This story is a sobering reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the long road society has to travel toward kindness and acceptance. It is about a little boy who endured a devastating attack by two Rottweilers and survived, only to face cruel judgment from others due to his disfigured appearance.
Ryder Wells was just 21 months old when the unthinkable happened. During Thanksgiving of 2015, Ryder and his mother, Brittany, were visiting family friends. Brittany recounted the horrific incident:
“We were eating breakfast, and Ryder was moving back and forth between his toys and coming back for bacon. Then, he disappeared. I looked out of the window, and he was face down in the garden.”
She continued, “He had pajamas on, but they’d been completely ripped off except for a sleeve. When we picked him up and rolled him over, his face was just gone.
“The dogs had been around him before, and they’d been fine, so I don’t know what happened. The doctors said they would do what they could, but we weren’t expecting him to make it. They told us it’s a miracle he’s still here because he was so small, and the injuries were so severe. They thought the dogs had bitten so far into his skull that he would be paralyzed.”
Ryder’s injuries were catastrophic: he lost his entire right cheek, more than half of his lip, his teeth were crushed, his right lung was punctured, and his arm was broken. He was airlifted to the hospital, where he underwent over 14 hours of surgery. For Brittany, it was an unimaginable ordeal filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Ryder’s spirit proved unbreakable. He survived the surgeries but was left with a permanently disfigured face. Over the years, he has undergone more than 50 facial reconstruction surgeries, with more to come in the future.
However, Ryder’s battle is not just physical. He faces the harsh reality of societal judgment. Brittany shared:
“He knows people are talking about him, but he doesn’t say much. He wears glasses and a cap and sometimes hangs his head to hide his face. I try to deal with it in a way that doesn’t affect him too much. I tell him every day that he’s beautiful, that different is beautiful, and it’s okay to be different.
“But I’m absolutely terrified about when he goes to school. There are always going to be a few kids who aren’t kind. When he started kindergarten, the kids learned about Ryder before they met him so they wouldn’t be as shocked. You always want your kid to be accepted and to fit in. Just because he’s different doesn’t make him any less of a person.”
Despite the challenges, Ryder has found a supportive community. Brittany expressed gratitude for the kindness they’ve encountered:
“He has a great group of friends, and people in town know him now, which boosts his confidence. He’s been amazing in how he’s adapted after everything he’s been through.”
Now five years old, Ryder’s journey is far from over. His family has started a GoFundMe campaign to support his future surgeries and treatments. Ryder’s story is a testament to his incredible resilience and a call for greater kindness and empathy in the world. We wish Ryder a life filled with love, acceptance, and opportunities to thrive despite the challenges he has faced.
Тhеsе Vintаgе Glаss Соuld Wоrth Mоrе Тhаn Yоu Тhink!
Many of us grew up seeing these charming dishes in the homes of our relatives, perhaps sitting on a mantel or a kitchen shelf, adding a touch of vintage elegance to our daily lives and sparking curiosity and admiration. These vintage Hen on Nest dishes, with their intricate designs and vibrant colors, evoke a simpler time when such treasures were both practical and decorative.
Dating back to the 18th century, Hen on Nest dishes were initially imported to the U.S. from England at significant expense, making them luxury items that only the wealthy could afford. In 19th century, these dishes were produced by renowned glass companies likе Westmoreland, Indiana Glass, and Fenton. They were often used as candy dishes or trinket holders, their charming hen figurines meticulously crafted to capture the essence of a country farm. The detailed feathers and expressive faces of the hens add a touch of pastoral beauty, making each piece a miniature work of art.
These dishes can vary significantly in price, with some of the most vibrant or authentic-looking pieces originating from the ’70s to ’90s. By examining the details carefully, you can often determine their age, though many lack a maker’s mark. Most pieces typically sell for $5 to $30, but particularly rare or older items can fetch $100 or more. For those looking to start a collection, there are plenty of affordable and colorful options available.
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