Do you realize that this was the fourth Thanksgiving Ryan missed? I never gets any easier. In fact, it is more difficult as each holiday passes. Yep, in exactly one month he’ll miss his fourth Christmas. One week later and New Year’s day will be no different. Would he even believe me if I told him it was 2013? How would it feel to know this amount of time was stolen beaten from your life?
But it was. It is. There’s nothing that can ever change this. If I think about this too long it makes me furious… and so sad. Dwell on it and it rips me up inside. It’s best to live in the moment, as I say.
I’m probably even more touchy since Kari went back to West Virginia University yesterday to finish out her fall semester. What a gift she is to be in our lives. You’ll see her energy in the video (below). It’s such a positive force. One that I can practically feel engulf any room she walks in. Everything is better when she’s there.
Also, I do appreciate all the people who were asking if I’d put out a video again this year. Thank you for remembering last year’s and enjoying it enough to want more. It let’s me know you really do want to be a part of our lives. It keeps Ryan relevant.
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Holiday Cards
We are sending out cards this holiday season. We started this last year, but quickly realized we didn’t have addresses for everyone; like those who donated through PayPal, U.S. Mail, drop-offs, meals, or the Wish List, to name a few.
You know what? Even if you got one before, would you please fill out the form below… just to be safe?
I know how humble everyone is, but if you didn’t get a card last year or helped Ryan through online contributions, would you please do this? It would mean a lot to me and my family to send you a card. If not for you, would you do it for us? It would be a huge time-saver. I know it’s not much compared to all you did, but it’s something we really want to do. My daughter, Kari, designed it and we’re excited to do this.
Just click fill out the simple form below and click the “sign up” button. If you’re not sure if you’ve done this already, then do it again. It’ll simply overwrite (or update) what might already be there.
[pdb_signup]
It was an awesome video it was nice he got to have tastes.
Thank you so much for posting this video. Really appreciate seeing Ryan enjoy the tastes of his Thanksgiving food. Appeared that Kari saved his favorites for last and you could see he enjoyed them more. God Bless you.
Ken, thank you so much for sharing this video with all of us. What a beautiful family you have!!! Kari is a very special young lady — she is smart, funny, beautiful and kind – the whole package. And Ryan is awesome too — hard working, courageous, brave and handsome. Then we have you and Sue, a formidable team — from which the kids get their exceptional qualities!!
We are very fortunate that you and your family are so kind as to allow us to be a part of your Thanksgiving this way. Thank you!! Keeping you all in prayer and in my heart — may your week be a smooth one and may you always know how much you are cared about!!
Love, hugs, prayers continuing…Paula
Thanks so much for sharing Ryan with us! Kari you are beautiful in every way. Ken and Sue, you are just unbelievable parents! SHSP
Thank you for allowing me to enjoy your Thanksgving with you through this video. Kari, you are such a tremendous gift to your whole family. I am honored to know you and watch you in action with Ryan. Sue, I thought Tucker was on bed rest, he clealry is feeling better:). Much love to you all~
Kari, you are a wonderful, wonderful daughter and a devoted sister.
Its great to see a family take the time to do so, as it is more work than simply offering tastes. He seemed to respond to what he liked. 🙂 Had to laugh at the dogs trying to swoop in on him because food was being served. Same goes on in this house. Happy Thanksgiving.
God bless you all! Ryan was smacking his lips after he received his “taste”. so funny! I just love this family!
Just as I thought, Ken. Flavors and scents (re: Kari’s demonstration) are good.
Ken,Ryan looks so healthy and like he really enjoyed sweet potatoes:)Thanks so much for video ,and what a loving sister Kari is …But of course ,like her MOm and Dad.Wth that love and all of ours we’ll see Ryan get better and better
Hope you have games on for him or is he gamed out too…So much football!
Please tell Ryan hello and give a hug from me
love Gail
Yes. We must be EXTREMELY careful with giving him food. But we do use flavors (like lip balm and sprays). It’s also important to thoroughly clean his mouth before and after sampling food.
We were away from home for Thanksgiving, so that means no left-overs. Now you have me thinking of cooking a turkey dinner today! 🙂
Kari, what a blessing you are! Not only to Ryan, your dad and mom, but to all of us here at Team Diviney. You exhibit the patience of a saint. Your love for Ryan is so real and is shown here. Of course, I cried all the way through, but it is great to see Ryan looking so healthy and strong. I know we are all thankful for this. Thank you for sharing the video with us.
Now, Kenneth, did we see Ryan swallowing? If so, is it possible to give hime tastes occasionally of foods that are thin and easy to swallow, or is this too dangerous. We would never want him to choke or aspirate. I know how very careful you are!
Thank you all — Ken, Sue, Ryan and Kari for sharing all that you can with us. Happy Sunday-after-Thanksgiving. Always here, NEGA.
Alright, where’s the pumpkin pie?? Ryan got short changed. Duke? Ken? Who ate Ryans piece of pumpkin pie?
This is one of the times I blame the dogs…
I love this so much… thank you for inviting us all into your home for Thanksgiving again <3
So enjoyed the video, thank you. Ryan looks great!