Hello, Friends,
As most of you know, I’m a quadriplegic who is paralyzed from the neck
down, and as a result, meeting financial obligations is a difficult task.

Unfortunately, in 2009, Social Security determined that I was no longer
disabled because I was capable of earning income.  They discontinued my
payments at that time.  This resulted in a serious strain on my family’s
finances, particularly with high medical costs.

However, many of you stepped up and gave gifts that helped us.  I’m
extremely grateful for your prayers and support.  The good news is,
recently my benefits were returned to me which will aid in offsetting the
cost of my caregivers.

Although times are still challenging for me and my family, I truly
appreciate my friends. May we continue to pray for each other. Please let
me know if there is anything that I can do to encourage you.

Thank you again,

-Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

“That thing is huge!” was our response to one of the dahlias we picked from our flower bed.  Gracie and I love flowers and as she stood, holding the dahlia, a memory flooded the chambers of my mind.

Kelli and I had only been married six months when she suddenly became ill.  At first, we thought it was the flu, but she continued throwing up for weeks.  I was fearful that something was seriously wrong, so I asked her to make an appointment with her doctor.

A few days later, in tears, she informed me that she knew what was wrong.  I expected the worst. “What’s the matter?” I frankly asked.  Glancing around the room and then looking back at me she calmly said, “I’ll tell you later when we’re alone.”  “Tell me now, I need to know.”  She stuck with her answer and so I waited and worried all day that something terrible was wrong with my wife.

Later that day, my van pulled up and I rolled into my office.  There on my desk was a bouquet of flowers.  This scene freaked me out.  Why would my wife who is sick buy ME flowers?  I should be the one who buys flowers for HER.  I nudged my chin control around to take a sniff of the flowers and noticed a card with a strange-looking gadget that, to me, looked like a thermometer.

The moment was well-timed.  Kelli walked in the door; “What is going on?” I asked.  “You’re the one who is sick, so what’s up with the flowers?”  She replied, “Did you see it?”  “See what?” “Look again.”  As soon as I did, it dawned on me.  That was no thermometer; it was a pregnancy test.  “Are you pregnant?”  She just smiled.  “Uhh, how did you do that?” I inquired.  “What do you mean?  WE did it.  We’re going to have a baby!” she exclaimed.  Right then I broke down and cried.  “But I was told by doctors for 25 years that I don’t have any ‘swimmers’!”  “Well, you must’ve had one because I’m pregnant!  That’s why I’ve been so sick.”  I asked her if she would take another test just to make sure.  She obliged and ended up taking two more tests to satisfy my doubt.

The next nine months proved to be an amazing experience.  To watch Gracie be born was one of the greatest moments in my life.  What a miraculous and fond memory this big, yellow flower Gracie was holding, who is now eight, created.

How easy it is to forget those mega moments in time.  The meaningful experiences we all have faced in the past, the events we are most inspired by, the times that make us kick back and say, “Amazing.”  If your mind begins to wander, go ahead and reflect on it all.  The sights, the sounds, the smells, and the way you felt will bring a smile to your face.  Would you agree with me, one of the incredible thing about human memory is that you can enjoy it at any time?

Is there something beautiful you can reflect on: a memory that will bring peace to your pain and happiness to your heart? You’ll be amazed at how it works.  I would like to hear from you; what makes you smile?  Share it with me and others, because we all need to be inspired.  Thought: go make a memory today, for you may need it tomorrow.

Please click here to see the dahlia and my little flower, Gracie: https://www.dropbox.com/sc/u47bgqytzczokfx/WXu4TDkljl

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Today is a somber day for many Americans as we reflect back over the events of 9/11, 2001.  Most of us do remember where we were and what we were doing when the tragedy occurred.  Many of our loved ones lost their lives and the ramifications of that senseless act still affect our nation today.  I thank God for the men and women who bravely protect our country.  We must continue to pray for those who lost their family, friends, and colleagues.  Their lives will reflect purpose, peace, and change.

I was in New York City on that dark day and watched the towers come crashing down.  The following video is a short story of something that I experienced.

If you are reading this today, then you are alive.  There are numerous things to thank God for in the midst of struggle.  I know, like myself, you have experienced problems in your own life.  I think it would be cool if we could think of the positive for a minute and still find a reason to smile for awhile.

Please enjoy my short video.  The paintings on either side of me were painted in memory of those whose lives were tragically cut short.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be</a>

If the video does not appear on your browser, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mofM90scp0U&feature=youtu.be

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I had a little alone time in my office the other day and it was quite enjoyable.  The door was open, the sun was shining, but then out of nowhere I heard a loud buzzing as a fly flew around my ear.  I shook my head, which invited him to land on my upper lip.  I nodded my head downward to get him to move, which only shot him up my right nostril.  He buzzed in my nose and then flew back out, landing once again on my lip.  I was grossed out, so I snapped in his direction with my teeth and yelled, “I’m going to conquer this fly!”  He landed on my desk, sitting there as if to wait for me to calm down so he could once more make an attempt at my face. As soon as I let my guard down, he headed directly back to my lip.

This battle went on and even after I found someone with a fly swatter, this persistent fly is still alive.  I can hear him as I speak while he continues to hover around my desk.  This fly won’t die.  I think that most of us would admit flies can be a royal pain.  However, I learned something from the fly that day: the importance of persistence.  Although the fly was persistently bugging me, he did not give up.  He would not back off and would ultimately try again.

I have noticed in the lives of those around me, the actors on TV, the news media, and the world in general, that people, for the most part, lack patience these days.  We want instant gratification and have set aside persistence.

We can’t give up too easily.  When things get tough we need to get back into the fight, roll up our sleeves and carry on.  It does involve chance, creativity and faith, but as the persistent fly made it to his destination, you too, can achieve your dreams.   Don’t give up, succeed in the good fight.  I’m not asking you to be annoying or bothersome like a fly; I’m simply saying to take up a challenge and see it through!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

In the middle of the Fred Meyer Shopping Center, out of the blue I exclaimed, “Let’s go get some frozen yogurt!”  My little girl started jumping up and down, “Can we? Can we?”  Fortunately, for us, yogurt was just outside.  As we approached the door, we remembered that there was something that we had forgotten to purchase, so the girls went back inside the store.

While they were gone, I decided to tilt my chair back against a pole in hopes of catching a few rays, when I heard, “Hey, Ron Heagy!”  I opened my eyes to a lady with a great big smile.  “Do you remember signing my book at the Portland Airport a few years ago?” she asked.  “I was that crazy woman who sprinted across two lanes of traffic because I had just finished your book the night before!  What a blessing to run into you at the airport!  I passed your book around to many people, and believe it or not, my family and I were just talking about you this week.  The grandkids had been counselors up at the camp you built.”  She went on to tell me things that not only encouraged me, but inspired me to keep on keepin’ on.  I thanked her from the bottom of my heart and we parted ways.

When we got to the front of the yogurt checkout, we were told that it was no charge.  “What?”  I responded.  “Oh, yeah, and here’s a $25.00 gift certificate, as well.”  What a truly kind act that I felt I didn’t deserve.  “Thank you for making our day!”  I hoped I could return the favor.  It felt amazing and reassuring, giving us a feeling of significance, not to mention, the example it set for my daughters, who later asked, “Why would someone do that?”  I responded by saying, “Because her heart told her to do a good thing for another person, and when you listen to your heart you, too, can make a difference.”

Will you go with me today and perform an act of kindness, just out of the blue, pay for a meal for someone else, give a little cash, push a child high on a swing.  I just wanted to tell you how special you are.  I believe in you and together we can make a difference in this world.

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

He jumped into the truck and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pulling me to the ground.  I could see the veins popping out of his neck as he screamed, “What do you think you’re doin’?!”

—————–

Today was a bittersweet moment.  Willard Keane, one of my family’s dearest friends passed away at 99 ½ years old this past week.  As I rolled towards his casket, I could see a man full of life and a big smile that went from ear to ear.  Willard was a hard-working farmer who did things right.  I must say, he was a miser, at times, because all of his equipment seemed to need an overhaul.  The one thing to note is that he lived a productive life, touching many lives and left a legacy for the family and friends who survived him.

Our history began when my father became friends with Willard’s late wife, Doris.  She taught a Bible study in the small Methodist church that we attended.  It was because of her Bible knowledge and the ability to answer my dad’s questions that he turned his party life over to God.  This changed the course of our family’s lives.  My dad was completely changed and as a result, my mom and the three of us children dedicated our lives to the Lord.

The summer that I turned 16, Willard offered me a farm job.  I was excited and looked forward to my first real paycheck.  One day, however, Doris and Willard had an argument about how to operate a particular piece of farm equipment.  Doris was bigger and louder, so it appeared to me that she had won the argument.

A few hours later, I was kicked back relaxed in the seed truck waiting for the combines, as Mrs. Keane instructed.  The truck door flew open and I shot upright, startled and confused.   Willard jumped into the cab and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt, pulling me to the ground outside.  I could see the veins popping out of his neck as he screamed, “What do you think you’re doin’?!  I want the combines emptied on the go!”  I threw down my hat and yelled back, “I don’t know what you want me to do!  You and your wife keep telling me different things!”  He responded, “You work for ME!”  I told him that I quit, picked up my hat, and began the long walk home.

I later regretted walking away from my first job, but thanks to my foreman, Don, I was able to reconcile with Willard and continued to work through the summer.  Although they never said it, I’m sure they regretted their decision because I wrecked a lot of equipment.  I guess you could have called me “fast and furious.”

In memory of Willard, I want to say that I’m grateful for him giving me an opportunity to learn, work, and become responsible.  It also afforded me a job reference.  My thoughts of Willard are pleasant and I never saw him angry since that day in the field.

To all those employers out there, I say “thank you” for giving us a chance.  May we continue to work hard and advance our skills.  If you haven’t already, go show your employer some appreciation; it may go a long way.  May we celebrate life and make it a good day.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvfES4saxTY&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvfES4saxTY&feature=youtu.be</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I turned to my caregiver and said, “That guy had some real nerve.  That was a really unprofessional thing to do…”

My kids have been telling me that I need to get a new phone for some time now.  Is there something wrong with my phone?  Of course not, but it’s not “with the times,” as they say.  “What times are you talking about?”  That was just their point—I needed a new phone.  I began to look for my new phone and soon realized there are simply too many choices.  I felt like I was drowning in cell phone opportunity.  First stop was Verizon where I received good information and could actually preview the phones on display.  However, I thought I’d shop around and headed to Walmart.  The phones were certainly cheaper, but I sat waiting for 15 minutes until the one-and-only sales rep showed up.  He wasn’t able to provide much insight, so my search continued.  Best Buy was next and like Walmart, I couldn’t preview any of the phones.

The difference with Best Buy was that the sales representative seemed to have all the answers to my questions.  I was beginning to feel better about making a phone purchase now.  All of a sudden, another gentleman walked up to me and asked, point-blank, “Will you be buying a phone today?”  I felt put-off as I was still in the process of asking questions.  I responded by saying, “Yes, it’s possible.”  He then walked away and I continued my conversation with the sales rep.  About two minutes later, the man was back and asked the representative who was helping me to go assist another customer.  They both walked away, leaving me to sort through the phones myself.  I was dumbfounded.  I felt disrespected and unvalued.  I was there to buy a phone, but wasn’t looking to be pressured into it.  I proceeded to find the man who had called the rep away from me.  What he had done was unprofessional and frankly, pretty rude.  As someone who runs their own business, I know that it was not right.  I asked for his manager and repeated to him my feelings.  He apologized and I accepted the apology, but left with a feeling of being unimportant.  I’m a customer, and I’m entitled to it…

I caught myself later after reading from the book of Proverbs.  The passage said to be humble and not place yourself in a position where you would put others down.  I asked myself, “Why is it in life that we feel so entitled?”  Is it just America, where we have so much stuff that we ‘need’ to buy that we expect sales reps to treat us we’re kings and queens?  Maybe that’s why we’re so materialistic.  When we purchase items, generally, we’re treated like royalty because someone is being paid to do so.  Do we have a false sense of reality?  Don’t get me wrong, I think we should respect each other, but I’m not so sure about demanding respect.  I’m working on humility (which I stink at) and would like to invite you to pray with me that we all can have an attitude of gratitude and that we will build up one another with our words.

To your inspiration,

Ron

Oh, by the way, I went to Costco and the phone was cheaper than all of those stores and the guy that helped me was awesome. 🙂

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

After three days of painting for hours on end, my jaw was tired, my neck muscles were sore, my hind end was hurting, and the summer heat was getting to me…

I had committed myself to an exhibitor booth at the county fair in my hometown of Albany, OR.  I was sitting at one end of my table, paintbrush in my mouth and an old wooden easel supporting my canvas.  Folks would stream by, both children and adults, stopping to watch in amazement.  Chances are these people passing by had never seen something like this before.  My painting in and of themselves are nothing to drool over, but because of the technique employed, most spectators stood in awe.

It was nice to see old friends and meet new faces, but the greatest thrill for me was to see my daughters, Roni and Gracie, sell their handmade bracelets and “God’s Eyes.”  They were delighted when I told them that they could sell their crafts at my fair booth this year.   Admittedly, I was a little jealous that they sold more of their art than I did mine!

On the third day without many sales, I was feeling worn out and discouraged.  I began to think, “Who cares, anyways?” “Am I really making a difference?”  Not paying attention to who was behind me, I slapped paint onto my canvas with a bad attitude.  As I did so, out of nowhere I heard a small voice from a five year old girl.  “Look, Mommy, he paints with his teeth!”  A little girl with a head of red ringlets watched every move that I made, gazing intently for at least five minutes.  Finally her mother said, “Honey, we have to go now.”  The little girl did not want to leave.  I could feel my heart soften.

The little princess stood behind me for what seemed like an hour, when her mother then asked if she would rather watch me paint or go on the carnival rides.  Her reply surprised me, “I want to see the man paint, Mommy.”  I lost it; tears welled up in my eyes as I turned to say to her, “Oh, how I love you!  Could I give you one of my prints?  I’ll sign it for you.”  In the end, the little girl was so grateful and I was so changed.  I left feeling much better about what I was doing, knowing that anyone can make a difference, no matter how big, small, different, or disabled.

I’m confident there is a little girl out there waiting to encourage you.

Sometimes the road seems hard; there are bumps, curves, wind, rain, and the sun beating down on you.  We are all human, the emotions come, the emotions go.  Don’t give up, you’re nearly there, count your blessings–it’s your life we care to share.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJ8oLa9-OU&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjJ8oLa9-OU&feature=youtu.be</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Have you ever anticipated something that would happen in your life and in the process ask yourself: is it worth suffering through the trials necessary to get there?

My thirteen year old daughter, Roni, and I sat in the cold wind for nearly two hours patiently (and painfully) waiting for the fireworks on the waterfront to begin.  It had been hot that day so we didn’t think to wear heavier clothing.  The cold air that blew off the river that evening was beginning to get to us and we almost went home.  Our commitment paid off when that anticipated moment came; to top it off, we had the perfect seats for the show.  The rockets burst with brilliant colors and the sound was thunderous as the sky lit up.  The discomfort from the cold dissipated and I must say, the finale was the grandest one that we had ever seen.

Following the show, heading towards the van we couldn’t contain our excitement.  Roni blurted out things like, “That was so cool!” “Spectacular!” “Wasn’t it great when…?”  My daughter and I were excited and despite braving the frigid cold and the temptation to go home we were filled with the feeling of triumph and victory.

If it’s getting cold in life and we fear pressing on any longer, if we’re tempted to give up and the victory seems far away, I want to encourage you to press on.  It may hurt, your muscles might be burning, and your teeth may be chattering, but don’t give up.  Victory is ahead, you know it is coming.  Do not lose your anticipation, fight the good fight–keep the faith!

When you finally accomplish your goal and you walk away (or maybe roll) you will say “That was so cool!  Thank you Lord, it was worth it all.”

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I was sitting at my easel with my paintbrush in my teeth, when all of a sudden, through my open sliding glass door two swallows swooped in, flew around my head, and then hit a window at the opposite end of my office. Both birds dropped to the floor and I could see that they were dazed, confused, and possibly injured.  They fluttered their wings frantically, repeatedly beating themselves against the window in an attempt to make it to the outside world.  They obviously couldn’t figure out that glass stood between them and the freedom to fly again.

I found myself attempting to communicate to them that the open door was in the other direction.  I tried to encourage them away from the window in vain.  I even moved myself in their direction with my wheelchair.  This only made matters worse as they soared around my office, gaining speed, hitting the window and crashing to the floor.  “How could I help these birds find their way?” I thought.  It seems so obvious to me, and yet my ways were not their ways, my thoughts were not their thoughts.  In fact, my presence created fear.

During this moment of chaos, a thought echoed through the chambers of my mind.  These birds represent us in the eyes of God.  He can see our struggle, and He knows the way.  Like me watching the little birds, the only way to communicate would be to become one of them, and yet remain a human, so that I could still see the way.  As strange as it seems, that is why the Bible says that God sent Jesus Christ to earth as a man.  It was God’s means of showing us the way out through the open door.  Christ must have been a part of God in order to know this way.

Well, because I’m not God, I couldn’t turn myself into a bird still remain a man in order to show these swallows the way out of my office.  I did, however, wait patiently and through a little coaxing, they finally found their way to freedom.  It was an unbelievable feeling to watch them fly free rather than to hopelessly pound themselves to death against the window pane.

You may find yourself struggling, beat up, dazed and confused, or lonely.  I encourage you to consider turning to the Great Artist (no, not me) of all creation and His son.  For further information on what I’ve found to be true, grab a Bible and read the book of John.  Just a suggestion, but it may help you, too.

Thank God there is a bigger picture than our struggles.  I pray, that like the swallows that flew free, you will find God’s reassurance and peace to help you on your journey today.

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

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

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I must say that I’ve missed blogging to you the past couple of weeks.  It seems like time escapes us.  You wonder where it went and what actually managed to get accomplished.

I was recently reminded how limited our time can be.  Not far from my home, a young man, looking for a thrill, was driving much too fast with his friends in the car. At 90 miles per hour, he lost control of the vehicle.  His friends were seriously injured and he lost his life.  This story saddened me, but made me think.  We have a choice in what we do with our short time here.

My buddy, Kevin, and his mother made good use of their time.  Some of you know his story; he was born paralyzed from his nose down.  Kevin is the hero who changed my life, along with the lives of many others.  I met him on a “poor me” day when I decided to give up motivational speaking and go make some “real” money.  Following my “last speech,” I wheeled over to say “hi,” but he could not reply.  Kevin’s nurse, Allen, had to communicate for him.  He was thirteen at the time, and couldn’t speak or even eat.  Kevin told me through his nurse that I was his hero and he wanted to become a speaker like me.   That day, my attitude quickly changed and I’m still speaking today.  I had the opportunity to meet Kevin’s angel of a mother, Susan, not much later.  After visiting with them for several hours I found out that one of Kevin’s greatest wishes was to have the ability to smile.  I was floored by the statement and immediately realized how much I took for granted.

One day, I received a call from Kevin’s mother.  Susan excitedly told me that they found a computer Kevin could operate by simply moving his eyes.  She was putting together a fundraiser and was hoping that I would help them raise the money.  I quickly agreed and asked how much was needed.  She replied, “$25,000.”  I hadn’t expected it would be that much and yet, how completely awesome it would be for Kevin to speak, write, and play games?  Who knows, I thought, he could possibly even get a job.  We began to sell plush smiley faces (http://www.rollonron.com/shop-rollonron-smileys.php) to raise funds.

In just a matter of time, I sat with Kevin in front of his new computer and was losing horribly to him at one of his favorite computer games.  A camera monitoring his pupils allowed him to quickly move the cursor around the screen.  He was finally doing what so many kids take for granted.  What a truly amazing day.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiTRsRbkNbg&feature=youtu.be">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiTRsRbkNbg&feature=youtu.be</a>

Kevin became the driving force behind the creation of Camp Attitude.  Like thousands of other children, he was not given the opportunity to go to camp.  The camp was built, and not only was Kevin’s dream realized but mine was, as well.  Kevin made his way up from California every year to attend camp.  He loved the outdoors and was even brave enough to take a hot air balloon ride.  All who met him would never the same.

Sadly, my little buddy passed away years ago and in memory of him I shared his story at a speech in Orlando, Florida in early June.  The audience laughed and cried as I spoke.  While signing one woman’s book, she introduced herself as Mindy, and asked if Kevin’s last name was Morgan.  I was surprised, and said, “Yes, it was.”  She described how she, herself, had met him and had even filmed a video of him working at his new job.  Kevin took attendance for a classroom with his Eye Gaze computer, which no one could have done a more perfect job.  Mindy, happened to be there visiting her brother.  It was amazing to us both that he had touched both of our lives and years later, thousands of miles away we would meet one another.  I had no idea that he had gotten a job and was doing so well for himself—I couldn’t have been happier when she told me she would send me a copy of the film.

Kevin, born paralyzed from his nose down, did not waste his time on earth.  Even though he was never able to eat a candybar or drink a Pepsi, he had an attitude that outshined everyone.  I think that this story speaks for itself, but for me, reflecting back it has made me ask, “what time is it?”

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_DosMjYNwQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_DosMjYNwQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w</a>

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

I got a big knot in my throat when I learned of the devastation in Oklahoma caused by the massive tornado.  The worst part for me was hearing about the children losing their lives, attending school just as they would any other day only to face a horrific disaster.  I thank God for the heroes that put their lives on the line to rescue others.

In choosing to paint a sunflower, it was brought to my attention that part of the beauty in Oklahoma’s landscape is the sunflower.  After a tornado, what a beautiful sight a bright yellow sunflower against a bright blue sky would be.  I offer a drop of LIFE.  Click here to see me paint my latest work in honor of those affected by this tragedy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azlSfTI2aHg&feature=youtu.be

To your inspiration,

Ron