Now it’s official. The website achieved an incredible milestone by reaching one million views. Like I said yesterday, I really didn’t start tracking this until over a year since the site became active. There is no doubt that we are, in reality, probably approaching two million.
What can I say? I never thought it would become this popular and I was just trying to make it through the day. I guess it’s an indication of how far Ryan has come that I can now tell his story.
It also does my heart good that you keep Ryan in your thoughts. The support from communities across this country (and, to some extent, the world) is nothing short of astonishing. There are no words… no way… no money in all the world… that will ever approach how much this means to my family. You keep my son relevant. You brought him this far, against all odds.
Without you, he never had a chance. A chance is all I can ask for.
Like I promised, I’d like to share some details of the website and readership. If nothing else, these are fun facts.
Top Country Readership: 1. United States, 2. Canada, 3. Ireland, 4. United Kingdom, 5. Australia
Most Read Posts:
- Austin Vantrease Request: Denied (link broken, will fix today)
- Kari: “I Feel Guilty for Going Out” (link broken, will fix today)
- Where are You, Ryan?
- Two Years
- He is Not Likely to Survive
- Austin Vantrease Request: Denied
- Scary Good
- The Wife’s Turn: Why I Believe
- Now Delaware Knows
- Video: Executing a Transfer
- 6,907 total comments have been left by readers (on 492 posts).
- The average number of reader comments per post is 14.
- The average comment per view is 0.69% of the time.
So, there you have it. The nuts and bolts of the websites profile. I think it’s really neat information.
Before I finish I must tell you all again how much it means to us that you chose to lighten our load. It’s the hardest journey I can imagine any man, women, or family could ever face. It’s intense and sustained. It’s a life of living simultaneously on both ends of the emotional spectrum; It’s hope and despair, It’s love and hate. It beats me down ever time I look in Ryan’s eyes. Getting back up hurts… like hell. Without you lifting me up I might have collapsed a long time ago. You, by your own compassion, chose to circle around us and give comfort, resources, and protection.
People tell me there’s a special place for me after this life. I’m not so sure about that place existing (and I still have some things I must do that might not go over so well), but if there is I’m sure I’ll be seeing all of you there too.
My prayers continue for Ryan and his family. I am so happy so many are viewing and praying. And like one person said it IS great to know you are not alone. You never will be.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Ryan’s progress. Check here everyday and SHSP!
I’m finally able to read this post in its entirety and just have to echo all of the sentiments already expressed by others above. Team Diviney will stand strong with you for the duration, keeping the faith , hope and love alive for your family always. Lean on us and we’ll lean on God for you because we know, ultimately, He’s got this — provision, healing, justice and all! Thank you for being so open and honest, for sharing Ryan and your entire family with us — even my special buddy Maddox 🙂
The numbers details of the website were amazing! The number it did not include was how many times people (like me) tried to find the site yesterday and went into a panic after the Go Daddy page kept popping up instead….hour after long hour! I’m not a Facebook user, but somehow found my way to Ryan’s page there. I must say it was a relief to read on there that this blog site was only down and not completely gone.
whew!!! I thought it was just me! I panicked and tried multiple times to check in yesterday. I have this bookmarked but it kept going to go daddy even when I typed in the web page directly. so glad there’s been a million hits. Ryan will ALWAYS be relevant!! SHSP in Morgantown
I find it annoying that my hosting provider (Go Daddy) took advantage of the sites downtime as free advertising for themselves.
Hi Ken,
It is a privilege to know you and your family. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such fortitude and courage. It is something to behold, and something I will never forget. Thank you for sharing all the good times and bad times with us. It’s a hard, often times scary road, but worth every rise and fall. Your devotion, bravery and strength have given Ryan the stamina and determination to persevere. One is blessed just to be a part of the struggle, for seeing such strength is believing. The worst life has to offer can be faced, if one is willing. The most formidable of circumstances can be endured when love is the driving force. I am grateful to God for your family. Every sunrise, you will continue to be in my heart, and in my thoughts and prayers. As you forge ahead, always know you are not alone, and that you are admired, loved and cared about.
It’s not surprising the number of people who view the web site. There are a lot of good people that care and pray for your family every day. Yes, these people may help pull you up, but we also appreciate God for giving you the strength and talent to take care of Ryan the way you do. I thought it was a really special recently to see Ryan holding up his head up. Definite progress and I thank God for it.
Same here!
I just tried to view the webpage and it doesnt seem to be working??
It’s a joy to be able to support Ryan, you, your family, and this website! Thank you for making it available to us!
That deserves a double WOOHOO 🙂
You give me strength. Whenever I think I’m having a bad day, I know that you are having a day worse than mine. I can only imagine the pain that you must feel when you look into your sons’ eyes. Please don’t ever give up hope and we won’t either! Ryan is grateful for everything you are doing, I just know it. We love you Divineys and we especially love you Ryan!!
Here for you all in spirit every day! One of the greatest strengths we have is that of compassion. Be strong Divineys.
“People tell me there’s a special place for me after this life. I’m not so sure about that place existing”……
It most certainly does exist Ken. Matthew 5:3 tells us: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Please take comfort in that. You have had to bear many crosses, and you and your family have suffered so, so much. God calls us to be like him, and His suffering on the cross was for all of us. So, the suffering you have endured will have great redemptive value, my friend.
Take comfort in knowing that the sacrifices you have made and continue to make on behalf of your son are symbolic of the sacrifices our Lord made with His son on the cross. You are living His Word through your good deeds in providing love and care for your beloved son. Bless you!
God loves you and so do we.
<3 carla