by Paul Rapsawich
Sometimes in life it takes a tragedy to make us appreciate what we have. I first read about Ryan through a link a friend posted about signing the petition in support of denying parole for one of the cretins, violent felon Austin Vantrease, that did this to Ryan and his family. As I continued reading I could feel my heart breaking with each and every word. To be honest, I never could finish the original article. I had to stop because it was just too sad, too surreal to continue.
When I found the Ryan’s Facebook page I had to “Like’ it — not to be socially or politically correct — but to lend any and all support I could to this amazing young man and his family. From this page I’ve read the blog. I’ve watched the videos on Youtube…when Ryan was giving kisses I cried. When he had on his “game face” at the mention of his Redskins playing my Cowboys I had to laugh; you could tell he was a fierce competitor and loved his ‘Skins.
I try to stop by each morning and evening to say “Hi” to Ryan and leave some motivational saying for him. We all want Ryan to fight. We all want Ryan to come back to his family and friends and this community of supporters who pray and wish and hope that he gets well.
I read the article Ryan, I know What You’re Thinking, about Ken reluctantly going through Ryan’s computer — how he was a good kid — and it made me angry, to be honest. To have Ryan’s life interrupted by such a heartless and stupid act. To rob the world of such a fine young man when the scum that did this to him are still breathing. The anger was there for a few days. But anger isn’t what Ryan needs. It’s prayers and hope and love. That’s why we’re all here.
I have a three year-old son and I hope that he never has to go through anything like this. I would hope that no family EVER has to go through what the Divineys have had to endure. Their strength has been inspiring. Their faith limitless. If we could help shoulder the burden we would. If we could take away even the smallest amount of heartbreak we would. By letting us “Like” this page you’ve let us share in the sadness of what has happened. Hopefully we’ll all be able to share in the joy when Ryan is back. Thanks for letting us be a part of Ryan’s Rally.
WE GOT THIS!
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Angels for disabled Adults via Facebook says
January 27, 2014 at 2:27 AMthanks for sharing your beautiful son <3
Tracy Lynn Colodny via Facebook says
January 26, 2014 at 11:54 PMRyan is still alive? But is he still in a come ?? Sorry just found this page
Ryan's Rally LLC says
January 27, 2014 at 8:27 AMYes, he is alive. He is not considered comatose, rather “minimally conscious”.
Paula says
January 26, 2014 at 8:17 PMBeautifully written, Paul. Thank you so much for the uplifting words. Team Diviney is truly blessed to have you on its Team!!
Joe Palmer via Facebook says
January 26, 2014 at 4:15 PMStay strong
Peggy Currier via Facebook says
January 26, 2014 at 1:12 PMNever give up!
Mary Ellen Coleman says
January 26, 2014 at 1:09 PMBeautifully put with insight, intelligence and heartfelt sentiments….you have a gift for expressing what many think but just can’t put into words.
Jennifer Cline via Facebook says
January 26, 2014 at 12:24 PMI just found your story from the Ride to Give page I follow. I have been reading obsessively for over an hour on your blogs and such. How heartbreaking, but also so inspiring the love you all have for Ryan, and for each other. What a true family is and should be. Thank you for sharing your story, I will follow you from here on. God bless you all from Okeene, OK.
Mark Rapsawich says
January 26, 2014 at 11:55 AMwell done tony
Anna says
January 26, 2014 at 10:56 AMWhat a fitting post after the all day barrage of news yesterday on the Columbia Mall shootings. Our local channel carried this story on all day long. I frequented that mall with my daughter many times in the past. Thankfully she is grown and lives in NYC so we don’t shop there now. The tragedy reminds us of the innocence of a family trip to the mall. Ryan’s situation reminds us of the innocence of college friends going out for a late night snack. Sadly both situations have lost their innocence and spontaneity.
Gail Doyle says
January 26, 2014 at 10:15 AMNice post, thank you Paul
Tony says
January 26, 2014 at 10:11 AMVery nice post to read this morning. Thanks for sharing. Will say a prayer for Ryan at church.
Laura Jones via Facebook says
January 26, 2014 at 9:27 AMThat was really heartfelt 🙂 I’m so glad Ryan’s rally has an enormous amount of supporters. I’m always here to help & support too! I keep Ryan in my prayers as often as I can. Nothing beats the power of prayer 🙂 Ryan is so blessed to have the family he does. Thank you for continuing to share his updates 🙂 Prayers, Faith & Love to your family 🙂