The past six days, and today also, were perfect weather-wise. Temperatures in the low- to mid-eighties… gentle breeze… blue skies exploding with brilliant sunlight. The wildlife — to the extent found in the suburbs — is extremely active. The birds sing as the sun rises and keep at it until the bullfrogs pick-up the harmony at dusk.
The little guy we came across while heading to the deck this morning.
In addition to the geese, ducks, groundhogs, opossum, and deer herd, some other critters have shown themselves. Most notably, a red fox and turtle (or tortoise… I really have no idea). All-in-all, it’s as close to ideal as I could expect while hanging out with Ryan on the deck.
You know what, though? It only got better as we enjoyed the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals wins. I scavenged around my garage and found an old radio to listen to the games. To keep the sun off us, I cranked open the twelve-foot awning (bought through Ryan’s Wish List) and poured myself a huge-ass glass of root beer over crushed ice.
It sure took me back… to a happier time… when Ryan and I would take in the games together… when life wasn’t so damned complicated, demanding, and heart wrenching.
For a few hours, it almost felt normal.
Almost.
Thank God, for beautiful weather & nature! Sounds like a great way to spend time together 🙂 Always praying for & thinking of you guys!
<3
You have a way with words, Ken. My mind becomes transfixed when you write like this. You have the gift of making moments come alive with sight, sound and feeling. Wowww!!
Love & hugs, still got the faith, and still here —- always
Paula
I’m glad that you were able to get out & enjoy some of the beautiful weather together. I cannot imagine the heartbreak you experience every day & think of & pray for your family often. As a mom of 3 children, I cannot fathom something so awful happening to one of them & what you have experienced breaks my heart. Please know that Ryan & his family are not forgotten. There are still many of us who are following his journey & praying for all of you!!
Continued prayers and love to you always. May God continue to give you the strength to fight everyday. Ryan is very loved.
I was just thinking about Ryan. Glad to read this, I know it’s good for his soul too.
I am sure God has given you the strength you need. Bless your heart and that of all of your family
I was mowing the lawn the other day and I saw some toads hoping along so I know what you mean about the wildlife…..
I am so pleased that you still manage to keep positive at times:) Your daily routine is gruelling and never ending but in it you carved out a time that was “almost” normal:)) You and your family are amazing:)
And I’m hoping that maybe it almost felt normal to Ryan:))
I wish you and your family as many almost normal times as is humanly possible.
You sir, are truly gifted as a writer….I can hear the play-by-play in the background and feel the warmth and the breeze just reading these few paragraphs.
You gave Ryan that experience too by being there for him.
Best Regards,
Tom
Ken, Always here and thinking of you…Glad you and Ryan got some time outside
This weather has been great and I am positive Ryan was aware of not only this beautiful season but also felt your love, attention, care and presence. Much prayer continues for your family and other caretakers and our inspiration, Mr. Ryan.
We lifted your family up in special prayer at our National Day of Prayer service this evening. May God continue to bring healing to Ryan and bless your family with many hours, days and years of “normal”. “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
I’ve wondered how you guys were doing. It’s been a while. I’m so glad you guys had the opportunity to go outside & enjoy your own glorious weather. (In upstate NY we went directly from winter into summer! We had almost no spring!) I’m sure Ryan, in some basic way appreciated being outside hanging out w/his dad. You don’t know what he comprehends, feels on some primordial level, Ken. He certainly feels your love. And I hope he feels the thousands of prayers sent to heaven for him every day.
God bless. PK Miller & Tim Montgomery
What a beautiful and touching picture you painted! I can almost taste the root beer 🙂
My son also went to WVU. He graduated with a mining engineering degree in 2011. He also has a TBI from an accident with a hand gun. Some days are harder than others. We too are sitting on our porch today soaking up this beautiful weather. I pray for your son and your family. God bless!
Praise God for those much needed “almost normal” hours that i am sure you needed! I continue to pray for you and have you on my mind and heart always.
What did Ryan think of the turtle? 🙂
Hi, Ken–SHSP NGA…just to let you know, even when I don’t post, I am thinking of you all every day and always with love and prayers. Annie
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.