Mowing the lawn isn't exactly anyone's idea of a fun way to spend time outdoors. Unfortunately, it's a chore most of us have to tackle on a regular basis.
Depending on the size of your yard, you might have to spend hours sweating out in the sun, pushing the mower around. Even folks who are lucky enough to have a riding lawn mower can still get overheated. That's why it's so important to pay attention to the message your body is sending you as you complete the task — especially if you already have health issues.
Of course, when we're focused on just getting the job done, we can sometimes push ourselves past our limits. Luckily for Ryan Armistead, a police officer from Missouri, his wife Jessica was able to spot the signs for him — and lend a helping hand.
Take a look below to see how the couple's incredible bond kept Ryan from pushing himself too far.
Ryan was out mowing his family's yard on a hot day in July when his wife noticed him showing obvious signs of exhaustion.
While some wives might just tell their husband to take a break and pour them a nice big glass of water to cool off, Jessica decided to take things into her own hands instead.
A friend and neighbor named Adam Bosler snapped this photo of the couple. As he explained in the caption, there is so much more to it than meets the eye:
What you see is a woman pushing a lawn mower with her husband beside her. Some of you may question that.
Meet the Armisteads. Jessica and Ryan. Ryan goes for dialysis three times a week, pending a kidney transplant. As a police officer and active member of his community, he strives STILL to be what every man should be.
We spoke with Adam who told us Ryan has been battling kidney disease since 2005. Things went downhill faster than the doctors had predicted. Ryan suddenly went from stage 2 to stage 5.
He went on to explain how Ryan leaves work three times a week to sit at the hospital for four hours while receiving dialysis, then works as an officer on the weekends.
"The man is still so humble and helpful," Adam continued, "He's a good husband, friend, and an amazing father for their little boy."
Throughout the ordeal, Jessica has remained by Ryan's side. Adam described her as the man's "rock" as they both fight for his health.
That's exactly what he also described in his Facebook post:
Even after surrendering the mower, much against his will, he still walked beside his wife as she took over the task… No matter what, they’re side-by-side, helping one another and never leaving the other one behind. If [there’s] anything I can learn from these good friends, it is the loyalty they put forth together.
Adam told us he was just trying to share the moment with their friends and family when he posted the photo on Facebook, but they soon found themselves overwhelmed by the heartwarming responses from total strangers.
The feedback included plenty of requests for a fundraising page so their friends and even folks they don't even know could send money to the Armisteads — in order to purchase a riding lawn mower to make the task easier for both of them.
You can help support those efforts by heading over to the YouCaring page Adam set up on the couple's behalf.
The photo also touched the hearts of those who have had experience with similar health hardships in their own families, as you can see from the comment above.
Adam told us that Ryan has a cousin who could potentially be a donor match, but she was pregnant and only recently had the baby, so they've had to wait.
Adam is also planning to get tested to see if he can be a match for his friend, too.
Adam never intended for his photo of the couple to reach so many people across the country but said they are "all amazed by the support and kind words."
Be sure to SHARE the inspiring bond between Ryan and Jessica with your friends and help this incredible family achieve the support they deserve!
