Ania was helping a non-profit called BW Nice organize a red-shoe banquet at Aquatopia in Tannersville. It was the evening before the banquet and we went with her to unload a ton of gift baskets. We placed them on luggage carts and wheeled them to the elevators.

The event was on the 4th floor. We couldn’t get all three carts onto one elevator, so Ania and Ryan went together and I took the next one. When I got the 4th floor, I only saw Ania. Apparently the elevator doors closed to quickly before Ryan could get out. Thus he was left behind on the elevator all by himself.

I was in shock. Her and I stayed there watching the numbers…hoping it would return to floor #4. After about 2 minutes, it did. And Ryan was right there.

He got off…clearly scared…but happy to see us. He said his legs were shaking like crazy, and he eventually started crying a bit as the adrenaline rush started kicking in. Ania was clearly upset at herself for allowing something like that to happen. Ryan said he was scared, but stayed calm. He new which floor we were on and just stayed there until the elevator returned. He said if we weren’t there, he would’ve gone to see one of Ania’s friends who was also helping with the unloading.

This was clearly a milestone moment for all of us, esp Ryan. He talked about it all night and said he’s taking a break from elevators for a while. I don’t blame him. But I did tell him he did everything right and that we were very proud of him. Out of feeling bad, Ania gave us $10 to go spend at the arcade downstairs. He got enough tickets to get himself a camel stuffed animal.

SUPER duper proud of you Ryan. Coincidentally but not related, that night at home he attempted going upstairs without the hallway lights on. Even said he’s trying to conquer his fear of the darkness. I think he did that after realizing how big of a fear he conquered at Aquatopia.

WAY TO GO RYAN!!!!!