I simply wasn’t able to bring myself to write over the past few days. Hell, I’m not so sure I’ll be able to finish one today. The past week was one filled with memories and wondering of what might have been. It all began last Monday, May 7th. This was the 2-1/2 year anniversary of the night when Ryan was surrounded before being brutally attacked.
Then on Friday was the wonderful golf tournament, on a picture-perfect day, held by the Greg Wells Team. It was touching to see all those who still care for and support Ryan. I sat teary-eyed behind my sunglasses listening to fond memories people told of Ryan. Before I had a chance to recover emotionally the realization hit that Ryan’s chair would be empty at (what should be) his WVU graduation on Saturday. I stayed away from FaceBook because I simply couldn’t bear seeing photographs of his classmates proudly posing with their equally proud (and financially liberated) parents.
It was all too much, too quickly. Yet, there was one more day… Mother’s Day. Sue received the midnight call from Kari, but Ryan’s voice was silenced and the phone never rang from him. Maybe even more than other holidays, this was rough on Sue. She mostly slept the day away fighting a migraine and depression, being awake for a total of just four hours. In fact, this actually happened during a 36-hour stretch where she slept thirty-one away. It was hard to watch her go through this.
Gee. I can hardly wait for my turn to spend Father’s Day in despair.
We are saddened about the emotional feelings the holidays bring. I hope Sue is feeling betterand and pray for Ryan’s continuing recovery. God bless you.
Really don’t know what to say and can’t imagine how hard this weekend was for you, Sue and Kari. Throughout the weekend, Ryan was in the forefront of our minds. As much as we are happy for Kait, we are sad for all of you guys, knowing that this was Ryan’s big weekend as well.
Karen and I talked about Ryan and you guys, WVU’s commencement, their keynote speaker (Karen knows his wife) and every day we just kept saying that Ken and Sue should be celebrating Ryan’s achievement(s).
Free time has not been kind to us this spring…….we’re still here for you.
I think all of our hearts ached for your family on mother’s day……and I too have thought about what would be Ryan’s graduation. There aren’t really any words that can bring enough comfort to your hearts, but we are here, in different ways, trying to hold you all up as you do the very best you can to care for you beautiful son.
I can’t imagine your pain. But I pray that God gets you through it. I know He never gives us more than we can handle. I have to believe that for my sake.
Dear Folks,
You can trust and be reassured that there are a multitude of people out there which unfortunately share many varying levels of adversity. Some of their demons are fought alone in silence and others have loved ones to assist in many multifaceted ways. Holidays and the loss or illness of loved ones, has opened my eyes to an entirely different way of spending them. So many are alone, in pain, suffering and no one hears their cries. For them, their will be no celebrations only the compounded feeling that on any given holiday the ideal circumstances are that you spend it with loved ones, in a nice cozy environment, roof over your head, food on the tables, laughter, winks and smiles surround you. For all too many will be absent from such pleasentries. Holidays are a money making selfish generating trap we all too much fall into. Every day is a holiday to some degree or another if you make it so. Celebrate, your mother, your father, your sweetheart, the lord, everything and in any way on any day that makes you feel good inside. Too many unable to enjoy the day for one reason or another, sit in silence with only 4 walls to share their thoughts and feelings with & if you are really lucky enough…a pet. Perhaps if the day hadn’t had a label put upon it many of us would have a better day with less pressure put upon us. god bless everyone 🙂
Maureen, this sure gives me pause for thought. You are absolutely right that we should celebrate every single day. We don’t stop to celebrate and be thankful for what we have. Only this morning, I looked out my kitchen window at the green grass, wet from the overnight rain, and I said, “How many times have I ever celebrated rainy days?” Not many, I can assure you, although I give thanks for rain especially when it is much needed.
It is a God-incidence that you brought this up today. I have been thinking today that we should have a Celebrate Ryan Diviney Day — a celebration that Ryan lives! There have been times in these two and a half years when Ryan has been so sick that when I hear he is well, I feel like running through the streets and shouting for everyone to hear, “Ryan is feeling better — he is out of the woods!” Today is one of those days. 🙂
Ryan’s Rally — your thoughts, please. Thank you, Maureen for your thought-provoking post.
Thinking of you all always. At least know that Austin spent the weekend in a West Virginia prison away from his mom and graduating friends. Who knows where Jon May spent his since he has been in hiding from responsibility
since sneaking out of prison.
I’m so sorry for everything your family is going through. Sending lots of love and always praying/believing for better days ahead <3
Paula – “There are many pictures on the internet, but precious few of one so brave, courageous, tenacious and inspiring as Ryan Diviney.” ….well said my friend.
Ken, those who robbed Ryan of the life he once knew, who robbed the family of their son/brother/grandson/nephew/cousin/friend, will spend an eternity living with what they’ve done. What they didn’t take from Ryan, though, is his fighting spirit and energy to overcome the hand he was dealt. And make no mistake, he’s working very hard to come back. And we’ll all be here, cheering him on throughout. I can see him crossing that finish-line…. RKD, YOU GOT THIS BUDDY!!!!
SHSP, NGA
carla
Hello Ken, it’s so good to hear the “sound of your voice.” I was about to send out an APB “Car Fifty Four Where Are You?”
Of course I totally understand why you haven’t been writing…and it hurts all of us to know how sad you and Sue are feeling. So so unfair, wrong, heart breaking and angering. Just always remember all of us are still here, even when you don’t feel like writing — we’re here, caring, praying, hoping and believing in Ryan — and in you, Sue and Kari.
On another note, I’m grateful to God that the urine test was clear —what a relief!! Now, as you said, it’s a new week, with some clear skies coming our way soon.
Yes, Ryan should have been walking across that stage recieving his college diploma — with honors no doubt. Your family should be celebrating and rejoicing in the occasion. It hurts me to my soul that this was taken from him and from your family. Still, the miscreants who robbed your family of all this, can never rob you of your love, courage and the total respect you have from all of us. And Ryan — what can I say, he is a daily inspiration to so many, as are you, Sue and Kari. So much has been taken from you — and yet — you have given so much to so many, probably without even realizing it. Believe me, the world is a better place because you all are in it.
There are many pictures on the internet, but precious few of one so brave, courageous, tenacious and inspiring as Ryan Diviney.
Love & prayers, hugs, lots of hope and faith
Paula
“So much has been taken from you — and yet — you have given so much to so many, probably without even realizing it. Believe me, the world is a better place because you all are in it.” Paula, you speak for all of us here at Ryan’s Rally. Thank you!
I have missed you the last few days. Thoughts and prayers to everyone!
Ken, life is so unfair. I always feel that I have no right to post messages to you, but please know that my heart hurts for you, Sue & Kari and, of course, Ryan. You are in my thoughts and prayers every day. I wish I was closer to help carry the load and give you guys hugs.
Ken,So glad Ryan’s doing better with IV and and that Golf tournament was a success .My heart,thoughts and prayers go out to you and Sue and thank you for posting,even though you didn’t feel up to it. Do worry when a few days go by. Wishing for better days ahead for Ryan,you,Sue and Kari
love Gail
It makes us happy that the golf tournament was a success. Even though it was almost too hard to take, we are glad you were there for the dinner and auction. Wish we could have been there, too.
We understand completely, Ken. May 7th was a rough day here, too. Wonder if there will ever be a 7th when we won’t spend the day in despair, but we keep praying that there will be down the road. I thought about Sue all day, and yes, Father’s Day will be tough, too. Thank God for Kari — what a blessing that lovely daughter of yours is!
Does Ryan seem to be responding to the new antibiotic, or is it too early to tell?
You are always on my mind. SHSP NGA, and that’s the truth!
Urine was tested (dip) around midnight and there were no leukocytes nor nitrites, so we’ll just hope it remains this way!
Thank God! Praying this one is over and done with!
Ken, have you ever heard of the Gee Whiz external condom? I don’t think this is the one used presently. I read a lot about it and then found this on You Tube: http://youtu.be/IIb8MQNGPgs
They say it prevents UTIs, but you and I know — well, some of the advertisements are false. It might be worth giving it a try, however. (?) I have been reading in my herb book and on the internet about herbs and roots that prevent infection, namely licorice. I don’t know if it prevents UTIs, but I can tell you this: It is great for indigestion or heartburn — even the little Licorice Nibs! You read it here, Folks. Still reading in my spare time, picking the brain of every physician I know and praying continually. Not ever going away! 🙂
Jo, thank you for letting me know about this. I looked into it and we have used one that is identical (from a different company). The claim that it reduces UTIs is true in relation to having an indwelling catheter.