Article in the Champion from Friday...
On September 24th, 2006 our lives changed. Our brother and son, RYAN KETELAARS , fell approximately 15 feet from a balcony and suffered a critical brain injury in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Never have we experienced such anguish, as there was nothing we could do but pray. And it is only by the grace of God that Ryan is here with us today. Thank you for giving back our Ryan. There are many tears that have been shed and a lot of laughter shared in these last eight months. I want to thank everyone who shared these moments with me. It takes a caring community to rehabilitate a person with an acquired brain injury and it will be impossible for me to care for Ryan without the kindness and dedication of many. It is through all your actions that have enabled Ryan to come home on weekends and shortly, home for good.
I do not know some of the people that helped at the onset of the accident, but if I fail to mention you please let it be known that you are Good Samaritans and your actions will never go unnoticed. In Halifax, to all the doctors, nurses, social workers, ambulance drivers, the 911 caller, the driver to the hospital – may our paths cross someday so Ryan and I can thank you personally. To the Sisters of Charity, for providing me a safe haven and not allowing fear, sorrow and doubt overcome me. And a thank you to the Angels of Mercy that flew Ryan home at the end of October. For those of you that opened up your homes for us to stay, thank you.
In Hamilton, to all the doctors, nurses, social workers, etc. and especially Pam, Julie, Jill, Barb, Kelly, Bonnie and Jen for making it all come together each day for Ryan. Your genuine concern for Ryan never goes unnoticed. To Brett Croft and Fiona Kay – forever you will be Ryan’s angels. I was trying so desperately to get to Halifax and, with no flights available, I could not arrive there until morning . During those critical hours and all through the night and into the morning hours you remained at his bedside, which truly speaks volumes. Ryan is blessed to have you both. You handled yourselves wonderfully and as young adults, have already experienced so much. I know how hard it must have been for you both. Ryan truly held on because he knew you were there. For all those friends in the waiting room that night and throughout Ryan’s stay, your stories about Ryan allowed me to get to know a side of Ryan that as a parent I never knew and I can’t thank you enough for that. Humour created a positive atmosphere and I am sure that as Ryan laid in the intensive care unit, he could hear us and the angels looking after him had a good laugh too. To my brother, Willy Ceelen , for being at my side from the onset. You traveled with me and you knew what laid ahead. I am forever so grateful to you. Words will always fall short of how I feel and what needs to be said – this is beyond brotherly love. You sat with me when doctors told us of Ryan’s injuries and prognosis – you held my hand and although it was my decision to make, you gave me so much strength to carry on. Knowing that you supported me by allowing God and Ryan to make the decision lessened the burden. I know the sorrow you carried when you had to make the trip home leaving Ryan and me behind. And just as soon as Ryan was back in Hamilton, you supported me in so many ways. You have stayed on end with Ryan. Both mom and you have secured the house from the bank so that my girls, Ryan and I still have a home. You are the true meaning of love. To Colleen Duffy and Laura-May Croft - two truly amazing people that have come into our lives. You both traveled to Halifax to support your children, and little did you know the journey that laid ahead. You have both given days and nights that have turned into months to help me look after Ryan. You helped me look after my girls when they were in Halifax and I simply don’t know what I would have done without your help. As soon as Ryan returned to Hamilton, the two of you were there to continue whatever it took. Truly I thank your spouses and your children for allowing me to take you away from your families to help me with mine. Both of you went above and beyond the call of duty. You both provide what the soul needs. For staying all those hours just so that Ryan would never ever be alone. I don’t know what I would have done without your friendship and support. I am truly indebted. Thank you for loving my son Ryan like he is your own.
For my daughters, Rebecca, Robynne and Rachel. These last months have been an emotional roller coaster. Rebecca, I am so proud of you still being able to juggle school, working, looking after Robynne and being my shoulder to cry on when the days are too much to bare. You were there when we were told that Ryan was able to breathe on his own and I was so glad to have you there at my side for that special moment. You have needed to be a mother, sister, housekeeper, friend and financial supporter all during this time. Seldom have I been home at night and/or day and yet you have been able to maintain the household. I have needed you so much. I have asked so much from you. And I could not have asked for better. Robynne, thank you for keeping your chin up and able to keep up with school and helping Rebecca. I am thankful for your unselfishness and knowing that Ryan needed more than you. Thank you for both letting me stay with Ryan day and night yet missing me at home. I know the tears were falling but you both kept going. I admire you both very much. It is not easy to be the sisters and daughters. Watching Ryan, whom you love so much, hurting and there is nothing you can do. Making Ryan laugh will be one of your most cherished memories. To be there when Ryan was “waking up” at Christmas was truly the best gift from God. For Rachel, having just graduated and ready to join the workforce and then having to leave Ryan and us behind I know it tore your heart. Somehow it all worked out. God was certainly looking after us all. Soon enough we will be enjoying meals at the table and watching late night movies with Ryan. It can’t happen soon enough.
To my mom, Josephine Ceelen – thank you for being there when I needed you most. Trying to keep the house in order, making meals and doing laundry those first months has kept my world together. Your strength and unconditional love – truly a mother that God has sent. Assisting in securing our home and going into your savings – I love you mom and have true admiration for you as these last years have been difficult. To my sister, Mieke Liefers, and my nephew, Tim Ceelen , for making the trip to Halifax so that I would not be alone. To my brother-in-law, Gary Liefers , thank you for looking after the vehicles, the lawn mower and for cutting the lawn. Your constant support made sure that the repairs on the home front were kept up and the house was in order and nothing was flailing. To Tim Warmels, Reed Johnston and Joe MacSween – that effort to come to Halifax and to be with Ryan is most admirable. True friends. To Meaghan Kay and Farran Glynn – a support network that always has been there – thank you so much. To ones that were at home while I was in Halifax, making sure that the home front remained intact. Thank you. Mieke and Garry, Willy and Debbie, Jessica, Tim, Candice, Derek and Shelley, Anthony and Anne , Henry and Maartje – you all made it possible to keep everything going. We have been through this so many times before and yet the task stands before us and again we manage to overcome. To all of those sending cards and gifts, it certainly is most appreciated. Just knowing that you were caring gave me strength to carry on.
There were so many that visited the house, brought meals, chatted and sat. You know who you are – and to all of you, thank you. It is you that give us our wind beneath our wings so that we can continue to carry the burden. To Garry Macdonald , thank you for supporting me through all the difficulties. The following people need an honourable mention for helping with Ryan. Ryan was looked after around the clock and without these angels Ryan would never have made it so far as he has come. Truly all the doctors, nurses, therapists, and psychologists can attest the fact the Ryan did, and will continue, to make progress due to the support that he has received. All the professionals at the hospitals, both in Halifax and Hamilton, are astounded by the support network that Ryan has around him. They have all said they have never seen anything like this in all their years. Thank you to Rebecca, Robynne, Laura May, Colleen, Willy, Mieke, Meaghan, Farran, Candice, Jessica, Tim, Liz and Ron, Heather, Grandpa Kay, Derek and Shelley, Anthony, Jay . For always making sure the 24 hour clock schedule was filled and that Ryan was never alone.
We all can laugh now, looking back - Ryan lifting his head, just making sure that someone was sitting in the chair and he knew he was not alone. Thank you to all those that visited to Ryan. The list is so enormous as the guest book has been filled and we are well into the next book. Thank you for writing your thoughts and wishes in the book. They are memories for Ryan to carry with him forever. And then there are those that went on to make sure that Ryan will continue to have the a means to further his progress.
On May 5th, 2007, there was a fundraiser for Ryan. It was a huge success. Ryan was able to attend and was totally in his element. Everything was totally awesome. It was the most perfect celebration. To Fiona Kay and Candice Ceelen and their helpers . The dedication and effort that the two of you and your “troops” put forward displays the love you have for Ryan. I don’t think there is a luckier person in Milton right now. There are many, many people and I would blanch at the idea of missing anyone of you to thank. Please accept this as acknowledgement of your efforts. The “Ketelaars” wrist bracelets are worn all over town. What a terrific idea. To all that supported and wear these bands, a big thank you. To all of you that attended, the support is beyond comprehension. To all of you that donated gifts, food, time, etc. – thank you ever so much.
To Tony LaSorda , for allowing the use of your home in Halifax so that everyone could remain together during a most difficult time. It allowed my daughters to remain together and again I am truly indebted for your sincere generosity and concern. May continued health and happiness follow you. Also, for initiating the trust fund – it truly is a reflection that you are an extraordinary person. To George Croft, for setting up the trust fund. A responsibility that you have taken on with such enthusiasm and dedication. I thank you. To all of you that financially contributed to Ryan’s Trust, please know that we are truly indebted for your kindness. The list is so large and you know who you are - Ryan will now be able to continue the rehab therapy that he so desperately requires to progress forward. It is only through your generosity that this is possible. Thank you to all the parties involved for arranging the appearance of Walter Gretzky. His words remain an inspiration to us all – never give up.
Ryan told me that he had just so, so many friends. I told him that if he could count on one hand the friends he has, he would be rich. Ryan is a MILLIONAIRE. He really does have so many, many friends. Our lives would be impossible if not for the kindness and dedication of all you people. We have been enormously lucky and are blessed by the outpouring support of the Milton community around us. Thank you all for all your prayers that were heard around the world. Truly they were answered – Ryan is the Miracle Man. Life is precarious. Look after each other. Love each other. May we all continue to inspire each other. May we all be there to remind each other when life seems to slip out of balance.
Thank you all so very, very much. It is because of all of you that I now have the strength and the confidence to carry the task on hand – to get Ryan back home and get him better.
As Ryan’s speech is improving, you all need to know he can now say:
I ……..LOVE………..YOU!
Beverley Ketelaars Published : 2007-06-01
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