For those who don’t follow Ryan on Facebook, you missed my post there on Saturday. Two huge things happened as the result of one event… My daughter, Kari graduated from West Virginia University and Ryan returned there for the first time since leaving in a medical airplane. The last time my family were all together in Morgantown was about a month before his attack. I seriously thought we would never be there together again.
We were. It was so bitter-sweet. It was beyond words how emotional it felt. I held it together… well… for the most part.
Ryan did well throughout the day. WVU treated our family so well. They set up a “Green Room” for us to take Ryan into before and after the ceremony, and even during it if had been needed. It was equipped with a live feed so we would not miss anything. Sure, it didn’t go 100% smoothly, but I expected some glitches along the way. The great news is that nothing overly complex happened. The little things that we did tended to happen without anyone probably even noticing. What can I say, Sue and I have become masters at not making a big deal out of stuff when in the presence of people. Honestly, we work “under the radar” very well.
We do this because we don’t want them to feel uncomfortable or anxious.
I’ll write more about the ceremony and the fun that followed it in a future post… and how wonderful it all turned out to be. For now, I simple want to acknowledge how deeply proud I am of my daughter. College is tough enough on its own, but she excelled through unimaginable adversity. She transcended every challenge… that most can not even imagine.
Her strength is inspiring. She is just so strong and determined. Through it all she faced criminal trials, civil proceedings, parole hearings, depositions, and so much more. Still, the one thing that I believe was the hardest she kept to herself. Namely, being where Ryan loved. Where he wanted her.
I can’t imagine what it must have been like! Walking past those places that reminded her of him… and what he lost… what she was denied. Those years-upon-years of walking to class right past the Diary Mart parking lot that essentially ended his life. Going to football games each autumn with the hospital that Ryan clung to life looming large in view from the student section. How hard was it for her to hear all the “Ryan Stories” that happened each time she went out with others. You know, hilarious and touching tales that were specific to the place Kari was at any given time. Again worth mentioning, walking by the place he was beaten.
Kari went to WVU because her brother had asked her to share the experience with him. He wanted her there. Kari honored his wishes even though it was probably the hardest thing to do.
For now I’ll not focus on that. Instead, let me share some pictures from the day.
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Congratulations to you all !! Keep the Faith, my heart breaks for your Family, love to you all <3 <3 <3 <3
That is AWESOME…CONGRATS FROM KY…i cannot even begin to imagine the struggles..i love the strength and faith in your family…amazing
Congrats Kari, you are an inspiration and a true beauty. So glad Ryan was able to be there with you. Looking so dapper in his pink shirt:)
Congrats to Kari…a big accomplishment! I am so happy to hear you all made it out to WVU.
Congrats to Kari! So glad the entire family could be together for such a wonderful weekend celebrating graduation.
Congrats to Kari!
So glad everything went so well. Congratulations, Kari! Ryan looks so handsome, actually looks alert. I don’t recall that you’ve posted pictures in a while so I wasn’t sure. Congrats again, Kari, and good luck to you! God bless you all!
So amazing!!! Congratulations to everyone!!!!
Beautiful pictures. Congratulations to Kari! Happy to hear Ryan handled the trip well.
Awesome, so glad you all got to go.Love and hugs!
Congratulations Kari!
Congrats to you, Kari! So glad your family was together for you on your special day!
Congratulations Kari! I have followed your story since it happened. My son happened to be a freshman that year and I was shocked, to say the least, that this sort of thing happened at WVU. Your entire family has tremendous strength; strength that no family should have to test. I am happy to see that the University helped make accommodations so all including Ryan could attend her graduation. I was just up there this weekend for my own son’s graduation! It’s a wonderful time full of new beginnings and exciting times. I wish you all the best!
Congrats Kari! So happy everyone was there to share in the special day.
You guys are an awesome family. Congrats but Ryan is the man.
A true testament of your family’s love and strength. Congratulations Kari and heartfelt best wishes to the whole family to continue to live, love and and persevere.
We were praying it would work out for you and Ryan and Sue to be there “live”. So happy to know you made it work. Hugs and congrats to Kari.
Congratulations to Kari, and hugs to you all! I love how Ryan sported a WVU blanket. Once a Mountaineer, always a Mountaineer. You’re truly one of us now, whether you like it or not. LOL
What an awesome achievement for Kari (and Ryan in being there with her, as he wanted more than anything) and most wonderful memories for your family. I’m sure that each of you will treasure that day together forever. Thank you for sharing it with us — we are so happy for you! Praying for many more beautiful family moments to come <3
CONGRATULATIONS TO KARI, hope the trip was good for all the family!
Kari, congrats!
Congrats to the lovely Kari…..a sweetheart of a girl who is beautiful both inside and out!!! Much love to all of you; I couldn’t be happier that you could take part in this magical day with her!!!
Love,
carla
PS: This calls for crabcakes. 🙂 🙂
All I wanted to do is cry . I am so extremely happy and proud of all of you. Everytime I read your posts and articles I feel like I am part of your family. Thank you for sharing your family with us. Godbless. A Chapter closed and now a new Chapter begins.
Congrats to Kari! My son graduated on Sunday from WVU too!!
So very happy you got to celebrate together and that Ryan, I’m sure ,enjoyed it. Loved the pictures !!!
Beautiful family and to you Kari, Go girl!!!
I’m not sure if you came across this yet, but there was now a beating in Mankato at Minnesota State. A former quarterback brutally beat up another. He is now in critical condition. Doctor’s said he had permanent brain damage. I just don’t understand how people can be so crooked. Congrats to you daughter!
Love these pictures, Ken!! Kari couldn’t be anymore beautiful, and you look pretty cool all dressed up : )
Your post today gave a glimpse of all that Kari endured in order to attain her goal. No one except your family will truly know the full measure of what Kari went through. Please include it in your book because it will be an eye opener for sure. To say she’s a strong person doesn’t capture it — she has been so brave and courageous these past four and a half years.
Hats off to WVU for helping your family while you were there!!
I can only imagine how deeply touching and moving the commencement ceremony was. And honestly, the fact that Ryan was able to attend — it puts a lump in my throat because four and a half years ago who knew how strong he would be and how far he would come. The picture of Ryan and Kari needs to be blown up and put into a frame. It is wonderful!!! All the pictures are wonderful and thank you for posting them for us.
I am looking forward to hearing more details, but suffice it to say, you and Sue get top honors as parents who inspire. Amidst all the heartbreak, and in spite of the terrible physical and emotional suffering, I look at these pictures and see a family that has achieved so many things. You have so much to be proud about, Ken!!!
You pulled your family through the fire and gave them the strength to believe and keep pressing on. You did this by making enormous sacrifices on a daily basis. The evidence of all that you have done for your family is in these pictures. You told your family, “We got this” and you kept your promise. I feel like standing on a chair and applauding you!! The phrase “I’m the Dad” says everything!!!
Cheers to Kari for pushing through and demonstrating such determination. We are so proud of her accomplishments!!! Well done, Kari!!!!! May your every hope and dream unfold and blossom in the coming years. I pray for your happiness always.
Sending you love, hugs and wishes for a smooth week. Because of all your hard work and planning, you and your family now have a beautiful memory to forever cherish. Thank you for letting us share in your joy!
Love & prayers
Paula
HIP, HIP, HOORAY! I am so very happy that you all got to celebrate as a family. You all amaze me that’s for sure. Kari, you’re are truly the best “little” sister ever. Your determination, dedication, love and thoughtfulness are all assets that certainly make you shine.
Once again, your family leaves me in awe. The love, dedication, and perseverance that you guys have is admirable and amazing.
I’m so glad that you all got to enjoy that day together as a family. I love you guys.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KARI! !! Best wishes and prayers for continued success in everything you do Kari!!
You guys are such a beautiful family and a BIG INSPIRATION to me. You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers!! Thanks for the update and pictures!! You all are so GORGEOUS! !! The love you all show is just amazing and it shows in every pic I see.
CONGRATULATIONS again to KARI and the entire family!!! God bless!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO KARI!!! CONGRATULATIONS to ALL of you!! I can only imagine all the emotions that you all faced that day. I’m so happy that things went well and Kari made it through what had to be a difficult but exciting time in her life. I wish, pray and hope that she accomplishes ALL of her dreams!!!
Ryan is looking better and better with each picture I see. Kari you are such a strong and absolutely GORGEOUS , strong young woman. Ken and Sue you must be so SO VERY PROUD of your children.
I follow everyone of your posts to the best of my ability and everyone touches my heart in ways I can’t describe. You ALL are in my tthoughts and prayers everyday. I will continue to pray for the miracle we all know God can do!!! Even though I have never met you all personally (would love to someday) I think of you all as part of my extended family. I’m so happy for all of you!! Happy that through everything you all have been through you all still keep smiling and pushing forward. Your family is an inspiration to me.
CONGRATULATIONS again!!!! May God continue to bless each of you!!! You all are and will be in my thoughts and prayers ALWAYS!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
Thank you WVU for all you did. Kari is such a beautiful girl!
Bittersweet!!! Congrats to your daughter! Beautiful young lady!
I’m glad everything went so well, I’m also so proud of WVU for going above and beyond, makes me proud to have also graduated from WVU. One more good thing for you and your family to add to the bucket list! Congrats again to your daughter.
Congratulations to Kari! I am so glad that your entire family was able to come back to WV for her graduation. Stay strong! As always, many prayers for blessing and miracles for your family.
Congratulations to Kari! I am so glad that your entire family was able to come back to WV for her graduation. Stay strong! As always, many prayers for blessing and miracles for your family.
Congratulations all around 🙂 as a perfect stranger who just started following you after I read Ryan’s story while searching wvu after my son was accepted, my heart goes out to you constantly. I love your family’s passion for the school and I am glad the school supported your visit so that you all could share in your daughters big day
Blessings to you and your family! Thanks for sharing your glories and struggles, God is at work. Love and prayers Kimberly Wick
Congrats Kari I’m not sure how you managed but you did and that shows a woman with a true strength! I am so glad that the whole family was able to attend . There will always be bumps in the road but with love of your family you have learned to navigate around the worst of them!! Much love to the Divineys ♡
Great pictures. So thrilled you were there for Kari and both she and Ryan look great. You also make a suit and tie look good! Congratulations, Kari. What is the next step for her? Thanks for posting this. I don’t do Facebook, so I would have missed it.
Awesome!
Thank you, Ken! Love the photos! Congratulations and best wishes to Kari. Can only imagine what she has been through! We will always be here for you and your folks, Kari, and will be waiting to know what is next in your journey!
SHSP, NGA
Despite everything… you are truly blessed.
I’m so glad that you were able to make this happen for Kari and Ryan, and you and Sue too.
That’s great Ken. Congrats to Kari and so glad to hear that Ryan could join the family for the celebration.
So relieved that it went relatively smoothly and Ryan is home safe and well!