Monday August 18, 2008

The Greatest Day of Our Lives

The Greatest Day of Our Lives
Tomorrow, I will start back to writing strictly about Clemson sports and will have a weekly update on Ryan instead of a daily update. But I wanted to write one last blog on Ryan’s progress and hopefully give some insight into why Saturday was the greatest day of my life.

I was talking to my dad Saturday night on the phone and he said what I had been thinking when he said, ‘Mick, I think today was the greatest day of my life.” Later, Ryan’s mom and dad both agreed.

I was worried sick Friday night because Ryan did not sleep for 48 hours before his party. He was excited and the medicine he tales for his brain had him jacked up. At one time we thought Ryan might have to go to the hospital because he was refusing to sleep.

However, God answered our prayers again Saturday. Ryan was amazing and he helped make this day even more incredible.

The day started about 10:30 when we headed to Death Valley. Coach Bowden had called a week before to check on Ryan again and this time he invited Ryan to the scrimmage. We had Ryan in the wheelchair at the time and we loved being strolled out onto the field.

About 20 minutes after we got there Coach Bowden came over and asked Ryan, “Boy, when are you getting out of that chair?” He added, “Ryan with your long legs, you can probably punt it better than our punters have today!”

Coach Bowden was awesome. He spent about 20 minutes with Ryan and his family. He took pictures with Ryan and was really awesome. He told Ryan that he needed to get to the pool or the beach to get some tan on those legs soon.’ Ryan later said that Coach Bowden’s visit was the best part of the day.

Later Rashaad Jackson came by for pictures and autographs and he said his knee was doing Ok but Ryan’s was probably better than his.

College football Hall of Famer Jeff Davis was next as he posed with Ryan and signed more autographs. He told Ryan he had been praying for him since he came by the hospital in Greenville.

After the scrimmage the Fellowship of Christian Athletes had some kids out and the players and coaches signed autographs and took pictures with the kids including Ryan. I could not believe how incredible the players were. They were humble and very engaging. They all said, thanks for coming out and Happy Birthday Ryan! James Davis, Aaron Kelly, Willy Korn, Brandon Maye, Stanley Hunter, Michael Hamlin, Chris Chancellor, Andre Ellington, Tyler Grisham, Coach Spence, Coach Swinney and Coach Blackwell and many others spent some great time with Ryan.

Ryan’s mom said her favorite moment of the day was C.J. Spiller’s visit. She had a nice conversation about Ryan’s accident and Spiller was genuinely concerned. He talked to Ryan for a while and told him that he would be praying for him. Spiller couldn't have been more gracious.

After the autographs and pictures we were invited to the McFadden Auditorium where the FCA had a function. In front of a big crowd, team chaplain Tony Eubanks stood up for a presentation. He said a bunch of kind words about Ryan then he brought out a Clemson football helmet that was signed by the players and coaches. He then said he wanted to give Ryan the helmet but Ryan had to walk up there to get it.

I and not sure if it was the gift, Ryan walking or the standing ovation the crowd was giving Ryan but tears filled my eyes and several others in the crowd. Ryan told Tony and the crowd thanks for everything. There is no doubt that that was the best part of the day in my opinion.

We took Ryan home for a short break but had to be at the birthday party in about an hour. When I went to set up I parked my car at the Esso Club. I went inside to check on the food for the party and my friends introduced me to David Stein of the David Stein Show on Sporting News Radio. David’s show airs from 2-6 AM and he had heard about Ryan in the past and made reference to the situation to ask for prayer. David did not publicize it but he just drove up from Atlanta for the party and ended up falling in love with Clemson.

The party was incredible. One friend estimated that about 250 people showed up over the course of three hours. Some of Kelly’s friends from West Virginia drove their RV down for the party. Very early in the party Clemson basketball coach Oliver Purnell walked in the door. I said Ryan, “Oliver Purnell came to your birthday party,” and Ryan shouted out, “O.P.”

Coach Purnell brought a care package that included some Clemson basketball game shorts, coach’s shirts, sweat pants and a signed basketball. Ryan wanted to try the shorts on right then and there.

Later in the party, the Tiger mascot showed up and entertained the crowd and kids in attendance.

Another tearful moment came towards the end of the when about 25 members of Tiger Band showed up and played four or five songs form Ryan. I have heard Tiger Ray a thousand times but never so sweet as this time. Kelly was not only one with tears in her eyes during their visit.

I cannot thank everyone for everything Saturday. Ryan’s friends, our family friends, Clemson athletic department, all of the players and coaches, Clemson FCA, the Tiger, Tiger Band, Ricky Vernon (DJ), Beef O’Brady’s, The Esso Club, Chief’s Wings and Firewater, Tiger Brotherhood, Tom Winkopp, Kirby Johnson, Scott Foster, David Stein, Jim Reece, Terry Brewer and many more helped make this the best day of our lives. I did not mention everyone but will start writing thank you letters this week.

Thanks again and God Bless.

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