200,000 Views!

In just one month, to the day, this site had another 100,000 views! I’m in awe. I really am. So, today, readership has reached 200,000.

Thank you, everyone, for coming back time-after-time. I’m so happy you see enough value here to make it part of your life. You continue to keep Ryan relevant. How can I ever thank you?I am having a great time sharing my family’s life with you, even during the tough periods. In fact, posting and the ensuing comments are like a warm blanket. I take comfort in knowing our family is not alone. Each day, I look forward to reading the comments. I’m not sure if I said this before, but I read every one. Many were used (or at least investigated) to improve our situation. And, how I love hearing from people for the first time! For fun I calculated commenting frequency and was interested to see that less than 1% (only 0.63%) post a comment per view!

I know, I have slightly (or perhaps, greatly) offended a few people every now and then. Really, I’m actually more offensive in person… so I’ve been reminded. More so than it shows on this blog, so this is an exercise in self-control. Well, at least that’s what Sue says.

In all sincerity, I never mean to upset anyone. Anyone, that is, except Austin Vantrease and Jon May supporters. I don’t consider how they feel for even a second. I have no reservations about putting an occasional dig or two toward them or their families. After all, they kind of deserve it.

These families do spend a lot of time keeping up on here. I have the capability, like all blogs (I’m guessing) to gather information on demographics. Not surprisingly, Newark, DE is quite interested in what I have to say. As are the surrounding areas where these families work. If so inclined, like when a particularly mean comment is posted, I confirm the location through a Google longitude and latitude application. I’m never surprised.

I’ve actually considered calling them out, by name. Then I realize these are people who lurk in shadows (usually behind dumpsters, I suppose). They inflict their sinister damage and retreat to the darkness, cowering and finger-pointing.

Now, I know many might be considering telling me to get them out of my mind. Right? Well, this is impossible. Just think about it for a minute. Will you ever forget the teacher who treated your child poorly? Will you ever forget the town bully? Will you ever forget the coach who unfairly treated your son or daughter? Or, if you have no children, apply these same questions to yourself. Although, it’s entirely different messing with someone’s child. We are better equipped to handle those who treat us poorly, but anyone who treats our children this way is just asking for it.

Hey, if it works for someone to forget then they are truly amazing. I would suggest it’s biologically impossible to forget tragedy (and those people and circumstances surrounding it). Unless, it’s your brain’s involuntary way of coping. For me, well, it’s not in my make-up. I’m not talking about forgiveness here. I’m talking about forgetfulness. Forgiveness is another topic that I will not begin to blab about. I hope that all just made some sense, at least. Perhaps I’m narrow minded…

Wait. Where was I? Oh, yeah… 200,000!

I’m so flattered that people connect with me on this blog. “Real and raw” is how many have described it. To tell the truth, I love that description. To me, it tells me I’m being open and honest. Not flowery. Not phony. I took the risk of putting our situation out there, through my eyes, and people connected. Real and raw… wow!