An Update: Almost Home

It's been nearly six weeks since we last posted on Ryan's behalf. During these past weeks, Ryan has been confined to his hospital bed, at home, with Mom constantly by his side. He began hospice care shortly after the last post. They started out visiting once or twice a week and currently they visit three times a day. Ryan has received many other visitors-- siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, bosses and close friends. He was extremely excited when his Goddaughter, Kendal, came for a visit. He was even able to hold her, which made his day!

Godparents, Caitlyn and Ryan, on Kendall's Baptism Day

About three weeks ago, the Little Sisters and Little Brothers of the Lamb visited Ryan. They sang hymns over Ryan, bringing a spiritual calm and peace to him and the family in a powerful way. It proved to be a beautiful, emotional experience. With the Little Sisters and Little Brothers, Father MacDonald prayed at the grotto (which is known for miracles) for Ryan's peaceful passing into eternal life. Ryan has also been able to receive Holy Communion on several occasions when Father came to visit. 

When Dave Jones, Famous Daves co-owner, came to visit, he remembered Ryan's all-time favorite football team: The Nebraska Huskers. An avid and lifelong Husker Fan, Ryan was honored to receive a special message from Scott Frost on an autographed football. The message included the following Bible verse:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39).

Ryan was ecstatic to receive a gift from Scott Frost, head coach of
his all-time favorite football team, the Nebraska Huskers.

h

Last Thursday, things took a turn, reminding us time is drawing nearer for Ryan to journey Home.  Ryan had not eaten anything and had been sleeping and rather unresponsive. Then, Sunday evening, Mom's birthday, he woke up, asked for a Sonic burger and tater tots, and chatted with my mom for nearly 3 hours. He spent the next several days a bit disoriented, but generally energetic and 'typical' Ryan, making witty comments and observations. It was quality time for everyone. Then, last night, things took another turn. He is extremely agitated, disconnected and confused, has increased pain and once again has slipped a bit further from us. The hospice nurse increased his medication as they strive to keep him calm and comfortable. 

Ryan has fought a tough fight, but his body is worn out. Now, we prayerfully hope he has the dignity of leaving peacefully. There have been moments in his disorientation that he has asked for his late brother and godson, Jared. We find comfort knowing that they'll be reunited soon. We're also thankful to receive news that Ryan's body will be laid to rest next to Jared's, something we didn't plan for and weren't sure the cemetery could provide. 

We thank all of you who have cared for and loved our Ryan. Please join us in praying for him and continue to keep my family in your prayers. We know we have limited time with Ryan, and the next 24 hours will help determine how quickly Ryan will leave this earthly life and join all who have left before us. 

God of Power and Mercy, you have made death itself the gateway to eternal life. Look with love on our dying son/brother/uncle/friend and make him one with Your Son in His suffering and death, that, sealed with the blood of Christ, he may come before you free of sin. Amen.

O Lord, grant those who have died the joy of Your Presence, and us who are living the happiness of knowing this. 

To conclude this post, can we make a special request, for those of us who wish to be near Ryan but are unable to venture to Kansas? Please, if you are connected on Social Media, share your favorite memories, photos, and stories about Ryan. Temporarily change your profile pictures to one with you and Ryan (even if it's been decades ago!). Share here in the comments, or on his Facebook page, or on Instagram (#ForRyansRebels). So many of you have reached out with kind comments, thoughts, and prayers. We'd love to 'connect' everyone through the stories and memories (the funny and obnoxious, too!) of our Ryan. 

Thank you for your love, support, prayers, and kind thoughts. Though we can't always express it to everyone, we appreciate it.