose…God’s plan, and trying to sort through an effort of trying to make sense out of what makes absolutely no sense…why bad things happen to good people. All I can take away from your tragedy right now is that you and your family teach us so many things every single day…and I many times feel ashamed. Thank you for continuing to post every day. Your words speak to us in more ways than you could possibly imagine. There are messages that reach our hearts in very special ways, and people who don’t even know you are inspired to do good things. Thank you for taking the time to make such a difference. Always praying for continued strength for you, Sue and Kari, but most especially for Ryan to keep up the good fight to see this through for his day of healing.
Here’s to blessings for the Divineys in many positive ways in 2012. Keep up the good fight!
Love, Peggie
Rita says
No one can look at Ryan today and call you a “failure” by any definition of the word. He is in the best possible physical and medical condition because of your dedication and determination to continue “making it through”. Sometimes that is the best we can do because it’s all we can do. Not everyone would have the strength and relentless love that you and Sue have to keep on fighting for their child as hard as you do. We believe that all of your efforts will be rewarded in due time. It’s just so hard not knowing what that timeline is… We will keep lifting you all up in faith, hope and love, believing that truly the best is yet to come <3
Jo says
I agree — you are older and wiser — but you are no fool! You are a responsible, caring parent and friend. We’re running with you, Ken, as your friends, sounding-boards and comforters as best we can. We all know who the true “comforter” is, so I won’t quote Bible verses here (but how well you know I will at times!). Just know that you, Sue, Ryan and Kari are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we love you dearly. Have a good day after New Year’s Day. Love conquers all.