GROESBECK, Texas (KWTX) – Ryen Harris walked across the gym floor to cheers from classmates and teachers as he received his certificate at Groesbeck Middle School graduation, just 10 days after undergoing brain surgery.
The 14-year-old, who survived an accidental gunshot wound to the head on Christmas Day, walked entirely on his own with only an arm crutch for support. No one held onto him.
“To everyone who’s watched Ryen’s journey these past few months — today was HUGE,” his mother, Sonora Smith, said. “He walked farther than he has in five months and for the first time without someone holding onto him the entire time. He completely exhausted himself, but he was determined to do it on his own.”
It was a goal Ryen made for himself, and he wasn’t wavering.
“Mom, I’m not going to graduation if I have to use my chair,” he told his mother.
Smith said nearly everyone was in tears as Ryen walked across the gym.
Defying the odds
Doctors gave Ryen a 10 percent chance to live after the Christmas Day shooting. A bullet struck the front of his head and penetrated his brain.
The accident happened as Ryen leaned down to put on his shoes while his friend was checking the safety of a gun pointed toward the ground. The gun accidentally fired.
Ryen spent 64 days in the hospital. No one knew if he’d ever even wake up, but milestone by milestone he smiled, talked and started walking again.
“I truly believe this is God’s hand on his life,” Smith said. “Watching him fight back has been heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time, and I’m holding onto faith every single day.”
Recovery continues
The graduation came 10 days after Ryen underwent a cranioplasty on May 11.
Ryen is now living at home in a house that his community, including teammates, repainted for him. He will continue therapy through the summer and then receive therapy at school.
“His goal is walking without any assistive devices,” Smith said.
Coach Matthus Lopez stood by to walk with Ryen on the way into the gym and back to his seat. Ryen was hugged by his teachers and given his certificate by Marvis Pettis, the Groesbeck Middle School counselor.
Smith said watching her son refuse to give up has been inspiring.
“I am so unbelievably proud of his strength, determination, and heart,” she said. “Watching him refuse to give up has been one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen.”
Relearning everything
The bullet forced Ryen to start over. He is relearning everything — walking, eating, speaking.
Ryen first squeezed his mom’s hands after waking up. The first word he spoke was “Superman,” written on a bracelet given to him by his friend’s father. The next day, he said “mom.”
Within weeks, Ryen’s personality began shining through. He started laughing and joking like before.
The boys still video chat an
d laugh together.
“Ryen says ‘I got shot, but it was an accident. It’s okay, we’re still friends,’” Smith said.
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