Ryan in ICU the day following surgery (June 24). His face is swollen and eyes are bruising. Blood has saturated his dressing.
The summer of 2014 is just a blur. For something that felt like it took forever, it’s crazy just how little I recall from it. It’s like waking the morning after drinking too much and trying to piece together what exactly happened the night before. Well, I feel hung over every bit like I’ve been on a three-month bender.
Since June 23rd — the day Ryan had his defective titanium skull plate removed — the only thing that mattered was protecting his brain. A brain that was precariously exposed. Protected only by a layer of skin (scalp) and the brain’s protective membrane (meninges).
The stress was unimaginable.
Sure, by the end of this week Ryan’s eyes will be deeply bruised… his head will be lined with more staples and sutures than can be counted… blood will saturate the gauze bandages around his head… he will be sore and uncomfortable… he will be on strong antibiotics to prevent infection… but it’s nothing different from his struggle since the day he was so mercilessly beaten (by Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May; both of Newark, Delaware).
As I hold Ryan’s hand through another battle, those monsters that did this to him will be snug in their own beds at night and free to do whatever they please during the day. As I put my boy back together they continue to turn their backs on him and the damage they caused.
I will never be able to accept this. Their blatant refusal to accept responsibility and accountability is sickening! Scum! Their behavior is deplorable, and since they refuse to meet their justice then the only option is to have justice imposed upon them… in due time.
As for Ryan’s recovery following his surgery to insert the prosthetic skull plate, it will take some time. The bruising will fade from black to blue, then to that sickly shade of yellow, before finally looking normal. The IV antibiotics will stop. The scabs will slowly fall away. The staples that are holding his scalp together will be removed in phases. His hair will grow back. Then, as people are consumed with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and planning their New Year’s eve celebration, is when Ryan will begin to look “normal” again.
Then again, looks can be deceiving.
My thoughts and prayers are ALWAYS with you and Ryan. Stay strong.
May God be with Ryan and family. Praying for you all!
Well stated, Anna!!!
Jon May has never “manned up” and accepted responsibility. He will never amount to anything or any body in life, he will always be a convict. Austin Vantrease did pay a pittance of restitution to make it look like he cared while he was trying to get out on parole. Just like Jon May, Austin will never amount to any body on life except a convict.
They are following the path their parents have taught them in life…..don’t accept responsibility for what you have done, some one else will, someone with character.
Ken, you are that person with character there to pick up the destruction they left in their path of life.
Praying for Ryan and your Family <3
Prayers
Sending positive thoughts for surgery tomorrow. 🙂
Prayers for all!
Praying for Ryan!
Praying for you guys!!!
Good luck for the surgery Ryan. Sending prayers and positive thoughts to you from ireland!
One more hurdle of many ,and know you’ll get over this one .Prayers to all<3
My heart continues to break for your family. Lives can be changed in the blink of an eye…we take such for granted. I will be praying for you.
May God be with you each and every step of the way. Im so sorry that the justice system failed you but our dear Lord will not, hold on to your faith baby.
prayers for all yall……
prayers for all yall……
I read every post u write about Ryan and his struggles and it continues to break my heart each time.I soooo admire and respect u and ur family for everything u have done and continue to do for ur son.U have more strength than anyone I have ever known.May God bless u and Ryan and once again be with him thru another surgery.Miracles do happen and I am living proof of that.I pray for another miracle to happen to Ryan each night when I go to bed.And may the scum that did this to him burn in hell forever.Good luck and many prayers for ur family.
I don’t know your family but am so deeply saddened by what has happened to your son. I too went to WVU and sadly I’ve seen acts of violence coupled with drugs and alcohol (like most colleges and universities) I just don’t understand why people think they have the right to physically put their bodies on another! May God be with you and your family and Ryan and know that your love for each other can get you through anything!
Prayers!
Praying for the family!
Praying for all of you!
Thoughts and prayers coming your way!!! GOD bless you all as you take another step in Ryan’s journey
Ryan will always know how much you all love him and care for him! Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Here with you all Ken praying for Ryan’complete recovery from this surgery. Those who hurt Ryan and your family will not have a moments peace no matter how they appear Always here Stay Strong ❤️
Much love and many prayers from our family to yours as you face yet another battle with Ryan. You, Divineys, are more than conquerors <3
Praying for Ryan.
Sending lots of prayers!
You are always in my prayers.
Prayers for Ryan and his family
This just breaks my heart. I have missed your updates on Ryan and will be thinking of you through this next trying time.
Continued thoughts & prayers!!
Ken Diviney I have Ryan in my prayers. Love you guys
Prayers for Ryan and his family
many many continued prayers!!!!
Hi Ken, you’re right, looks can be deceiving, especially a family whose son pummeled the life out of another young man, only to completely turn their backs on the victim (Ryan). I wonder if they’re church going, community volunteering, “family oriented” people — folks who look and sound like they might have a heart but in reality are shallow, selfish, cruel and narcissistic. Talk is cheap. An apology without action means so little, and a rant about ” a fight is a fight ” makes about as much sense as North Korea saying they’re open for tourism. Huh? Exactly — no sense.
Innocent people who are left brutalized by narcissistic perpetrators who lack the ability to care and do the right thing are left to struggle. But life does have a way of evening out the score in the fullness of time. No one can predict how it will happen, because it’s up to the timeless flow of good and evil to exact the remedy. No I’m not into revenge nor am I a vengeful person. I just know that one cannot commit a wicked deed with no remorse and expect happiness and peace of mind to follow.
Ryan, you are a class act and you will always be an inspiration to those of us who have gotten to know you and your family. You don’t have anything to hide from or be remorseful about, for you have suffered about as much as any human being could. Thank the Lord you have grace and beauty, love and peace within you. For although the violence of VanTrease and May has rendered you unable to speak and move, we know about all the wonderful things you have done in your life. We are uplifted and encouraged by the strength and fortitude you continue to display. It is a privilege to support you in any way we can, because just your presence is a reminder of what is good in this world. Ryan, you are a poignant reminder of what it means to be strong and good. I am so grateful to know you and your family.
Sending love, hugs, faith and hope in continued healing.
Love,
Paula
You are a rock, sir, to be able to hold it together. Will hope for Ryan and your family that there is a speedy recovery from this next surgery.
Prayers for Ryan and your family.
always thinking of you, and sending all of our love, The Beyers family
Ryan and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers Ken.
<3 Praying for you all!!! Ryan is in our thoughts and our hearts!!!!
Praying <3
Praying for Ryan and family. God is in control of this complete situation!!!
Prayers for Ryan and your family!
Sending prayers for Ryan and family!
Praying for Ryan….
You will all be in our thoughts the next few days. Hoping that things go as smoothly as possible.
Sending prayers!!!! Your family and especially Ryan is always in our thoughts God Bless you all
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Will be praying!
Sending prayer.
Stay strong! In our thoughts and prayers.