2015. Can you flippin’ believe it? Instead of wishing everyone a happy year — because I certainly don’t — how about I wish that everyone gets what they deserve?
Fair enough?
Ryan on New Years’ Day, 2015.
Ryan enters this year physically healthy. More than anyone could ever have expected, for that matter. He has worked damned hard over these past five years… and it shows. He’s strong and gains flexibility, millimeter-by-millimeter, with each passing month.
Quite frankly, he’s amazing.
Still, I worry that he’ll stop recovering. That one day he’ll just end improving; then begin going downhill. It’s scary for this reason… it’s entirely possible. Then what if he does begin emerging from his diminished level of consciousness? I doubt he’d even believe that it is now 2015!
Think about it. Imagine leaving your home today to grab a bite to eat when the lights go out… and then waking in 2020! Imagine learning that the monsters that did such harm to you are not in prison. Worse yet, being told one only served four years and the other just seven months.
Or waking to learn your grandfather has passed away. To see your dogs and wonder when their nuzzles turned grey. So much has changed in this world since Ryan was beaten into oblivion. Hell, the house he grew up in looks little like he’d remember it, given all the changes to provide for him.
To miss Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years six times.
To learn your driver’s license is revoked.
Being told you were withdrawn from a thriving college experience.
To hear that not only has your younger sister graduated from high school, but also from college… and by the way, she is now in the workforce.
To have your eyes stitched shut and cornea scarred.
To ask why there’s a tube in your stomach.
I wonder if Ryan, or anyone, could grasp this. How could any single person be okay with what happened? I’m not. I never will. Yet, those who harmed him so gravely (Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May, both from Newark, Delaware) seem just peachy-keen with it (I’d say the same of their families). They simply haven’t shown remorse even close to what I would expect. They turned their backs on Ryan in every way.
Sadly, time beats along. This year — like 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and late-2009 — there will be no quitting. I will continue working toward his recovery. Toward accountability and justice.
Then, if Ryan does come back to us I’ll tell him other things he’d likely never understand. That he is so loved… by so many. That millions of people kept him relevant. That the time he spent away from us was not in vain. That he made an impact on this world in a positive way.
In a remarkable way!
Yes, Ryan, you brought out the compassion in people. They (and I) are better because of you. For me, I never knew I had so much love (and hate). My resilience — which people tell me they admire — is nothing compared to yours. I just wish it hadn’t caused you so much grief and pain.
It’s not fair for us to benefit from this, but we are eternally thankful for all you sacrificed.
So then, let’s make 2015 the most of it that we can. There are untold numbers of people who refuse failure… Team Diviney!
Don’t miss this touching (and insanely cute) Video in yesterday’s post! Kari gets a four-legged Christmas gift. Her joy brings her mom to tears.
God loves you all, and will bless your family in this life and the next, Ken. You’re all amazing people, and I wish you the best for 2015!
Such a well written post, Ken. You managed to capture the spectrum of emotions in one post, leaving me staring at the screen and saying, “Yes.”
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p.s. I believe Ryan will continue to recover!!!
Meanwhile, Team Diviney is here and we’re not going anywhere!!
SHSP, NGA!!!
Love to all of you~~
God Bless Ryan and the rest of your family <3 <3
Absolutely beautiful. You’re right, all of us are better because of Ryan. Love reading this! Sending tons of prayers! Much love!
God bless him and you for being so amazing. I also prey that the creatures that harmed him recieve the same as they gave
May you find some peace and comfort in 2015! Continued praeyers for Ryan and your entire family.
Always in my heart and thoughts.
You are amazing Ryan! Continued prayers.
Pray for Healings & Miracles for 2015…., I Pray that ALL that has been stolen from Ryan that God turn it all around for the Glory of God!!! And Prayer for strength for strength for his family that has stuck right by his side !!!
I have also followed you for several years (and made comments a couple of times). I do like the concept of “everyone gets what they deserve” this year. 🙂 I hope 2015 does bring a breakthrough of consciousness for your son, Ryan.
Love the video of Kari and the puppy! The simple joys! Sending positive energy and love and hugs to all!
Always, always, always–you are my family too. I pray every day for Ryan’s recovery and that all of you are renewed every day to do what needs to be done for Ryan and the family. SHSP NGA, Love, Annie
Always praying for Ryan and for your family. Happy New Year!!
Praying for Ryan to make a full recovery, Gid Bless❤️
I can only send you all much love and pray for peace for your family…and I will do it everyday. <3
We don’t know each other but I’ve been following your story for a while now. I pray for your family daily. I hope that 2015 will bring some happiness into your family’s life. Always praying for full recovery for Ryan. So sorry that there is such evil people in our world. Prayers from New Orleans!
Praying 2015 brings some more improvements in Ryan’s recovery. I love what you do for your son not that a parent wouldn’t but you guys are all amazing. Love and prayers.
……..and still there is HOPE. Praying for strength for Ryan and all the family !
Ryan will come back, not if…keeping Ryan and your family in my prayers….the system sucks…my son in law was hit head by a no good menace to society, and all he got was a smack on the wrist, if that
Hugs
~~Love and Prayer’s~~…….I loved my Christmas Card you sent….<3 …..Continued Prayer's for Ryan…..Gooooooo Team Diviney ! ……We Love Ya !!!!!
Praying for continued improvement and for your family
Ryan is in My Prayers each and Every night I never forget to Pray for Him.
Let’s pray 2015 brings a miracle in the medical field for Ryan. Thoughts are with you all.
Your strength and words are ALWAYS powerful!!!! Prayers will continue for your family …you are so amazing and have touched so many lives and hearts!! God bless
<3 you Bryan & family. Praying for a better year and full recovery. 🙂
Prayers always. Bless all of you!
I pray that 2015 will bring many blessings to your family. Somehow I just have to believe that Ryan knows it’s a new year and that he certainly can feel the love his family has for him, but also that he can feel the love and prayers that are sent up for him. He is an amazing young man and has had a great impact on me – just from reading his story.
Ryan is truly remarkable, and it’s amazing how much he is teaching all of us. Hoping and praying for him and your family always <3
Always praying.
Ryan we love you happy new year
May your family be blessed today, I pray that you could see a glimmer of hope today to start your new year.