There is nothing more heart-breaking for parents than any child suffering. Those of us who are parents do and should feel for anyone's child, no matter the age, when major health problems threaten their time with us.
Ryan Rusch lives in West Beverly ( The west of Western Ave. - the Cape Cod, raised ranch and Georgian home Beverly working stiff tribe of the 60642 Zip Code). Ryan was born with a rare heart disorder where only one artery supplies blood flow instead of the standard two. He and his family have fought for life from the moment of birth.
Ten years ago, three teens decided to beat Ryan nearly to death. It was a horrific beating, racially motivated by the attacker own words, but not deemed to be a Hate Crime. Well, that is blood under the bridge.
Ryan added brain damage and all that goes with that, vision impairment, seizures, struggles with attention to studies, to his struggles with the aid of those, but he is one tough kid. He played football, graduated from St. Rita High School and attended college. Then heart problems resurfaced.
He is undergoing dramatic surgery as I hit these keys.
We have prayed for Ryan and his family for weeks at daily services in St. John Fisher and at Sacred Heart. At Sacred Heart, we conclude the readings and prayers of the faithful in preparation for the Celebration of Eucharist with the Memorare.
This very special prayer to Our Lady is a miracle worker. I taught it to many of the guys at Leo High School who are not Catholic and they said saying this prayer seemed to help them anyway. The words were stange to them, as it is to too many Catholics these days.
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.Do me a favor. Send up a couple of Memorares over the next few days for the Rusch Family and all children who suffer from health problems. Send some up for yourself, as well.
It won't kill you and it just might ease some family's burdens. Say the words, even if you hate God, religion, or sentiment.
Send some up for Ryan.
