Bill, the dogs and I enjoyed an afternoon drive to Trail Creek yesterday where the trilium show was spectacular as it usually is this time of year.
I guess you'd say the trip launched our annual visits to favorite outdoor spots in the area.
Stay tuned.
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Lots of smiles, visiting and fun stories yesterday as Pastor Andy Kennaly, his wife Shawna and their family enjoyed a retirement party in Andy's honor at First Presbyterian Church.
Andy has served the congregation for the past dozen-plus years. He'll now have more time for his bee keeping activities and the couple's common love for the outdoors.
Pastor Steve recalled in jest how he told Andy the good stuff and the bad stuff at First Presbyterian Church, and Andy came anyway.
Bill told a few stories and handed out the retirement goodies.
Above: Andy and Kirsten Thompson.
Below: in front, left, Geri Stockman and her daughter Dana, both longtime members of the Presbyterian congregation.
It was neat to see Dr. Dick Neuder at the party.
He's 97.
The family mentioned in the post below could use a little help and support.
The post was written a few days ago by Kel Becker whose family resides in Boundary County. She is the daughter of Dr. Marty Becker and Teresa Burkholder Becker.
As you'll read below, Kel, her husband Ryan and their infant son Atlas have been dealing with a nightmarish journey, navigating their way through finding treatment for Ryan's rare disease.
Ryan and Atlas
Their literal journey over the past few months has taken them to the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Oregon.
Now, they are facing his possible employment termination from Spokane County.
As a friend of this family and knowing how life can occasionally throw us some seemingly impossible road blocks, I encourage you to read the following and do whatever you can to help them out, even if it's a simple email to Spokane County on their behalf.
Thank you very much.
Good people having a rough time can always use some support.
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From Kel Becker
My husband Ryan is facing an unimaginably difficult fight. He’s battling a life-threatening, rare form
of Pyoderma Gangrenosum, along with whole-body collapse from what
doctors believe may be adrenal insufficiency.
But now, we’re being
forced into another fight—one that threatens his livelihood, his
benefits, and our family’s future.
Yesterday,
we were served with notice from Ryan’s employer, Jordan Neal at Spokane
County, warning of possible termination due to his medical condition.
Ryan’s doctors can’t provide a definitive return-to-work date, and that
uncertainty is being used against him—despite ADA protections.
Even
more devastating, this threat is arriving just before his long-term
disability coverage is set to begin.
If terminated, Ryan would lose not
only his income, but also our family’s health insurance, life insurance,
retirement benefits, and access to critical home care services under
the Washington Cares Act.
This
is happening to someone who, before becoming ill, was a model
employee—known for putting in dozens of overtime hours to help meet
community needs. Ryan chose public service over more lucrative private
sector jobs because he wanted to give back to the county he loves.
Yes,
we could pursue legal action. But legal processes are slow, and we
don’t know how much time or energy Ryan has left.
A better path would be
for Spokane County Commissioners to step in and do what’s right—to
allow Ryan to remain on employed status and keep access to the benefits
that could protect his life and our family’s well-being.
Please
consider reaching out to the Spokane County Commissioners today. A
simple email or call can make a powerful difference.
Contact Information for Spokane County Commissioners:
Email: GVasquez@spokanecounty.org (Ginna Vasquez has assured us that every
email will be added to Ryan’s case for review.).
Suggested Talking Points:
•To: Spokane County Commissioners and Jordan Neal
•Ryan Becker, a plans examiner in the buildings department, is facing possible termination due to a life-threatening illness.
•Termination
at this time would strip Ryan of access to long-term disability, health
and life insurance, and other critical benefits.
•Ryan has been a dedicated public servant, routinely working overtime to serve the county.
•His wife is currently unable to work while caring for both Ryan and their 6-month-old son full-time.
•This decision risks violating ADA protections—and more importantly, it’s a moral issue, not just a business one.
•Please act with compassion and allow Ryan to remain employed so his family can retain the benefits they urgently need.
Thank you so much for your support and for helping us bring compassion and humanity into this process.
Also, here is a GoFundMe, if you care to donate.
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Let's keep Ryan, Kel and Atlas in our thoughts and prayers.
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