This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

A friend of mine stopped by and we were in the process of brainstorming a word of inspiration to bring a little sunshine into your day. I have to say, I was at a loss and my mind could not think of anything to inspire.  I asked him, “what do you do when you’re out of ammo and your knife is broken?”  My friend laughed and said, “I think I would probably pray.”  So, that is exactly what we did.  During the time we prayed the rain hammered down on the roof, but our prayers calmed our hearts and minds.  During our quiet time of prayer I was overwhelmed with peace, hope and love.  It helped me remember the promises God has for me.

I can tell you that I struggle, because it is easy to look around today and see all the material stuff that the world equates with success: cars, businesses, houses and fancy vacations.  My focus and dreams have been tainted by what this world tells me I should have and want; things that compete for my faith.  But during this time of prayer I was able to focus on what I do have faith in, and I can tell you that none of the glitz of this world compares.  I think of the homeless man I passed yesterday with a sign in his hand, sitting on the curb.  His reality is full of judgment and fear of the unknown.  He has nothing to spare, not even a smile.  However, deep inside, he’s a man like me, longing for peace of mind and a place to belong.

During the prayer, I felt a spark that ignited a burning desire to find my dreams again.  I pray for you today that a spark would arise within your heart to find truth.  So our prayer for you, in the midst of your struggles and strife, is that you will be free from fear and be focused on faith instead.  That the fire of faith would burn again. That in spite of what you see around you, the light of a new dream will brighten your soul. Will you pray this prayer with me?  Pray that each new day we will know that God will show us the way and that we’ll have the strength to pursue the path he sets before us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   Jeremiah 29:11

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Early this week, we woke up to an unusual surprise: we received six inches of snow!  It was hard to believe since it’s almost April!  The poor daffodils that had sprung up in anticipation of spring were barely peeking out of the piles of snow.  Naturally, on the first day of snow, our seven year old daughter was awake before all of us; enjoying her day off from school.  As you’ll see in the videos, even Dad got involved!

The snow brought me back to when I was her age, growing up in Wisconsin.  Of course, snow-days weren’t unusual in that part of the country, but that didn’t make them any less enjoyable.  I remember my dad would let me lie in the snow in front of the tractor plow and I would slide in the drift created by the plow, like I was riding a frozen wave.  The drift formed snow banks that I would spill over into as the plow moved.  At the time, I thought it was totally awesome, but looking back I have to wonder, “what was my dad thinking?”  I guess snow games differ between little boys and little girls.  Childhood memories and memories of the crazy things that we’ve done in our lives can certainly bring a smile to our faces.  I hope the following videos inspire you to take some time out of your day to do something fun with your kids.

Sledding, Heagy-style!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPacSxisvOI&context=C4de0ca4ADvjVQa1PpcFN4PQdRE50zsM7X0I1HLakpMH5f1_TNPZg=[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WelXmkHCHs&context=C48b1129ADvjVQa1PpcFN4PQdRE50zsIhtG0kR-6QJptVQIgkbpiM=[/youtube]

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Again, I wanted to express my joy—I’ve been so blessed by all of you!  All of the birthday wishes that I’ve received for my 50^th birthday really blew me away.  It made for a great birthday; especially with the surprise birthday party that my wife planned!  A huge thank you to my wonderful wife, Kelli, and step-daughter, Jessie, who put all of the details together to set up the party and video production.  It really touched my heart!

Speaking of touching my heart, I hope that you enjoy the following video that my seven year old filmed (she was also our camerawoman for the last birthday greeting post–you know, the one with the big guy from Wisconsin).  My daughter is not only smarter than I am, she also is quickly becoming more technologically-savvy than me!

Daddy and Little Princess:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWrcdzIy8Ms[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWrcdzIy8Ms

Team work really does makes the dream work!

Keep the faith, the focus, and blessings to your family!

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for the
special birthday wishes that I received.  The cards and videos that were sent to me were
great!  I can’t help but smile when I think of all of you—talk about feeling loved!  I truly appreciate the encouragement from my
friends and family.

Click the following link to view a video that Gracie and I made with the help of my good friend, Dave.  You’ll hear Gracie defending her “old man!”  It’s amazing how fast they grow up; she still has that precious little voice but is definitely learning to assert herself.  🙂

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-CXiVT3Ep4[/youtube]

If you cannot see the video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-CXiVT3Ep4

Again, thank you for all that you have done for us,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I was looking at one of my Smiley faces today; the ones that tell the story of my personal hero, Kevin.  Kevin was paralyzed from his nose down.  Kevin had a dream that one day he might be able to smile.  As I thought of Kevin, my mind wandered to another story of a young man that I met while speaking in a small town high school gym.  I gave my normal talk…“turn negative to positives,” “losses to gains” and was feeling pretty energetic–no worries beyond my normal daily challenges.  Afterwards, I was given the opportunity to hear stories from some young men and women who attended this talk.  They came up to me where I sat displaying my art.  While they spoke, I was suddenly very aware that many of these faces were unable to reflect the true feelings held in their heart.  We all know that at times we just grin and bear it, but other times you share your story of struggle and hardship.  Many times when we share openly, others will feel more comfortable to tell you of their own struggles.  These kinds of stories are inspirational to me; it leaves a permanent stamp on my heart when I know that my life has made a difference for someone else.

Later, we were invited to have lunch with a local pastor and a special family.  I was introduced to a young man named John who seemed to smile the whole time that we were together.  I thought, “Wow, perhaps I really inspired this kid!”  That was until his mother told us of his challenges.  John had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the doctors had not given him much hope.  I immediately realized that there was so much more that I wanted to find out about this kid and I realized that I would be the one learning something today.  The remaining time that we spent together was quite an inspiration, for me.  This kid’s attitude was far more real and non-staged than almost anyone else that I had met.  Here was a kid who had been given no hope for a future here on earth; how could he smile or be happy?  I was speechless.  So I said, “Hey, I would like to give you the smiley face that I have tied to my chin control.  You are an amazing individual.”  It was like I had given him a handful of gold as he looked at it with a grin from ear-to-ear.  “Thank you, this means a lot to me,” John responded.  Although he did not win his fight with cancer, his story will always live on.  Some time afterward, his mother wrote me a letter stating how much the smiley face meant to him.   Kevin wanted it displayed so that all would know he finished his time here happy.

I must admit, I’ve been thinking of John and his words, and the truth is we will all finish, here on earth.  The question that I ask myself is: Am I ready?  Would it be with a smile?  I can honestly say that I’m not ready; there are too many things that are unfinished, relationships to be mended and messy things that need to be tidied.  But, even in the hard times and after 32 years of wear and tear on the body and mind I’m glad to be alive and I do want a smile on my face when I finish.  So, for my 50th birthday will you pray with me that no matter what the circumstance or the situation, the past problems and the future trials, that I will rise up with the help of the Lord and the support of others.  I desire to keep the faith, fight the fight, and finish my race well.  Will God give me another 32 years?  I don’t know, but I know that I did what I was created to do.  Thanks to John and his story, the inspirational speaker was inspired by his audience.   Would you pause with me and reflect on your own soul and ask yourself what you might need to do to finish well?   Then ask God for the help to do it.  One more thing, can you sing out loud “Happy Birthday, Ron!” on March 18th? Sounds crazy, but it will make me smile.

To your inspiration and a smile,
Ron

P.S. Some of you have asked what I would like for my birthday—maybe purchase a smiley face or give a gift to support our outreach and family.  That would be much appreciated at this time.  Thank you for your prayers and support.

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron Heagy with your Motivational Message:

Having a birthday within two days your brother’s is like having your birthday close to Christmas; your family tends to celebrate both at the same time.  Not to sound selfish, but being recognized as an individual has its value, particularly when it comes to things like birthdays.  As a child, holidays are a spectacular occasion, but let’s not kid ourselves–adults need to feel special, too!

My brother, Mike, and I had breakfast together this morning and as we reminisced we realized how quickly the years have gone by and how our busy lives have taken opportunities away from our spending time with one another.  Between family and work, it is difficult even to squeeze in time for the things that matter the most to us.

The following is a video tribute to my brother.  I hope that you will enjoy it!  It also involves a story about a certain gift my brother surprised me with on my birthday–a gift from somewhere that no one would expect!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNlQdzKEY-Y&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=2&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNlQdzKEY-Y&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=2&feature=plcp

Happy Birthday, Mike!

March 16th

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

It’s hard to believe that I’m approaching the 32^nd anniversary of my accident.  On March 18^th, 1980, I lay in a hospital bed paralyzed at the age of 18.  I had no idea what the future held for me; what each new day would bring.  There was always a different face that I would see as the nurses rotated through their shifts.  I recall the overwhelming feeling of helplessness as I lay there.  The only solace I had came from the time I could spend with my parents and the Lord.  Each day was filled with medical challenges: surgeries, stomach ulcers, bed sores.  I was facing months in intensive care and really had no clue how any of it would turn out.  My mother, Theresa, and father, Ron, Sr., gave me hope and courage which saw me through those months.  I’ll be forever grateful to both of them for the love and support that they gave me.  As I look back, it’s amazing that, as a family, we were able to survive such a trauma.  With strong will, love, and faith, I guess you can make it through nearly anything!

Today I am still paralyzed from the neck down and I am experiencing many, many new challenges.  I am quickly approaching the “big 5-0.”  I realize now how easy it is to get stuck in the moment.  It can be difficult to see beyond the struggle and how we will overcome it.  I don’t truly know what the future holds for any of us, but as I get ready to mark the 32 years of my paralysis, I know that if we keep our faith, God will see us through our hardest times.  Even in the darkest moments, a ray of hope will shine through and show us the way.  Let us continue to move forward, encouraging each other so when we look back on our hardships we can say, “I’m glad we made it.” 

Most of you know that after being released from the hospital, I eventually learned to write with my mouth and went to college.  I graduated with a Masters Degree and became a motivational speaker, an author and an artist.  Yet, I consider my most valuable blessing becoming a husband and father.  I thank Jesus for the positive things that I’ve had the privilege to experience.  May you be reminded as you reflect back on your life, that circumstances can and will change.  If your day is dark and cloudy, you can be certain that it can only get brighter.  If you have sunshine in your soul, you can share your light with someone who needs some warmth in theirs.  Let the sunshine in!

Please keep praying for my family and myself as we deal with these tougher times.  Your prayers are always appreciated!  I hope that your cup runs over with joy today as you think about the sweetness that has come from your past struggles.

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

In life it’s nice to know that there are friends that will be there in good and in bad.  As a quadriplegic man, it has been difficult to find close male friends.  There is a lot of work that goes into spending time with someone who has this kind of disability, and it is probably more than most friends would expect.  I’ve blogged in the past that I had been praying for male friendship and as a result of that I have, in fact, found some very close friends.  The only problem is that many of my friends do not live in the same state that I do.  This makes getting together a real task, but thank God that they’re only a phone call away!  My wife tells me that you can have more than one best friend, but really I only have one—which is her!  I guess I feel like “best” means…well, one-and-only best!  What do you think?  Let me know what your feelings are about best friends—can you have more than one “bestie?” 🙂

Speaking of friends, I received a surprise visit from a childhood friend recently.  This individual was someone whom I initially wasn’t too fond of.  She actually beat me up in second grade!  She was a tough girl and definitely considered more of a tomboy.  Thanks to her brothers, she was certainly not one to let boys get in her face.  I had just moved to town and was struggling with my self-identity, so her not-so-friendly attitude wasn’t well-received by me.  Surprisingly, despite all this, she and I became good friends and remained as such through grade school.

I had not seen her in a long time, but she had heard that I hadn’t been feeling too well and arranged to come by.  Thanks to my wife, she appeared unannounced…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYpJYLOw21Y&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

(If you cannot view video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYpJYLOw21Y&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp )

Maybe you’re going through tough times like I am and are praying for some companionship.  Please, always remember that even when you don’t think it’s true, there are people out there who are thinking of you and are wondering how you’re doing.  Don’t hesitate to call those friends that you’ve lost touch with.

I want to genuinely thank those of you who have sent me cards, notes, or emails.  They truly have been an encouragement.  I want to especially thank those that have been close to me that take time to pray for me and think of me.  I need it, just like everyone else.  May the quality of your friendships only increase!

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

There’s not much that is worse than watching your child suffer, even if it is over a loose tooth.  To be honest, I had no idea that pulling a tooth could be so traumatic!  The past few months, Gracie has been in the process of losing her front teeth.  The first one came easy, but the sight of blood upset her.  So, as you can imagine, she was very reluctant to pull out the second tooth.  Unfortunately, the second tooth was the one that was most necessary to remove—it was dangling by a thread!

As a dad who is paralyzed from the neck down, there was no possibility of initiating a surprise attack, or the old “string-tied-around-a-doorknob” trick.  My wife, Kelli, pleaded patiently with Gracie and eventually was able to convince her to try pulling it.  Kelli tied a piece of dental floss around the top of her tooth, but Gracie wasn’t ready to let Kelli give it a pull.  After about an hour of anticipation, and several small tugs later, Gracie gave the floss a swift jerk and out came the tooth!

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

After 32 years since my surfing accident, my neck and spine have developed a bit of arthritis.  It was recommended by my physician to have x-rays taken to see how my vertebrae was holding up.  When I scheduled the appointment, I was told it was necessary to inject nuclear medicine into my bloodstream which would make me radioactive for a couple of days.  This concerned me even though I was assured that there would be no side effects—besides perhaps “activating some radios.”  After receiving the injection I would have to wait three hours while the radioactive material spread through my bloodstream to get a good x-ray of my vertebrae and spinal cord. 

 When I arrived at the hospital that morning, I proceeded to the elevator which is on the main entry for all levels.  Approximately 20 feet from the elevator I felt a bit sick to my stomach and at the same time I smelled a foul odor.  I immediately realized that I had messed my pants.  Kelli was behind me so I turned my chair around to let her know.  After turning 180 degrees, I looked on the tile floor and there I saw what I now call, “Ron’s version of the Hawaiian Islands” spread across the floor of the main entry.  I was stunned and embarrassed, as I needed to tell people getting off the elevator to watch out for the mess, saying, “Sorry, please watch your step.”  I have messed my pants before, but not to this degree of public awareness.  Generally, the smell is bad enough, but this time it had soiled me and the floor.  Kelli felt terrible for me and I worked hard at smiling at those that politely walked around me.  When the janitor arrived to quickly clean and sanitize the area, Kelli stuffed paper towels around my jeans like sand bags.  It took approximately 15 minutes before everything was cleared out and people could use the elevator once again.  I have never been in such a dilemma, but I did gain a new appreciation for janitors, custodians, and cleaning crews.  I made a promise to thank them if I encounter them in person in the future.  They are individuals that don’t receive the praise that they are certainly due.   

Finally, we began to make our way to the appointment with the mess in my pants.  I couldn’t reschedule, so we headed to the x-ray department in hopes they would have a bed available for Kelli to transfer me to and clean the mess.  Thank God that they did.  My wonderful wife cleaned me up and I received my nuclear injection.  I was put on the x-ray table wearing a pair of scrubs the hospital gave me.  I’m grateful that my procedure went well and the vertebrae in my neck are still in place, even though I do have arthritis and some deterioration in between my joints.

This was one of those experiences that when you look back on, you wonder how in the world could someone get through that?  We all have experiences in life that are a bit messy–sometimes we create our own “Hawaiian Islands.” We can feel a bit helpless and want to hide in despair, but we need to look back and be grateful for those that were there to clean up the mess.  I thank God for so many people, particularly my wife, the janitor, and the nurses that took the time to assist me that day.  I wonder if there is anyone that you may be grateful for that may have not received their due recognition?  Let us remember today to say thank you to those that do their job well, but may not be the ones that are in the spotlight.  I pray that we recognize those that are behind the scenes, taking care of the details that we don’t always see.  Without them, those in the spotlight would not have a chance to shine.

To your inspiration,

Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron Heagy,

We are at the beginning of a new year and as many of you know, asking for money is not an easy thing for me to do.  However, fundraising is necessary to continue the outreach and work we accomplish through Never Give Up.  There are many who need your support for outreach in other countries, such as India or Africa, but I need your support to spread the light to our kids here in the US.  I would like to thank you in advance for considering a donation to Never Give Up. 

Maybe you already know how I try to inspire others, but unless you actually experience one of my speaking events it is difficult to see how kids and adults respond to me through sharing my life experiences.   I used to struggle with what my purpose was after my accident, but now, I know.  I understand the way my life experience is to be used to encourage those who are struggling. 

During a speaking tour in Denver, Colorado, I had an opportunity to speak at a youth correctional facility.  It is heart-wrenching experience to speak to an audience full of incarcerated youth.  I struggled with how I would reach this population.  During my speech, I was amazed by the attentiveness of the young men sitting on the hard gym floor.  I let them know that I could identify with their desire to be free to live their life, yet every morning waking up to bars.  I told them that I recognized how discouraging it can be because I also dream of running and being free, yet, when I wake, I’m still paralyzed from the neck down.  In a way, I’ve been behind my own bars for close to 31 years.  I reminded them that they could make a choice to change and make it out of this facility someday.  They could make a choice to become better rather than bitter.  As I have done, make the most of their confined situation.  I reminded them they have life and the ability to do good in this world.    

Later, I sat at my table where my mouth art and books were displayed.   I could see a significant change reflected in the faces as each young man walked past, all of whom thanked me for being willing to visit them that day.  One particular man, with a hard look in his eyes, asked me if I would write something on a piece of paper for him.  My mind ran through hundreds of things that I could say, but for some reason I wrote, “Be strong; I love you.”  Later that day, the coordinator called to let me know that my note had broken down his protective walls–no one had ever said or written the words “I love you” to him before.  When she asked why I had chosen those words, I told her that it was on my heart at the time.  I was where I was supposed to be, to encourage that young man in that moment and I am grateful to those who helped to make that speech possible. 

This past year was extremely challenging me physically.  There are still some giants I will face in 2012, but I have been able to reflect back on very good things in 2011.  I can also see that without experiences challenges I would not have the opportunity to grow.  I have been able to meet some wonderful people and watch our lives intertwine, if even for a moment.

My family and I are looking forward to what 2012 has in store and would truly appreciate your prayers.  Together, we can inspire others to keep rolling on and reach for their dreams.  I know there are many young kids out there struggling that might need an encouragement and I do not want to miss a single one in 2012. 

We look forward to hearing from you; thank you again for your consideration in becoming a supporting member of our team.  Would you consider being one of the 25 $10.00 monthly donors that we need?  No amount is too small!                                     

Blessings to each of you!

– Ron

To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Do you every just feel the need to ask, “Why, oh, why?”  I felt a surge of the “why-me-syndrome” until my friend reminded me of my Little Hero’s mommy, and wow!

Click here to view my short video explaining the Whyner story…oh, and don’t laugh at my muscle spasms…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55UV0nQSAys&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

Hope this message finds you well and that your new year is off to a fantastic start!  Thank you for your prayers and support.  If you’re interested in being a part of the Never Give Up team and help get the message out, click the following link: www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php

To your inspiration,

Ron