My family is big into sports. It’s always been a huge part of our lives. Ryan, more than any of us, had the best understanding. He was a scholar of any sport he watched. He understood the strategy, both in-game and pre-game. As for my daughter, Kari, she embraced the social aspect of an event. In other words, the tailgating and game time indulgences. Sue, despite her suspicion toward umpires and referees, could easily host a show on ESPN. For the past two decades she never flinches in blaming the referees for the Redskins poor performance. I can’t remember the last time she thought an incomplete pass didn’t involve pass interference. She has, by every measure, lost faith in instant replay official review.
It sure is turning into a rough weekend in the Diviney household in regards to sports. On Friday night, the Washington Nationals choked on a six run lead. Yesterday our beloved West Virginia Mountaineers were punished and humiliated, effectively ending any hope at playing for a college football championship. Today we will almost certainly suffer through another Redskin defeat, only to be coaxed along with hope until the fourth quarter. Ah, the Redskins, there like a bad marriage… they keep promising they’ll be better — and have spurts of this — but in the end they always let you down.
Where am I going with this? Well, before Ryan was beaten (by Jonathan May and Austin Vantrease), a sports weekend like the one we’re experiencing would have put us all in a foul mood for the week. It wouldn’t be until our teams played again that we had any hope of sports happiness. Oh, how shallow we once were.
Fast forward to this morning. I woke up with the taste of defeat still fresh. You know what? I doesn’t matter. Certainly not enough to sucker-punch or kick someone in the head over.
Both teams (Nationals and Mountaineers) could have won and it has absolutely no tangible impact on my life. Ryan is still in a coma. Austin Vantrease continues to rot in prison. Gale Vantrease will play the victim (in my opinion, of course). Jonathan May goes on with his life, a free man. Kari goes through college without her brother by her side. Sue puts on a brave face and plows through the day. My day… it’s like any other.
Win or lose, it just doesn’t matter. Not one bit.
Hugs! It was a horrible weekend in sports. The Mountaineers, oh how I wanted to cry! And also Jeter fractures his ankle. But nothing, not a horrible loss or a fractured ankle comes close to what you guys face every minute of every day. You guys are truly an inspiration. Your strength and closeness. Ryan is in the best care. You inspire all of us, challenge us to be better people. you guys are simply amazing. Thank you for posting when you can. Ryan will always be relevant to us.
Thanks…I needed a little perspective today!
TEAM DIVINEY!! Did you see this on Ken’s Wish List for Ryan?
http://www.aavans.com/2011-volkswagen-routan-se/inventory.vehicle_O1EqZxQZukOmzqAjACEEFA
Did you know that it’s been three years since Ken, Sue and Ryan have been out of the house as a family for anything other than doctors’ appointments?
Since Ryan is a tall young man, he needs a van large enough to accomodate his over six foot frame along with his wheelchair.
So this is a plea to all of Team Diviney — how can we make this happen for Ryan and his family? It would be a wonderful thing if the Divineys could go out for a short drive, run some errands — just get out together as a family to do something other than take Ryan to the doctor or hospital.
Thank you to the most amazing group of people I’ve ever met. Together we have taken on every challenge in order to help Ryan and his family. Having a handicapped accessible van large enough for Ryan and everything he needs to travel will improve the quality of life for this wonderful family. I know we can figure out how to make this happen!!
Love & gratitude to all
Paula
Hugs, hugs and more hugs, Ken. I can’t add much else to what you’ve (once again) so poignantly written…except to say, you continue to inspire us all with how you live your life day to day and all you give — to your family, and to all of us who read your blog.
With my love, and much hope — and I’m still here, still praying
Paula
Ken, Doesn’t matter who wins really in the scheme of things
as long as Ryan comes out the BIG winner and that’s the game we’re watching.GO RYAN!!!! Still hope Ryan’s Reskins win for him today and you have a calm day
love Gail
So true! My only question is….Why does Jonathan May go on with his life, where is his “stepping up to the plate” in all of this? Has he got to first base, or a first down? Or is he a bench sitter?
Sports: Ya can’t live with ’em, ya can’t live with ’em! Unless, of course, your team is on top, and then ya can’t live without ’em. I know Ryan watches sports with you, and I can’t think of anything more stimulating to his (and your) brain. The only thing better than TV is being there, and someday I hope you will all be there once again as a family. Meanwhile, nothing would make me happier than to don my sterile garb and come over with a ton of food and watch the Redskins **win** today with you, but it’s a long way from here to Ashburn. I hope someone who lives close-by will run with this idea. Go Redskins! Gooo Ravens — beat Dallas! Sports are a great distraction, if we don’t let it go to our heads — much more stuff of greater importance. Little side note, UNC, my home team is up 5 – 2. Yea UNC! Beat Duke! And now on to stuff of greater importance, like breakfast for Stew! 😉
Love the above photo! LOL, seriously!
Thinking of you, praying for all. Love
P.S. ESPN couldn’t afford to pay Kari what she’s worth! Love Kari!
Thanks for the perspective. I’m still grouchy from the ‘eers miserable game yesterday and he o’s defeat Friday night. But it’s just sports and nothing like what U and ur family face daily.
How would you like to be a Buffalo Bills Fan, now that’s depressing. But I still woke up today, happy to see another post from you and hoping that you get the best news tomorrow. With something on the calendar like IBRF, it makes the nonsense of sports seem insignificant.
I hope Ryan is still recovering nicely from his surgery and that one less piece of equipment in him has made him feel better. Good Luck tomorrow.