SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas – A young survivor of the Sutherland Springs shooting is hoping to get some Christmas cheer while still recovering in the hospital.
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Sandy Ward continues to mourn the loss of two of her grandchildren and her daughter-in-law "It's really been hitting me this week," she said. "It seems like all I do is cry lots of days because I still miss JoAnn and the girls (Emily and Brooke) and I'm sure it will be a long time before I get over that."
But Ward also turns her attention to her two grandchildren, Rianna and Ryland, who survived.
Ryland is still recovering in the hospital.
"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," she said.
Ward said despite everything, Ryland is always smiling.
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"You got so many nice people that are sending a card and a dollar to Ryland," she said. "He does really enjoy that a lot."
Ward said she thought Ryland would be out of the hospital before Christmas, but his shattered femur is not healing as doctors had hoped it would. He is also having some problems with his kidney.
Doctors are hoping he will be able to go home in six to eight weeks.
The Ward family is asking for the community’s help. They are hoping fill Ryland’s stay at the hospital with joy.
Remembering the victims
Those interested in sending a Christmas card with a dollar can send it to the following address:
Ryland Ward
P.O. Box 174
Sutherland Springs, Texas, 78161
Ward said they are going to save the money for a Go-Kart and that he also likes getting pictures from other children and their pets.
