Ryan's Rally: We Got This!

Ryan DIviney... I tell him I tried. I tried to keep memory alive; I tried to fight those who would forget. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. There is so much injustice & suffering crying out for our attention. We must take sides. We must interfere. -E.W.

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Diviney Holiday Card, 2019

We worked hard on making this year's card especially meaningful. It means so much to us to capture the essence of our son. Please share this to #KeepRyanRelevant

I’m hoping, by now, most have received our annual card. It’s important for us to show our appreciation to those who have helped Ryan (and our family) over the past decade.

We worked hard on making this year’s card especially meaningful. It means so much to us to capture the essence of our son. I get teary-eyed every time I see it.

Ryan’s essence is still with us, as we depict in this year’s…

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"You're Going to Hurt So Much." [Guest Post]

“You’re Going to Hurt So Much.” [Guest Post]

Author: Katie Mesmer [Preface & Edited by Ken Diviney]

Preface

By way of introduction, Katie grew up with Ryan and was among his closest friends, as she now is with my daughter, Kari. Her dad, Marty, died from cancer in February 2011. Marty and Ryan loved sitting together at his kitchen table and talking (mostly sports). They were, in fact, friends. Marty was profoundly saddened by Ryan’s…

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TalkLine Interview

I discuss justice, the future, and other topics during this interview; that was held on the tenth anniversary of the assault on Ryan.

This is reposted from earlier last week. Please subscribe to Ryan’s YouTube channel. It really does help get others aware!

*Used with permission from Hoppy Kercvheval/TalkLine.

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The Evening Ryan Diviney Died

The Evening Ryan Diviney Died. I instinctively knew all hope was lost when I saw him, in my rearview mirror, sit bolt upright... then go unnaturally limp. His breathing abruptly ended.

The video is transcribed beneath the viewing frame.

It was the last day of August. It was also the last time we were at our West Virginia cabin, until this past weekend. On that day, we urgently left to take Ryan directly to the hospital. His heart rate was gradually elevating and his breathing was increasingly more labored. He was struggling, clearly becoming distressed.

We didn’t…

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Community: We Got This! (Video)

[VIDEO] Ken Diviney's standing-ovation speech about community given at the annual golf event. Described as powerful, insightful, sincere, and real & raw... it left many crying & shaking by the end.

Given just weeks after his son’s death, Ken Diviney’s (standing ovation) speech about community was given on September 19, 2019, at the annual Tee It Up For Ryan Diviney! golf event.

Described as powerful, insightful, sincere, and real & raw… it left many crying and shaking by the end. Like Ken, it was unique and unexpected in its message.

Ken’s presentation weaved in personal thoughts and…

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Happy Birthday, Ryan

You should be here... with us. You deserved better from this world. We should be laughing & celebrating your birthday together right now. Not sitting by your grave.

A message from his sister, Kari:

Ryan, I can’t find the right words to say right now without the risk of writing forever… but what I can say is:

You should be here… with us. You deserved better from this world.

We should be laughing and celebrating your birthday together right now. Not sitting by your grave.

Happy birthday in heaven, Ryan. You would have been 30 today. We love you…

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Ryan's Story Continues

Ryan’s Story Continues

It doesn’t end. Not here. Not now. Not as long as I’m alive. Rest assured, I will continue this website/blog.

First and foremost, my family sincerely appreciates the overwhelming support and sadness that you share with us. We can never, ever, thank you enough for all you’ve done for us.

You loved me. My family. My son. We could feel it in your words and actions. We could see it in your…

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A Celebration Of Life (Slideshow): Ryan Diviney

This slideshow ran throughout Ryan’s services. So many asked that I put it online for them to see whenever they want… and for those unable to attend. It is my honor to do this for everyone.

Click on his photograph (below) to Begin Slideshow

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Of Mice and... Ken

A humorous thing happened last night. Here's the setup: I take the broom from the nurse. As much as I don't want to harm the little guy I simply can't let him get away. I brace myself for what will come next.

It was around 3:30 in the morning. Like damn-near every night since Ryan was attacked (coming up on ten years this autumn), I was awake. Wide awake.

Worrying.

Can you believe it was exactly one week ago that I wrote to let you know that there is a real chance that Ryan might develop a pressure ulcer (a.k.a., bed sore)? In case you missed that post, I’ll recap it and give you an update on…

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Under Pressure (Ulcer)

I hate that this never ends for Ryan. It saddens, scares, and angers me to the core. It's coming up on ten years since he was brutally attacked and it's just not getting any better for him. Honestly, it's worse.

I swear, this universe has a way of keeping me in my place.

Seriously.

It was just my last post, Accidental Prepper, that I spouted off about the (plentitude of) precautions I take to assure Ryan’s health. You know, how I go to extreme measures in fail-safes, redundancy, and backup plans. In that post I laid-out how I prevent Ryan from getting pressure ulcers, commonly referred to as bed…

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I'm an "Accidental Prepper": Time to Pee!

I’m an “Accidental Prepper”: Time to Pee!

You’re probably wondering why “Pee” is in the subtitle, right? Well, it’s not about potty humor (that’s not to my liking). Rest assured, it’ll make perfect sense when you’re done reading this post. First, allow me to set this up.

I’m not sure if this television show is still on, but several years ago I was into watching a reality series called Doomsday Preppers. Its premise was to profile…

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Dedication Ceremony: Ryan's Jersey Retired

Dedication Ceremony: Ryan’s Jersey Retired

Ryan’s high school, Broad Run, honored him yesterday evening. A dedication ceremony was held on the baseball field where a pewter plaque will be permanently displayed to memorialize my son. Yet, the greatest tribute was when the high school’s Athletic Department and current baseball head coach, Tommy Meier, retired his jersey number, 3… never to worn again by another.

This is the highest…

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Ryan Improving

We made it through the weekend… and that’s no small feat in the hospital. The best one can hope for is for the status quo until Monday morning when it returns to full staff. Fortunately, this happened.

Ryan is up and working out this morning in his hospital room.

Some early morning labs came back and everything is moving in the right direction. I’m now able to start planning for his…

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Emergency Surgery: Ryan Takes Turn for Worse

Emergency Surgery: Ryan Takes Turn for Worse

Yesterday evening it was determined that Ryan was not recovering as expected. His kidneys and bladder were in distress and on the brink of catastrophic failure. Surgery was the only option and Ryan was given priority to be taken to the operating room. In fact, he was the first one in at seven o’clock this morning.

The procedure, in itself, is not risky. Essentially, a hole will be made through…

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Ryan Hospitalized... Again.

Ryan Hospitalized… Again.

Ryan was admitted to the hospital yesterday evening. Sadly, and alarmingly, this is the third time in a year with the same illness… an aggressive infection in his urinary tract. No official diagnosis yet but I’d be willing to bet it resides in his kidneys.

It came on suddenly. In mere hours.

The prior night, around 11PM, I carefully watched him as his breathing became pronounced. We had him…

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"Storming" Documentary: Film Trailer Released

“Storming” Documentary: Film Trailer Released

“Keep Ryan relevant!” As most people certainly know by now, it means the most to me and to my family. This is why I asking each of you in helping to promote what I’m about to share.

A professional documentary (titled “Storming”) is currently in production and will continue through late-2019. This documentary will feature Ryan’s story and raise awareness of TBI. “Storming” will not only help…

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2018 Was Rough, But 2019 Shows Promise

2018 Was Rough, But 2019 Shows Promise!

Our annual holiday (Christmas) cards were mailed a couple of days ago and, if you’re on our list, you should be expecting to receive it soon. Perhaps even as early as today. We mail these every year to those who helped Ryan, and my family, over the years. 

Our 2018 Card

It’s important to us to let you know we haven’t forgotten.

Truth is, we never will.

We are constantly updating this…

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