People FountainValley

THE POWER OF LOVE: Neighbors become family for single mom and son

By MINNIE DAO Fountain Valley Living Magazine

Single mom Donna Davis and her son, Ryan Lanphar, found their lives forever changed by the kindness of their neighbors, Pete and Melanie Hagstrom.

Thirty-four years ago, upon hearing about Davis’ circumstances of juggling the demands of work and motherhood, Melanie Hagstrom, a schoolteacher, happily opened her home and extended her heart, embracing Donna and her son as part of her own family.

Ryan, 4 years old at the time, was not only welcomed into the Hagstrom family of fve but was also given the priceless gift of an extraordinary childhood.

Donna said that Ryan grew up experiencing summers flled with endless adventures alongside the Hagstroms: going to the beach, surfng and bodyboarding, attending Junior Lifeguards and chilling in the Hagstroms’ pool. The Hagstroms also introduced Ryan to his frst religious classes through their church youth group, fostering his spiritual growth from elementary to high school.

Additionally, Pete was a major infuence in getting Ryan involved in Little League, often serving as his baseball coach.

“I don’t think he ever thought that he was a single child,” Donna Davis said.

Ryan and the Hagstroms’ middle son, Tyler, share a friendship that has lasted well into their adulthood. Pete also lovingly introduces Ryan as his own son.

Both Donna and Ryan have become honorary Hagstrom family members, blurring the lines between the two households. They are regular invitees to family events such as marriages, baby showers, and more specifcally, the Hagstroms’ spectacular Christmas parties.

To this day, Pete still saves a spot for Ryan on his annual golf trip to Las Vegas, showing that time has not once weakened their bond.

“Throughout Ryan’s life, they’ve been there for both of us through good times and through some rough periods, without judgment, but with pure love and support,” Davis said. “There are not many people in this world like Pete and Melanie Hagstrom and I am so thankful and grateful for their presence in our lives.”

Around Town

►Concerts in the Park schedule set

The sounds of summer will once again come alive in Fountain Valley when the city presents its popular Concerts in the Park series every Thursday night in July at the Fountain Valley Sports Park.

This year’s lineup features popular tribute bands that have graced the stage during previous summers. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. each Thursday.

The season kicks off July 6 with Country Nation taking the stage.

The series continues July 13 with Stone Soul (Motown favorites), July 20 with Bruno and the Hooligans (Bruno Mars tribute band), and July 27 featuring ‘80s tribute Flashback Heart Attack. Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets and blankets and enjoy a month full of evening concerts.

And don’t forget: The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce will stage its annual Business Expo during the July 20 Bruno and the Hooligans concert. The expo is set for 5-8 p.m.

This year’s Concerts in the Park sponsors are: Farmers Insurance – Theresa Simes, Kingston Technology, MemorialCare Orange Coast Memorial, Pacifc Premier Bank and Republic Services.

The Sports Park is at 16400 Brookhurst St. More information: Call (714) 839-8611.