When tragedy strikes one of our own, we all feel it deeply

I’m not even sure where to begin with this. Most of you have probably already heard what happened to Kyle Rivington, but for those who haven’t, he was in a terrible car accident on June 19th and is still fighting for his life in the ICU at Ottawa Civic Hospital. Head injuries. The kind that changes everything.

Those of us who know Kyle… well, you know what kind of man he is. He’s the guy who shows up. Whether it’s helping with a tough calving at 2 AM or just being there when you need someone to talk to. Sophie and the kids – they’re good people. The kind of family that makes this community what it is.

The Waiting Game

The doctors aren’t sugarcoating anything. They’ve told the family that with brain injuries like this, you’re looking at a year before anyone can really say what the future holds. A whole year of not knowing. Can you imagine? But Kyle’s already proving he’s a fighter – beating the odds, the family says. That sounds like him.

Still, the road ahead… it’s going to be brutal. For all of them.

Life Keeps Going

Here’s the thing that gets me – the farm doesn’t stop. The kids still need to get to school. Bills still come in the mail. Sophie’s trying to hold it all together while spending every possible minute at Kyle’s bedside. I can’t even imagine the exhaustion.

Thank God for this community. I’ve seen neighbors stepping up in ways that just… it restores your faith, you know? People cover chores, watch kids, and bring meals. It’s what we do, but seeing it happen when it really matters – it hits different.

Putting Our Money Where Our Hearts Are

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family. Honestly, they didn’t ask for it, but people kept asking how they could help beyond just showing up. And let’s be real – medical bills for something like this? They’re going to be crushing. Plus, Sophie needs to be able to focus on Kyle and the kids without worrying about keeping the lights on.

The money will help with:

• Getting the family through these next months (or however long it takes)
• Whatever rehabilitation Kyle’s going to need down the road
• All those expenses you don’t think about until you’re living it
• Just… giving them one less thing to stress about

Look, I’ve been around this industry my whole life, and I’ve seen how we take care of each other. But watching everyone rally around the Rivingtons – it reminds me why I love this community so much. We’re not just farmers who happen to live near each other. We’re family.

Sophie’s carrying a load no one should have to carry alone. The kids are dealing with something no kid should have to understand. But they’re not alone. Not even close.

How We Can Keep Helping

Kyle’s got a long fight ahead of him. Months, maybe years of recovery. The family’s going to need us for the long haul, not just right now when everyone’s paying attention.

Here’s what matters:

• Keep praying. Keep sending good thoughts. Whatever you believe in, they need it all
• If you can spare a few dollars for the GoFundMe, every bit helps
• Practical stuff – offer to help with farm work, bring a meal, watch the kids
• Don’t forget about them in six months when the initial shock wears off

The Rivington family has given so much to this community over the years. Kyle’s always been the first to volunteer, Sophie’s always organizing something for the kids, and they’ve both been there for more people than I can count.

This is our chance to give back. To show them what they mean to all of us.

Kyle, Sophie, kids – if you’re reading this somehow, just know that you’ve got an army of people who love you and aren’t going anywhere. We’re going to get through this together. That’s a promise.

And Kyle, when you’re ready, we’ll be here waiting for that smile of yours. Take your time, but don’t keep us waiting too long, alright?

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