“Just Give Me a Chance”

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Through my years of travel and the various experiences that I have had with individuals who have disabilities, I’ve noticed that one of the biggest desires for those with disabilities is a chance or opportunity to work or provide assistance to others.  Ironically, I have had a bias, myself, which underestimates the abilities of those with disabilities.  Sometimes we subconsciously assume certain things about people and miss out on what they are truly capable of.  For example, one of the questions that I am frequently asked is, “how can you paint?”  They are assuming there is only one way to hold a paintbrush.   🙂

During the beginning of the building phase of Camp Attitude, there was a lot of ground-clearing, leveling, and grass seeding.  On this particular day, about thirty teenagers from a local youth group had volunteered to clear rocks and debris to prepare an area to plant the new grass.  I sat and watched with my buddy, Jeremy, who was thirteen at the time and confined to a wheelchair; a result of his Brittle Bone Disease.  We watched as the teens worked.   We could hear lots of grumbling and complaining about being tired, having sore hands, sore backs, being too hot, wondering when a break was coming, etc.  However, Jeremy looked at me and said, “hey, Ron, can I get a job to do?”  I looked at his small, brittle body and I thought for a second, “what could you do, Jeremy?”  But instead, I told him, “sure, what kind of job would you like?”  “If you give me a small bucket, I can hold it with my toes and with my other foot I could pick up little rocks,” he said.  I told him that it was a great idea and we went to find him a bucket.  Jeremy quickly asked, “will I get paid?”  I replied, “well, what do you think that you are worth?” “Eight dollars an hour, but I would take five.”

I sat in amazement as I watched Jeremy raking soil with his wheelchair and carefully picking rocks with his toes and putting them into the small bucket.  He worked alongside the other teenagers and one thing became noticeable–I heard absolutely no more grumbling from the teens.  However, a couple of hours later, one of the teens ran up to me frantic saying, “Jeremy fell out of his chair and is bleeding!”  I thought, “oh, Lord, what have I done?”  Jeremy’s mother rushed over to access the situation—thank the Good Lord that he was okay!  Embarrassed and disappointed, sporting a chipped tooth from the fall, Jeremy wiped the tears from his eyes and said, “don’t worry about me, Ron.  Thanks for giving me the chance.”  I responded, “you are the man!  Anybody who works that hard is worth ten dollars an hour, easily.”  With the money the he earned from his day of work, Jeremy bought his mother a special gift. 

We underestimate ourselves or sometimes will lack creativity in our thinking–we lose a job and give up the search, we suffer an injury to one hand and fail to try the other.  I personally know it is not easy to think outside of the box in times of hardship and despair, but as Jeremy inspired me, I too would like to encourage you to pick up a bucket and go collect stones, even if it seems impossible.  

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

The Painting on the Wall Changed it All

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

As I looked at a painting that I mouthpainted on the office wall, recently, I was reminded of a story of a young man who came into my office for counseling.  The young man’s mother was quite concerned about him and wanted him to talk to me.  I had told her that I was not really interested in speaking to someone who was being brought to my office against their will.  I assured her that if he came in on his own that I would speak with him.

The 15 year old came to my office and sat slumped in the chair, staring at the ground with a “what are you going to tell me?” attitude.  During our conversation he told me that his life did not matter and he saw no reason to go on.  I asked him to really look at me, and asked if he realized that someone else had to brush my teeth, comb my hair and dress me; that all of my needs had to be taken care of by someone else. I ran him through all of the facts of my life and then I told him “you know–you remind me of how bad it is after all, and after talking to you, I’m not sure if I want to go on, either.”  He looked at me surprised and asked “what do you mean?”  I replied, “Since my life and your life are both so awful, we should just both give up, right?”  Then he spoke up and said that he really didn’t want that and told me I was important because I helped people.  I let him know that he had the potential to help people too.  However, he would need to look at life differently and see the positive. I had him look up at the wall to a painting that I had painted with my mouth.  I had never painted before my accident.  He was again surprised, and responded by asking me if I was really the one who had painted that picture, because it was actually good.  He said he would not have expected a paralyzed man would be able to paint so well.

The young man’s attitude took a turn for the better that day when saw firsthand that if I can make a positive impact on others, learn to paint and attend college, that maybe he too could do something with his life.  I gave him a copy of my painting assuring him that he could do anything that he put his mind to and start turning the negatives to positives and the losses to gains.  He left with a smile and thanked me for the painting.

Sometimes we need to be reminded how our lives and words can be significant to others.  When we overcome obstacles in our lives and share those experiences with other people we become a light to help others when they are in a dark spot.  What you do today could change the world tomorrow.  Nothing is impossible if you believe.

To your inspiration,

Ron

In honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Ron will be signing all of his “9/11, We Remember” lithographs and a smaller print will be included as a gift at no charge.  If you would like to own a signed lithograph of Ron’s “9/11, We Remember” painting, please visit: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-mouth-art.php

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

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

Ron and Kelli’s 9/11 Experience

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

As we honor the anniversary of 9/11, it makes me reflect on my own experience on that day in New York.  Below is a video I made detailing my experience:

httpv://www.youtube.com/user/rollonron#p/a/u/0/DbUr7QYsxkA

or if the video does not appear, visit this link:

http://www.youtube.com/user/rollonron#p/a/u/0/DbUr7QYsxkA

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

Candy Bars and Life Lessons

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

My friend, Chris, reminded me the other day about a story I have told in the past and I thought would be worth sharing with you.  I had given a few speeches in one day and was feeling tired and ready for bed after a good meal.  Sitting in the hotel room preparing for bed, I had what you might call a “sweet tooth.”  I needed a candy bar and I needed it soon.  I asked the caregiver who was accompanying me, “Would you please go buy me a Snickers bar?”  They responded, “Why don’t you get it yourself?  I’m comfortable and I’m not about to go down the hall for a candy bar.”  So, I proceeded out the door with a dollar sticking halfway out of my shirt pocket in hopes of finding a vending machine and someone to help me fit the bill into the machine. 

Not finding what I was looking for, I headed for the front desk and a young lady greeted me with a smile.  “Where are the candy machines?” I asked.  “Just take the elevator down to the third floor and make a right,” she replied.  I made my way towards the elevator, but because of the late hour, there was no one around to push the elevator buttons for me.  I saw a snowboarder and called out, “can I get a hand with the elevator?”  He walked over and I began to talk to him.  As I rolled into the elevator and turned around, I realized I was talking to myself.  The young man had not followed me in.  The door had shut and I stared at the 21 buttons before me with no way to push any of them.  “Someone will surely press the button for the elevator soon,” I thought.  “Soon” then turned into 20 minutes and I began to panic, thinking that I would be trapped.  I decided that I needed to figure this out on my own and implement some sort of plan.  I turned the chair around, the back against the button panel, and began bashing my head against the buttons hoping to hit at least one.  However, the buttons were set into the door and I could not apply enough pressure with my head to press the buttons inward.  After about 10 or 15 attempts, leaving me with a sore head, the elevator began to move.  When the door opened up, I shot out like a bird escaping its cage.  The door shut and I found myself sitting in a very dark place.  The elevator had taken me to the basement.  I couldn’t see enough to move, so I sat wishing that I was back in the elevator that had imprisoned me earlier. 

Suddenly, I heard something–the sound of keys jingling on a key chain.  As a ray of light hit my face from a flashlight, a voice asked me “What are you doing?” The maintenance man had found me.  “Um, I’m looking for the candy bar machine.”  We laughed about the situation as he helped me find the machine. You better believe that I had him accompany me on the elevator and to my room!  I was back in my room nearly an hour after having left and was faced with an angry caregiver.  “Don’t even talk to me, just put me to bed,” I said.  The funny thing was, after all of that effort, I didn’t even want the candy bar anymore. 

It made me think: be careful what you think that you need because when you finally set your plan in motion and succeed, it may turn out to be something you did not need at all, or even want anymore.  Have you ever pursued something that seemed so simple at first, but turned into one of your life’s disasters?  Most people likely have a few “candy bar” stories of their own.  So, the next plan that you pursue, whether it be a business venture or just a candy bar, ask the following questions:  Does it fulfill my purpose?  Will it help me reach my potential?  Have I received enough input from others?  Do I have a solid plan?  In the end, will it create a win-win situation?  If you have all of these conditions met then move forward, bearing in mind that you may bang your head a few times or find yourself in the dark.  But don’t give up; the candy bar will still be there in the morning. 

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

or PO Box 972, Albany, OR 97321

Helping Hands

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I had a discussion with my brother not long ago about the aspects of caregiving and helping others with tasks they cannot complete on their own. In the course of the conversation, my brother said, “Ron, your very life is demanding.” I first took offense and asked, “what do you mean by that?” He responded, “if anybody is around you for long enough they experience demands that are spoken without you even asking.” It’s true—I need someone to help me drink water, eat food, get dressed…even move. Perhaps this is the reason why my friends don’t call me up very often to go hang out; they know there will be a lot of work involved to take me out somewhere. It’s a very understandable thing; no one really knows what to expect when they first spend time with a quadriplegic. However, throughout my life, there have been great people who have willingly sacrificed so much time, effort, and love to make sure that my needs for care are met. The last 31 years have demanded a lot of helping “hands,” and I am so grateful to those who have helped me.

I must admit that one of the most difficult things for me to do is to ask for help. It is such a blessing to have people around me who do not make it hard to ask for assistance. There are probably so many others in our communities who are afraid to ask for help, which is why I’d like to encourage you to make it a habit of offering assistance, even when not asked. Perhaps there is a friend who needs a little time away from the kids, or an older neighbor who needs help with their yard. Such little actions can have such a big impact on someone else’s life.

I hope that this video will inspire you to share those gifts that God gave you with someone: httpv://www.youtube.com/user/rollonron#p/a/u/0/4gEDForqJ3Q

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

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

To your inspiration,

Ron

Ride in the Light

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I had the unique opportunity to attend a biker rally called, “Ride in the Light.” What made the event so special was that my brother in-law, Curly, and sister, Pennie, put on the event in Yreka, CA.  Bikers from all over showed up for a great time and non-alcoholic festivities. The theme this year was the promotion of disability awareness. Individuals with disabilities showed up and hung out with the bikers–it was cool to see! The most heartwarming event was the wheelchair parade.  I enjoyed watching the children with disabilities ride horses while others decorated their wheelchairs. You could see they were so proud–their big smiles gleamed as the audience applauded for them. On Sunday morning, the rally hosted a “Biker’s Church,” and Curly asked me if I could share.  The crowd was anxious to finally learn why I was in a wheelchair, but my story was not as riveting as the young man who spoke before I did.  Please watch this short video, as I tell the story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf3etJq1UfM

[youtube]bf3etJq1UfM[/youtube]

It was exciting time to see all of the awesome custom bikes, choppers, and of course, loud Harley’s. As I rolled around the area listening to people converse, I felt a sense of peace; the fellowship was sweet. I’m very proud of my brother in-law and his team for putting on a great event such as this.  It can sometimes be easy to pass judgment based on another person’s appearance and I know first-hand what that feels like.  So, I encourage you to let your guards down and get to know someone that you would not normally associate with.  You just might find a new friend.

If you’d like to see more of what happened at the event, you can visit the Right in the Light Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RideInTheLightRally?sk=photos#!/RideInTheLightRally?sk=wall

I also want to say that I’m so grateful for those of you who have recently joined our support team, and of course my brothers and sisters who have been there for a long time.  We can never thank you all enough.

If you are interested in donating:

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

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

To your inspiration,

Ron

Date Night #2

This is Ron Heagy with your Motivational Message from the hospital:

Twenty eight years ago I had such a horrible experience when they removed my bottom wisdom teeth.  Not only were they impacted, I got dry sockets in both spaces, which is a most severe mouth pain.  So out of fear, I waited all this time until my top two wisdom teeth started to decay before scheduling them to be removed.  Amazing how we put off pain, just to experience it at a later date.  Five days ago I muscled up the courage and had these top teeth removed.  The experience was not as bad as I remembered, but boy did I sweat when the dentist began to twist and pull.  Still recovering from this extraction, I went into the hospital yesterday and had a procedure done, called a TURP, which is essentially a roto rooter to my bladder pipes to clean them out. After spending six hours in recovery, since they were trying to control my high blood pressure, the love of my life and I reunited for our “date night” in the hospital. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paOGsVdyjDA

(if video does not load, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paOGsVdyjDA )

Just she and I reminiscing over IV’s, bladder flushes and nurses.  We talked of the good ole days, and played “try to get Ron confortable” until nearly 3 a.m.  My wife was so sweet, and allowed me to have the bed, and she took the chair.  Oh, did I tell you what I sprung for dinner, since the kitchen was already closed by the time I made it back up to the room, where my worried wife was fit to be tied?  A piece of turkey slapped between two pieces of dry bread.  She let me have the sandwich since I wasn’t allowed to eat all day, but we did share a very romantic cup of pudding, and even used the same spoon.  And after a shot of morphine, and some words I don’t remember saying, I asked if she will still respect me in the morning?  We awoke to a very romantic breakfast, which we were ready to devour after our not so filling dinner/sandwich.  We lifted the lid to our cuisine to find one piece of ham and some cherry tomotoes.  We checked our attitudes at the door, and tried to look at our circumstance with “the glass is half full” moto.  Then my wife made a move that just rekindled the flame of love in my eyes….she grabbed her wallet, headed to the cafeteria, and brought us back a breakfast fit for champions (or at least as good as you can get for hospital food).

As you may know if you have been following my blogs, I have had my health challenged for the last 2 years.  We have narrowed down most of the problem to be with my bladder.  This is the last procedure offered before fully removing my bladder.  Though we won’t know for a couple of weeks if it worked or not, we are hopeful, but have also accepted the alternative that I may have to go in for a more drastic procedure in November, where they would remove the bladder completely.  Please continue to pray for me and my family as we face the uncertain road ahead. 

Thank you for your prayers and financial support.  It truly helps us in sharing the Never Give Up message. It is true that I need you and you need me to make the dream come true.  If you are considering a gift, please visit us at “ronheagy.com.”

To your inspiration.  Keep the faith,
Ron and Kelli Heagy and family

No Place Like Family Camp

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

My family and I were recently blessed by a ministry called Joni and Friends.  You may recall, a movie called, “Joni (1979),” hit the big screen.  A tragic story that turned to triumph, how extremely inspiring her life was to me.  Leaving the theater, I remember thinking, “I couldn’t imagine losing use of my entire body.”  Little did I know that a year later I would be a quadriplegic, just like Joni.  31 years later, I got to experience one of Joni’s camps as a father with a disability. 

My friends, Randy and Kesti, own Christ Haven Lodge in Florissant, Colorado, a camp that specializes in reaching the disabled.  They asked if I could speak during one of their family camps.  As much as we wanted to attend we had to tell our friends that it was not a possibility because of finances.  My wife, Kelli, found out that it was actually a Joni and Friends Family Disability camp and creatively figured out a way our family could attend.

Kelli was excited when she received a call from the Joni and Friends Area Director, Kelly.  Before we knew it, my entire family was sponsored for the entire week, not as a guest speaker, but as participants!  This would be the first camp that my family has attended–what joy filled our souls!

We were one of several families who were able to attend camp that week.   What a blessing to have a view overlooking Pike’s Peak.  Before the week was over, I was truly blessed beyond measure.  Each family had at least one member with a disability.  It amazed me to watch all the difficult circumstances and yet the feeling of love was overwhelming.  It made my problems look small compared to what other families had and were experiencing.  Particularly, those families with more than one child with a disability.  It’s good for us to take our eyes off of ourselves and realize the blessings that we take for granted. 

There were short-term missionaries from Access Ministries/Woodmen Valley Chapel that worked one-on-one with each individual family member, giving a much needed break to the parents and caregivers who may have never had a break from the care of their child until this point.  During the day, there were activities for every age group and my girls joined right in.  They were particular excited about the horse-riding program followed by the horse painting contest, where the wonderful animals stood still as the children decorated ears, painted their hooves, and braided their manes.  We all played games, including wheelchair races, treasure hunts, and had peanut butter sandwiches made by toes and feet alone (which was fun, but a little gross!)  And no, I did not eat one of those sandwiches.  The week ended with a talent show that would have made anybody cry, watching these beautiful kids have a chance to share their talent, whether it was wheelchair dancing or brilliantly playing the piano with autism. 

The encouragement and acceptance given to each person from the start of camp made it such a peaceful and serene experience.  There were no guards, no walls, just people providing love and support to one another.  Having a disability in your family forces you to be real.  Most people hide their disabilities and miss out on the blessings that come from encouraging one another.  This was a place where disabilities were the norm, no one was different–everyone felt accepted and loved.   

This week at camp was one of my fondest memories and I am truly grateful to Joni and Friends (www.joniandfriends.org), especially Kelly, and to Katie, Deb, and Kevin and all short term missionaries from Access Ministries.

If you have not experienced family camp, I greatly encourage you to do so.  It will be a wonderful memory and encouragement that you won’t forget.  Most churches, if not community outreach programs, offer them.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  You are a blessing to me and my family.  Keep praying for my health—let’s continue to run the race together!  We are all born to win. 

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

For Father’s Day

This is Ron with your Motivational Message, wishing all Fathers a Happy Father’s Day:

A father is one of the most important roles that a man can fulfill.  The responsibility a father has can be overwhelming (i.e. acting as a provider, protector, educator and disciplinarian) however the impact on a child’s life is enormous. 

My father, Ron C. Heagy Sr., was a bit hard on me when I was young.  When he became a Christian his rough edges seemed to smooth out.  He learned a tremendous amount about being a better father through his study of the Bible.  Growing up, I don’t recall him telling me that he loved me until after I broke my neck.  I remember that I was feeling down and overwhelmed by the thought that I wouldn’t amount to much.  One day I decided that I would try to drown myself in the shower.  Moments later my dad was helping me cough up the water.  When he asked me what I was doing I told him that I felt like I was such a burden to my family.  At that moment my dad pulled my head against his chest and told me that I was not a burden and that he loved me.  Now 31 years later, my father and I still say “I love you” to one another on a regular basis. 

Dad and Roni

I just want to thank my dad for being such a wonderful man.  I want to thank you Dad, for not once complaining about my physical needs, and more importantly for demonstrating your love through actions and words.

 The strongest words that I can think of are the words I love you, particularly from the heart of a father.  I have learned, by my father’s example, to consistently tell my wife, my daughters, family and friends “I love you.”  Today I encourage you to pass on a little more love to others.  Don’t miss an opportunity to tell someone that you love them.  My daughters and I made a fun little video just for you for Father’s Day—we hope you enjoy it:

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WvASHAhdEQ

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I’ve recently received the July copy of the magazine, High Performance Pontiac.  Inside was an article about the “Quad Squad…” 

The July Issue of High Performance Pontiac

It’s hard to believe it has been nine months since I drove a ’68 Firebird with just the use of my teeth, a few high tech electronics and an amazing team of men.  I had talked about driving a car for the last thirty years, hoping there would someday be a type of innovative voice-control technology on the market.  It was certainly a dream of mine for many years. 

I am still in awe of what a small group of dedicated individuals can accomplish!  Three years ago the Quad Squad was formed after a speech I gave in Vancouver, Washington. During that speech stated, “This chin-controlled wheelchair cost nearly $30,000.  Boy, did I get ripped off!  Where’s my CD player? If I had $30,000 I’d build a car with a big motor that I could drive with my chin.”  In the crowd was a man named Ron Phillips. (www.hoperod.com) Ron believed with the technology that was available and his ’68 Firebird that I would see that dream become a reality.  

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdckQw-lvyA

When my buddy, Dave, and I drove over the hill in Fields, Oregon, what I saw was a spectacular view of the Alvord dried lake bed.  The entire ground is composed of a substance like talcum powder, very similar to the salt flats.  The ground is not only flat, but completely smooth—a great place for high speeds.  My heart began to race, doubts drenched my mind, and a flood of fear took over as I stated, “there is NO way I’m going to be able to pull this off!”  The Quad Squad team members had taken vacation time away from their family and spent five hours driving to the middle of nowhere.  They had prepared and readied a car that had been adapted so I could drive, unassisted.  The Quad Squad was expecting, with hopeful anticipation for me to grab that driving stick with my teeth and break a speed of 100mph, on my own. 

The first time down, I broke 50mph.  By the third attempt I had exceeded 85 mph.  I told myself, “on the next lap, hold nothing back—push the throttle to the floor (or mouth stick in maxed forward position) and hang on, because it’s time to do 100mph.”

The entire team jumped and screamed and carried on like a bunch of high school boys.  As I thanked them for all they did while we sat around a bonfire eating steaks and big, fat potatoes, I was reminded of all the things in our world that at one time seemed impossible, but with faith, hope, and brotherly/sisterly love all things are possible. Do you have a dream?  Do you have a goal?  Don’t give up, keep talking about it.  There’s bound to be someone out there that will say, “You can drive 55.”

I believe in a creator that gave us each our own creativity, abilities, and talents that if put to practice can bring hope to others if not to the entire world.  Go and see what you can do.  Think out of the box and bring hope to the world.  You are awesome and God will use you. 

To your inspiration,

Ron 

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

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

Man Cries at Kindergarten Graduation

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Kelli, myself, and Gracie

It’s a beautiful sunny day in Oregon.  I do believe it’s the first day of sun in about thirty days.  So I started out my day with a little more enthusiasm.  Why is it that sunshine can make you smile?  Is it the warmth, the light, or the brilliant blue sky? I enjoy plants and flowers, trees, gardens.  I like to see things grow; new life and color. 

Speaking of growing, my little sweetheart, Gracie Lee, recently walked the aisle of her kindergarten graduation.  As I watched her proceed to the stage in her blue cap and gown, I was reminded how precious our children are and how quickly they grow.  In fact, the Bible says “blessed are those that have children.”  We have so many jobs in life, but it’s how we raise our children that is the most important.  I often forget or lose track of the fact. 

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq8FxNoHe88

You may not have a child of your own, but if you’re in need of a boost of joy take time with a child or sit next to a playground and watch the energetic children laugh and play as if to be carefree.  Let us remember that the children of today are the future of tomorrow.  May we show all children love and grace that we ourselves seek as adults.  Offer a child the gift of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, and your time and you will see the child grow and be self-confident. 

I’ve had many opportunities to speak over the last 18 years to all ages, but I receive the greatest blessing sharing with the children.  I am grateful for my friends that have supported me through the years giving me the ability to encourage the youth.

To your inspiration,

Ron

My Mother, Theresa

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

In memory of my mother, Theresa Heagy, I felt it necessary to reflect back to the first time I sat in a wheelchair weary and with a heavy burden about my new life.  My heart was saddened and I felt hopeless when my mother wheeled me past a mirror.  I asked my mom to stop and there sitting in front of me was a gaunt, thin, helpless, useless young man never to be loved by a woman other than his mother. 

My Mother, Theresa

This is not uncommon; imagine for a moment yourself, losing all movement from the neck down, letting your mind drift.  “What in the world will I do now?”  My mother, Theresa, knowing that and loving her son with all her heart said with a smile, “let’s go visit the baby department.”  I said, “that sounds positive.”  Together, we went to see new life in its earliest and purest form.  As I sat staring through the glass, I smiled. because these little newborns were so cute and innocent wrapped up in pink and blue blankets.  Then I realized, they were helpless and so was I.   It is natural for the world to care for newborns, but what about an 18 year old quadriplegic who needs everything that they do?  These babies will automatically receive feeding, dressing, bathing, and cleanup of their diapers.  Each life is totally dependent upon their caregiver 24 hours a day and yet, it is peaceful.  

A thought crashed through my mind, and I felt a warm tear roll down my cheek.  My mother, Theresa, noticed, “why are you crying, Ronnie?” I stammered through the words, “I was hoping to have one of these little babies someday, making you a grandma, but now there’s no hope for me.  I will never be able to father a child.  That dream is gone, Mom.  It’s just gone…” 

My mom reminded me that nothing is impossible with God and to not give up hope. 

 In January of 2000, a dream came true when I adopted a beautiful little baby that we named Roni.  My mother was there at Roni’s birth and as she held baby Roni against my chest, she told me, “all things are possible, and now you’re a daddy.”  I felt proud, grateful, and content.  I thought to myself, “I am now a father, and it feels good.”

On October 14th, 2003, I was blessed with the opportunity to marry my soul mate and best friend, Kelli.  Together, we would have three daughters and now I would be a dad to three beautiful girls.  My mother, Theresa, said to me, “and you thought you would never be a daddy. Congratulations, son, you have your work cut out for you now.” 

Six months later, Kelli and I asked my mother and father to have lunch with us.  We gave my mother a very special package to open.  At first glance, she was bewildered and confused.  Inside the box was a positive pregnancy test strip.  Then it dawned on her, as Kelli said, “it’s hard to believe when Ron was told it was impossible, but I am definitely pregnant.”  The look on her face after Gracie Lee was born was as if she reflected back to the moment when I said, “Mom, I won’t be able to give you a grandchild.”  My mother’s face glowed with a peaceful contentedness; it was angelic.

Watch Ron in person tell the rest of the story in memory of his mother, Theresa:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZwGRSVTT6A 

Mom, I would like to say…

I want to thank you for all the sacrifices that you made in order to keep me alive.  Because of that, I have been given the blessing of being a father.  It was also because of you, Mom, that I learned how to face each day and every challenge with a smile and sometimes a tear.  Thank you for making so many special memories in my life.  It brings me peace today as I reflect back and re-live those wonderful experiences.  I know you are saving a place for me and look forward to spending eternity with you after my work on earth is finished.

My mother, Theresa, I love you.