• ChooseProgress.net (Criminal Site)
  • Ryan’s FB Fan Page

We Got This!

"I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

  • Home
  • Give
    • Donate
    • Wish List
      • Wish List Items Needed
      • Wish List Orders Received
  • The Story
  • Blog
    • Main Blog
    • Guest Articles
  • News
  • Photos
    • Photos
    • Video
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • About Ryan
    • Keep Ryan Relevant
    • About Me
    • About RyansRally.org
  • Legal
    • Website Disclaimer
    • Civil Lawsuit Complaint
  • Commonly Asked
You are here: Home / blog / Merry Flippin’ Christmas!

Merry Flippin’ Christmas!

December 18, 2013 by Ryan's Rally LLC 18 Comments

People are asking me if there is anything they can get me or Sue for the holiday. My answer is always the same. I tell them that we are good, but Ryan is not. He always needs something. Then I direct hem to his wish list and donation pages.

Even Sue and I don’t give each other gifts any longer. Well, not in the same way, that is. It’s just not practical to spend on ourselves when there is a greater need in our family. We both would feel guilty as hell. The concept of gift giving has taken on a whole new approach since Ryan was brutally beaten (by Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May, both of Newark, Delaware).

So, we compromise.

Scooba iRobot

[via robot.com]

Let me explain. Like this year, we got “each other” a floor mopping robot to use on the lower level where Ryan spends most of his time. Past years gifts included a Vitamix (which is a blender on steroids) and patio heater. Now, we’re not whipping-up margaritas or salsa in the Vitamix, for sure. We use it exclusively for Ryan’s medications and nutrition. The patio heater is for one purpose, and one purpose only… to allow more days to have Ryan outside.

Ah, Merry Flippin’ Christmas!

It’s okay though. We like it this way. You won’t find me complaining that I’m not mopping the entire lower level floor any longer! Even better is it gives me an extra twenty to thirty minutes each day to work with Ryan. Time that we use to spend sweeping and mopping. You know what? It might just be the perfect gift… given our circumstances.

Of course, Sue picked it out. Hey, I’m just not that creative.  Besides, I really didn’t even realize how close Christmas was until last week.  But can you really blame me for not knowing since they have advertised for it since mid-October?

Related articles
  • Four Years Ago: I Lost My Hero
  • How Will We Make it Through Another Day?

Please! Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: blog, News Tagged With: Austin Vantrease, iRobot, Jonathan May, Newark Delaware

Comments

  1. MichaelaandHass Hartley via Facebook says

    December 20, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    Yesterday I checked my mail as usual and was surprised to see the Christmas card from your family. Goosebumps took over my body, wow, it made it more real than reading about Ryan and your family. I was so touched. I wish I lived closer, I would love to meet all of you . You all are true heroes in my eyes. I wish you all the best every day. I know Ryan doesn’t know me but please give him a hug from me and let him know he will never be forgotten from this mother of 2 in Morgantown I couldn’t imagine what I would do if it was 1 of mine. ♥♥
    Michaela Hartley

    Reply
  2. MichaelaandHass Hartley via Facebook says

    December 20, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    Yesterday I checked my mail as usual and was surprised to see the Christmas card from your family. Goosebumps took over my body, wow, it made it more real than reading about Ryan and your family. I was so touched. I wish I lived closer, I would love to meet all of you . You all are true heroes in my eyes. I wish you all the best every day. I know Ryan doesn’t know me but please give him a hug from me and let him know he will never be forgotten from this mother of 2 in Morgantown I couldn’t imagine what I would do if it was 1 of mine. ♥♥
    Michaela Hartley

    Reply
  3. Lisa Johnson via Facebook says

    December 19, 2013 at 10:22 PM

    Blessings to you & your family

    Reply
  4. Tony says

    December 19, 2013 at 7:38 PM

    Let us know how that mopping robot works. Sounds like a great concept and I hope it saves you and Sue time. We are thinking of you guys as we approach Christmas Holiday. Hope your family will all be together to enjoy each other’s company. Praying for Ryan every day. Thank Ryan for the beautiful Christmas card. It’s a very nice picture of him and Kari! God Bless you.

    Reply
  5. Nicole Victoria via Facebook says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Got your Christmas Card Last night! Thank you and Merry Christmas to you all. We pray for your family and Ryan daily.

    Reply
  6. Nicole Victoria via Facebook says

    December 19, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    Got your Christmas Card Last night! Thank you and Merry Christmas to you all. We pray for your family and Ryan daily.

    Reply
  7. Patricia Bechtle via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 10:58 PM

    the order says it should be at your door dec.30 was wanting it before christmas but i guess i don’t get what i always want but it will be a late christmas gift to you guys Have a wonderful Christmas From our family to yours

    Reply
  8. Dianne Hess via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    Prayers for your family!

    Reply
  9. Paula says

    December 18, 2013 at 7:35 PM

    Hi Ken, as difficult as things are, you never lose your razor sharp wit – I don’t know how you do it, but I love that about you!! Keep staying the course … the holidays come and go, but we’re still here and we’re not going anywhere!

    Sending you hugs, prayers, love and always hope
    Paula

    Reply
  10. Patricia Bechtle via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 12:04 PM

    Thank you, your order has been placed.
    An email confirmation has been sent to you.
    Order Number: 104-1197926-9449023
    1 item will be shipped to Ryan Diviney Wish List by Wholesale Health & Beauty Club. Estimated delivery: Dec. 24, 2013 – Dec. 30, 2013
    Review or edit your order Just want to say Merry Christmas and God Bless you and your family

    Reply
  11. KarynMike Curran via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 11:50 AM

    Merry Christmas to your Wonderful family

    Reply
  12. Rhonda Morin says

    December 18, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    I concur Merry Flipping Xmas. I too want your vitamix and thank you Ken for the flu/cold. I don’t need this right now. Xmas is a day. I am always so happy when it is over. I love the decorating and baking and the parties but it is possibly one of the most depressing days of the year for me. Love to you all. Is Kari home yet?

    Reply
    • Ryan's Rally LLC says

      December 18, 2013 at 11:46 AM

      Yes. Kari arrived home yesterday evening after her last final of the semester. Then, she promptly went to a friends birthday party. I just can’t compete with her social life!

      Reply
      • Rhonda Morin says

        December 18, 2013 at 11:58 AM

        Sorry dad she is becoming a young woman holding on to her childhood. She will always be your little girl.

  13. Jo says

    December 18, 2013 at 11:21 AM

    Merry Floppin’ Christmas here. I know I got this bug from you, because the CDC says it all started in Virginia. Guilty as heck, you are. Who knew one could pass a bug VIA texting. LOL

    Way behind around here on Christmas readiness. But, then, I always am. I think I got more done before I retired. I know many of you can relate. I did get a “thoughts” card in the mail for Ryan, but we may have to resort to Happy New Year cards this year. I hope you are feeling better, Ken, and no one else picked it up.The CDC says one can be contagious as long as a few weeks! :/ No kidding, CDC!

    This is a tough time of the year for those in grief. For some of us, it on-going, especially as we age. Ken and Sue, I can relate to taking care of the ill, possibly terminally ill patient, just as many of us can. Praying that you and those going through the grief process, or never-ending grief, will find peace. It is, indeed, a tough time of the year, but we will “just do it” and keep looking up and moving forward. So, go make some cookies with Kari–and eat lots of them. Christmas is about cookies — and Jesus. Just ask anyone!

    Reply
  14. Robin Lovewell via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    Merry Christmas to your sweet family!

    Reply
  15. Jo Hobbs via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 9:05 AM

    Ken, I want one–or borrow yours. And a Vitamix!

    Reply
  16. Dana Heckart via Facebook says

    December 18, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    God bless you and yours! Merry Christmas!! We will continue to uplift Ryan on prayer for ultimate healing!!

    Reply

Leave a Comment. I read EVERY one!Cancel reply

Featured Articles

Just One More Time. Forever is Worth it.

Wife's Turn: Family. It's What We Do.

Ryan, I know What You're Thinking.

I Lost My Big Brother that Night.

Her Turn to Cry: I Want the Old Ryan Back.

I Lost My Hero.

Most Commented Articles

  • Austin Vantrease Father: “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” (155)
  • Ryan Does Something New (155)
  • Ryan has Potentially Life-Threatening Infection (146)
  • Ryan in ICU. Illness Identified. (131)
  • Five Years (131)
  • Kari Diviney: Victim Impact Statement. (125)
  • “Just Let God Have Him” (and Other Stupidity) (123)
  • Austin Vantrease Siblings Speak Out (101)
  • Austin Vantrease Parole Hearing Scheduled (2013) (97)
  • Skull Surgeries Necessary (95)

Log In

SSL Certified: We are Verified & Secure!

Get Email Alerts of New Posts!

Contact Information

Ryan's Rally, ℅ Ken Diviney
21092 Carthagena Ct.
Ashburn, VA 20147
kdiviney@ryansrally.org

Search Ryan’s Rally

Copyright © 2023 · Metro Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in