Just over a month ago, a crazed gunman killed 25 people in the Sutherland Springs church shooting. JoAnn Ward and her two daughters, Emily and Brooke were among the victims but in a small mercy, JoAnn’s 5-year-old stepson Ryland survived.
Despite being shot five times including two gunshot wounds to the stomach, two to his leg and once in the elbow, the 5-year-old was among the 20 people injured in the attack.
Ryland’s grandmother, Sandy Ward and his 9-year-old sister Rianna are glad the little boy is still with them; however, times are understandably tough for them. “It’s really been hitting me this week. It seems like all I do is cry lots of days because I still miss JoAnn and the girls and I’m sure it will be a long time before I get over that,” Sandy said.
Image from Maribel Baltazar Facebook
Ryland is still in hospital following the attack and although his family was hoping he would be discharged in time for Christmas, it is not looking likely. Ryland’s leg is not healing the way doctors had hoped, after the bullets shattered his femur. They say it’s likely going to be another six to eight weeks before he is ready to be discharged.
That means the little lad will still be in hospital during Christmas and New Year’s. However, his grandmother has said that in spite of the pain he is feeling and the trauma of everything that has happened over the past month that he is still smiling.
However, Sandy has yet to tell her grandson that his sisters and stepmother have been killed, but she thinks he may have some idea due to the lack of their presence. “They still haven’t told him yet that his mom and sisters are dead, but I’m sure he’s kind of getting some kind of idea because he’s 5, and everybody else has been up there to see him and they haven’t been there,” she said.
We all know that children are a lot more tuned into the world than they are sometimes given credit for, nevertheless, when the time comes for Sandy to have the conversation with Ryland; it’s bound to be a harrowing time for the whole family.
Joann Ward, right, with her husband Chris Ward. Courtesy of Dalia Lookingbill
Sandy has said that Ryland is asking for a go-kart for Christmas, something which she will save up for as he will be unable to use it for a while yet. Ryland has been receiving cards from well-wishers, something Sandy has said he loves. “You got so many nice people that are sending a card and a dollar to Ryland. He does really enjoy that a lot.”
Sandy has asked for the communities help in trying to give Ryland a Christmas filled with as much joy as possible in the hospital. She has asked people to send some Christmas cards with a dollar to little Ryland if they can help. She also said that her grandson likes pictures of other children with their pets.
If you would like to spread some joy this Christmas and sent Ryland a card or wish you can do so by sending them here: Ryland Ward, P.O. Box 174, Sutherland Springs, Texas, 78161.
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