Hi, I'm Ryan's dad. Ron.
Our family has a story to tell. An amazing story about a young man growing up and going out to live on his own. Ryan's story.
If you know Ryan or our family, then you know that Ryan doesn't YET live on his own. That notion, that story is still being written. As God daily unfolds this story, I will be the teller.
The question sitting big and pretty on our table now says it all --- "What is Ryan doing after high school?" If you hit me with that question and Ryan is near by, then you get my typical response. Nothing. I say nothing. But, I "do" plenty. I will glance at Ryan and smile and glance at you and smile and glance at Ryan and smile and glance at you and just wait. Wait until you realize that you need to re-ask your question to RYAN!!
I've had years of practice. "So what's his name?" or "How old is he?" or "Where does he go to school? For the truly thick folk, well, I admit it --- I break down and guide them. "Oh" I say. "Maybe you should ask HIM." I know, I know; just take one look at Ryan and most folks will assume that Ryan won't be able to hold a conversation on his own. Some will even know right off that he has Down Syndrome. But most will look at him and never, never see him. He instantly becomes invisible.
But answer the question he will. Any question. He loves to tell you about himself, his family, his school, his classes, his friends, and yes -- his plans. The occasional broken-off word or fractured sentence doesn't slow him down. Ryan will talk your ears off. "I'm going to graduate in May. We got to get graduate hat and gown. And I go to college, and get a job, and have my friends over. Need a condo (he often adds "without you, Dad") and wash the dishes and buy my groceries."
And I just smile. But, on occassion (and with no advance warning) as Ryan is bubbling forth about his "furture", I look away and have my little Daddycry. An overwhelming rush of memory mixes with the uncertainty of the future in some bittersweet swirl. And I cry. For the milestones. The realities. The innocence. The ceilings. The yet to happen.
But, if Ryan is not around and I become the chosen askee. Look out. Because you have just stepped up to a fire hydrant with only a straw. I will spew forth mightily about the dreams that Cheryl and I have for Ryan. Many have heard me say, "now that is a 9 1/2 hour conversation".
And so we have circled back to where we started. Join our family as we have this conversation. I will keep you informed of the present, I will catch you up on stories of the past, and I will ask you to pray for our future.
Come back often as we tell the story of Ryan as he proclaims to the world, "I am learning to live on my own!"
