the story of RÍ Beag
Sharing my horses to bless others has been a lifelong passion and dream of mine. I’ve always known that horses and nature have a special gift to heal and bring hope to those around them. This came full circle in my personal life after I lost my son, Ryan and needed healing and hope myself.
Ryan struggled with a severe seizure disorder for 33 years and my life purpose was being his mom. After losing him, I found myself searching for a new purpose for my life. Shortly after losing Ryan, my husband and I moved to a 40-acre farm — the perfect place for both grieving and healing. Through searching for what came next, my lifelong desire to share my horses became a reality and Rì Beag Refuge was born.
The meaning of the name “Ryan” in English is Little King, which translates to Rì Beag in Irish Gaelic.
Ryan’s story
It’s nearly impossible to tell the story of one whose life was filled with indescribable suffering and yet touched all whom he met. Ryan had a very rare seizure disorder, yet lived an epic life.
It started with Ryan and I against the world, but his story and life were going to be too big, too hard and too extraordinary not to share with other people. So the Lord sent us the most amazing family and friends and adventures to get us through the unbelievably hard times. The indescribable suffering that was his life for 33 years…
I fought hard to be his warrior but he was actually our warrior. His sisters continue to fight daily for others because of the ways that he fought. His brothers are heroes for so many, but his dad might be the most unappreciated hero of us all. Dad has carried enormous weight and served Jesus and has always taken care of us.
My head knows he’s free but my heart wishes I could have fought harder and kept him longer. Ryan is still extraordinary and our greatest hero. We will fight always to be half the warrior he was!
Thanks for being our #Ryanstrong. Because you touched so many we can not think of anything greater than using Ry Dog Farm to bring rest, healing and refuge to others!
