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You are here: Home / News / For a Few Hours…It (Almost) Felt Normal

For a Few Hours…It (Almost) Felt Normal

May 7, 2015 by Ryan's Rally LLC 20 Comments

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.

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.

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Filed Under: News Tagged With: Wish List

Comments

  1. Karyn Mandracchia Ahern via Facebook says

    June 2, 2015 at 8:22 PM

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.

    Reply
  2. Ann H Tearle says

    May 21, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    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

    Reply
  3. Morgan Ledford via Facebook says

    May 19, 2015 at 11:29 AM

    What did Ryan think of the turtle? 🙂

    Reply
  4. Liza Krause via Facebook says

    May 8, 2015 at 4:18 PM

    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.

    Reply
  5. Pam Linn says

    May 8, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    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!

    Reply
  6. Bunny Roderick Orlowski says

    May 7, 2015 at 11:40 PM

    What a beautiful and touching picture you painted! I can almost taste the root beer 🙂

    Reply
  7. heldentenor43pkmilleralbany says

    May 7, 2015 at 10:05 PM

    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

    Reply
  8. Rita says

    May 7, 2015 at 8:41 PM

    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)

    Reply
  9. Vanessa Richardson says

    May 7, 2015 at 6:23 PM

    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.

    Reply
  10. Gail Doyle says

    May 7, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    Ken, Always here and thinking of you…Glad you and Ryan got some time outside

    Reply
  11. Tom McClelland says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:59 PM

    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

    Reply
  12. Alison Angus-Barry via Facebook says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    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.

    Reply
  13. Anna says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:33 PM

    I was mowing the lawn the other day and I saw some toads hoping along so I know what you mean about the wildlife…..

    Reply
  14. Nancy Jane Null via Facebook says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    I am sure God has given you the strength you need. Bless your heart and that of all of your family

    Reply
  15. Rhonda Morin says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:07 PM

    I was just thinking about Ryan. Glad to read this, I know it’s good for his soul too.

    Reply
  16. Cindy Blackwell via Facebook says

    May 7, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Continued prayers and love to you always. May God continue to give you the strength to fight everyday. Ryan is very loved.

    Reply
  17. Gretchen Gunter Bailey via Facebook says

    May 7, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    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!!

    Reply
  18. Paula says

    May 7, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    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

    Reply
  19. Beatrice Susini via Facebook says

    May 7, 2015 at 12:25 PM

    <3

    Reply
  20. Chrissy says

    May 7, 2015 at 12:13 PM

    Thank God, for beautiful weather & nature! Sounds like a great way to spend time together 🙂 Always praying for & thinking of you guys!

    Reply

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