Again, I apologize for not being as regular in my writing. I’m really struggling emotionally… have been for a while, actually. There’s just something about the yearly anniversary of Ryan’s attack that touches me at the deepest level. It hurts… badly. Each year it feels like it digs in a little more.
Still, I owe it to you to keep you current. So, here’s a list of what’s going on:
- Suture Removal. Three weeks ago, to the day, Ryan underwent surgery to place a prosthetic skull plate. The scalp incision that was made to create a flap was closed with 29 stitches. These are coming out tomorrow!
- Hot Tub. It took nearly 14 months, but there should be nothing preventing Ryan from finally using the hot tub. The plan is to give Ryan a good week or so after his stitches are removed — just to make sure his scalp’s integrity — before putting him in. I’m thinking Saturday, November 8th will work best. I, again, want to sincerely thank everyone who helped make this happen by providing the resources to buy the hoyer lift.
- Two Years Since UTI. If Ryan can make it another 10 days then it’ll be two years since Ryan had a urinary tract infection (UTI). He did acquire one last spring, but that was caused by kidney stones that blocked his ability to urinate. It wasn’t spontaneous, like the infections he use to have on a recurring basis. On a related note, if Ryan can make it through December then he will have gone four years without a respiratory infection.
- Choose Progress Website. The domain chooseprogress.net, that was once owned by the Vantrease contingent, is now ours. In July, my attorney sent them a strongly worded letter telling them to stop their nonsense (i.e., “Vantrease Propaganda Blitzkrieg”). Soon afterwards they quietly shutdown the website and relinquished the URL. It didn’t go unnoticed by me, as I’m confident they had wished otherwise, when they learned who took over its ownership. Sheesh, some people are such dumb-asses. You can read this attorney letter and the back story in my earlier post Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!
- Five Years. November 7th is just around the corner… a mere eight days away. When it arrives it will mark the fifth anniversary since Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May (both from Newark, Delaware) brutally beat Ryan into oblivion and let him for dead. That day, in the year 2009, changed so much in my life… and everything in Ryan’s.
Mel says
After much thought, I would love to talk with you about possibilities that you may try. I have 2 special needs children, both with Neuro issues, we have been successful with some repair. I can never pretend to understand but I want to share my thoughts with you & see if they can be applied to your situation. These things were suggested by our integrative MD. Sometimes we have to think outside the box to get answers.
My email is melhowellsemail@gmail.com
Lets try this…….please
Lauren says
I hope today can be seen as a good day for you, to celebrate 5 years of Ryan’s strength, and ability to beat all odds. And not everything changed for Ryan… he still has a loving and strong family, who will go to the end of the universe for him. I hope he enjoy’s the Hot Tub!
Anna says
Thinking of all of you.
Corinne Cox says
Hello Ken, Just writing to let you know that all of us here in WV are thinking about you. Especially with tomorrow being a very hard day for all of you. It also a hard day for the rest of us as well. Knowing how our justice system failed Ryan and now both of the pieces of trash are back out on the streets. Praying hard! Much love!
Monica says
Just writing to tell you that I am thinking of all of you.
Rhonda Morin says
I can’t even say that I have gone that long without infections, amazing!
I am having a hard time with November 7th and 8th and the hot tub. Partly I think getting him in there on the 7th sticks your nose to the universe that he is still kicking it but going in on the 8th allows you to mourn on the 7th but start fresh on the 8th.
Numbers and dates are important because we remember them so well. Tomorrow marks my father in law being injured 4 years ago, also getting my baby puppy 10 years ago. Then the 8th marks 1 year since he passed. The 7th was the last day I spoke to him.
Dates and numbers are intense. Will be thinking of you on the 7th and 8th.
Tony says
Glad to read Ryan is recovering well. Thank you for posting these updates. God Bless you guys.
Carla Liberty says
This five year anniversary has been weighing on all of our minds. It should not be this way.
Prayers continue for Ryan and the entire Diviney family.
Love,
carla
Wendy says
You are just amazing. Your care for Ryan is spectacular. You humble me.
Anna says
Wow! Not many people go 4 years without a respiratory infection. With the change in seasons, heating and air conditioning unit vents blowing out dust and whatever, outside pollen, mold and everyday germs people are always on the verge of something. Like someone said before…you wrote the manual Ken!
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. Just what exactly has Jonathan May done for society in the last 5 years? I would like for him to tell us. We know what Austin has done…..but what about Jon May…any one know?
marsha cook says
I have been following for quite a while and have prayed for your family and so glad Ryan is doing better and I wish the same for your whole family.
Cheryl O. says
The Os are still here. Will be thinking of you all in the coming days..
Chrissy says
I think of you, Ryan and your family all the time. That’s great news about the lack of infections….it shows Ryan’s strength and that he must be getting amazing care! Karma will get the 2 pieces of evil trash that did this to your son, NO DOUBT. Keep up the remarkable job you are doing as a father and advocate for your beautiful son ♡☆♡!
Gail Doyle via Facebook says
Always here ,Always praying ,Always hoping<3
Paula says
Hi Ken, thank you for the updates!!! I, too, was wondering when we would see your next blog post. I always look forward to finding out what is going on and how Ryan is doing. Of course I know there are times when you’re struggling with all the painful emotions — just remember we are here and we’re not going anywhere!!!
Thank God your attorney notified the VanTrease clan about the libelous trash they were throwing out into the public venue. Keep the trash at home where it belongs VanTrease!! Ugh — just thinking about their remorseless ways and insensitivity infuriates me.
It seems like a dream that the hot tub will be in action soon!!! I think Ryan is going to enjoy that immensely!!!
Thank you to everyone who made it happen!!!!! Bet the warm water will feel so good on Ryan’s joints and muscles.
The lack of UTI’s and upper respiratory infections is striking. Just shows the particular program you have created to help Ryan maintain excellent health is indeed working. Someday I hope to read all about it in the “best practices” manual you write for the hospitals and rehab centers. You will be doing the world a great service by instructing health practitioners how to vastly improve the care given for individuals suffering from brain injury. Unfortunately it can take great tragedy to foment progress. Together you and Ryan are breaking through the old school ways of how to treat TBI so that others can have hope for a better future. Then I want to read about Ryan’s Story and watch you and Kari on TV as you remind the world about the senseless violence that must be stopped.
Praying for continued progress and healing every day, and thanking God for being able to see up close and personal how determination can translate into new discoveries. I am so proud of Ryan and Kari as well for the way she has achieved and accomplished in spite of the great sorrow inflicted upon your family. Your whole family is made of the right stuff!!!
Sending love, faith and hope and always my prayers.
Hugs
Paula
Beatrice Susini Calabrese via Facebook says
You are an AMAZING Dad!!!! Prayers to you and your family <3 I’m sure Ryan feels your love always!!!!!! <3
Alyssa Auch says
I just wanted to leave a comment of support and love to you and your family. Ryan is a lucky man to have a father who loves him so devotedly. You’ve touched my heart, and I know countless others. Keep up the fight. Ryan is worth every bit of it, and we all know it.
Jo Hobbs via Facebook says
Always on my mind, Ryan. <3.
Mara Lee via Facebook says
❤️ him!
PK Miller says
Appreciate the updates, Ken. We all wondered how things were going. I’m glad his surgical site is healing so well. That’s also excellent news about lack of UTIs & respiratory problems. Whatever you’re doing, you must be doing it right! Both are huge issues for people who are sedentary. I’m glad you finally have your hot tub & will soon put it to use. I think it will be wonderfully refreshing for Ryan.
Ryan comes across as very strong. Certainly he derives strength from you but he himself must be very strong to have endured all this. One of the people in our Bible Study group last night (working our way thru Sermon on the Mount till early December then a break till January. Though if we get snow this winter like we got rain this summer we all may go into hibernation till June!) is a nurse who explained some things in regard to Tripp Halstead’s mom’s postings. (I didn’t understand how a head injury can affect someone’s feet). She is familiar w/Ryan–catches you on Facebook now & then if w/3 kids, a husband & cat all clamoring for attention she doesn’t have much time to herself. She reiterates we don’t know what Ryan understands but cannot express. He certainly feels your LOVE, Ken, & I’m sure, the love & prayers of so many thousands of people who know him through your postings. And someday, indeed, his assailants will face the Ultimate Judge from whom there are no appeals.
Thank you for keeping us posted. Take care of YOURSELF, Ken. I hope you’ve gotten your flu shot. You & your wife & Ryan all need to get one. I got mine yesterday. I no longer argue w/my primary care Dr. “You’re getting a flu shot!” “Yes Ma’am!” 🙂 I will add Ryan to our weekly Prayer Table if we have it today–looks like a deluge any minute. It was 67 degrees in Albany yesterday but it’s supposed to go downhill later today. One of our meteorologists is saying the “S-word” for Saturday which is not good–we have Confirmation Saturday w/kids from all over the Albany Episcopal Diocese! God bless. PK & Tim
Paul Rapsawich via Facebook says
Look at that smiling Ryan. We can’t wait until he is back with his family, smiling laughing and rooting on his Mountaineers and Redskins! It’ll happen-that kid is strong, and we got his back. In my thoughts and prayers.
Diana Karp Thompson via Facebook says
Your lives changed forever on that day, it would be a depressing time of the year for anyone to go through. May God continue to give you strength as a family and provide you with signs of encouragement.
Corinne Cox says
Hello Ken, I am so glad to hear that Ryan is doing so well and that his stitches are coming out tomorrow! It’s great to see all the progress he has made with the UTI’s and Respiratory Infections. I still can’t believe that it is going to be the five year anniversary soon. I also cannot believe that both Austin and Jonathon are already freed. This aggravates me to no end and I can’t even fathom how that is possible. I constantly pray for you, Ryan, Sue, and Kari and pray that a miracle happens and one day Ryan will be able to wake up. I know if this does happen though that he will never be the old Ryan. Which absolutely breaks my heart. I know none of the people who follow you and this page will ever know what you are going though, unless they have been in a similar situation. Just know, that all of us care very deeply for you and your entire family. One day, justice will be served the correct way. Whether on Earth or not. You all are so strong! God bless you all! Much Love!
Janna Diviney Key via Facebook says
I usually do not comment. I seldom am unable to express my thoughts. When it comes to Ryan and your family, my words fail me. I hurt for y’all. I have so much admiration and respect for your family. Please know I keep your family in my thoughts, especially with the anniversary and holidays coming. Sending much love.
Michelle Carlino via Facebook says
i can’t even imagine what your family is going through although i pray everyday for you and your family and especially Ryan! god bless you all!!!
Rebekah Greer says
I recently started following your post on Facebook and regularly look for updated information. I can’t imagine what you and your family are going through, or Ryan. I do not even know the attackers, nor would I ever want to encounter the monsters, but I have a strong hate for them. Ryan sounds like he had a bright future going for himself. He was on the right track unlike most of his age group then and now. So handsome then and still. I know you’ve heard all of this before. But your stories have really touched me. I pray for all of you, daily. Justice may not of been served down here but I know when the day comes, it will be.