Serenity…In Life’s Challenges
July 29, 2008 by Ryan
Our experience with Jeremy’s spina bifida has been a trying time in our lives: learning the worst-case scenarios, not know the extent of the paralysis or problems, moving only two days before Jeremy was born, the harrowing race to the hospital, watching him go through surgeries to close his back and place his shunt. People that have been under similar kind of stress know what that pressure is like. Luckily, we had tremendous support from family, friends, doctors, nurses, and work. I really needed to talk about it. Sorry to those that had to listen, but it helped to relieve the burden I felt.
One of the many lessons I’ve learned from all this is that everyone has challenges that they are going through! My eyes were sort of opened to the situations around me. One situation that was very close in timing with our experience is that of Phil Burns’ daughter Serenity. I read one of Phil’s posts about Serenity’s chemo and it tore me up because my Kimberly is the same age! Phil has dedicated himself to fighting cancer however he can. One way is a blood drive. It’s tomorrow and I know most of you wouldn’t be able to make it, but it brings to my mind the importance of giving blood. I hate it, and my wife is much worse with needles, but it’s more important than that. It really is a shame how few people donate.
If you can make it, wonderful! But if you can’t, make it a goal to donate in your area. I’ve chatted with Phil a few times about the frustrations, fear and anger a father feels when he can’t protect his child. Hopefully, I’ve been able to share his burden those few times we’ve talked. Do the same. Take the time to notice suffering around you and offer a helping hand, or even just an understanding ear.
Scouts, Soldiers & the Internet
November 19, 2007 by Ryan
The internet has opened up so many channels to explore the world and I am definitely one that is very integrated into all of it. So when I got a mass email about a Boy Scout doing his Eagle Project online I didn’t erase it within 3 seconds. Funny enough, the scout’s name is Ryan! He’s put together a site to get people to write letters to soldiers in Afghanistan. Here is the site:
To quote a line from his home page, “Regardless of personal feelings on the war or politics in general, we believe showing our support to our military is just the right thing to do.” I think it’s a great cause and a great idea. My Eagle Scout project was a great experience…different, but still a great learning experience. The cool thing I see is that he got GoDaddy to host the website for free! It reminded me of going to HomeBase to get wood donated for a food drive stand. I remember how nervous I was about asking, so bravo Ryan for getting GoDaddy on board!
Yes, I am an Eagle Scout, so here is my contribution to a fellow scout! Check out the site and send a soldier a note!
