Jeri the quadriplegic Mermaid

This is Ron with your motivational message,

 

I remember the first time I met Jeri. Beautiful blonde hair with an amazing smile, she came up to me rather flirtatious and if I wasn’t in my wheelchair, I would have run the other direction. I found out later that was just her personality. She was very kind, loving and she knew no stranger. She was genuinely interested in people and their life stories.

 

I figured she might want a hug, and then I found out she too was a quadriplegic and that connected us instantly. Our Friendship was so special because we understood the same battle and had similar passions. Jeri and I quickly began to talk and relate about stories of caregivers, power wheelchairs, bowel, bladder, bed sores, and living life as a quadriplegic.

Jeri was strong, courageous and did not take no for an answer. For 20 years I can’t recall in all our conversations her being negative. She did however irritate the heck out of me trying to convince me to put my paralyzed body back into the ocean. It’s not that I am afraid of the ocean, even though I broke my neck there. I just don’t get very far swimming with my ears.

 

Jeri was in love with the ocean and loved to swim. I was amazed that she could pull it off, and did quite well. She died doing the very thing she loved, and Jeri was always at the beach smiling. She even seemed a little depressed if she couldn’t get in that water and swim. Jeri even used to refer to herself as a mermaid. She reminded me when I left the islands the last time I was there that we were pushing 70 years between the two of us being in a wheelchair; so we needed to get Camp Can Do Maui done. I said, “Well get off your butt and do something,” and she said, “Well get off your butt and get in the ocean!”

 

 

Jeri and I worshiped two Sons-The son of God, Jesus and the Sun in the sky. Jeri and I agreed we were solar powered. Every visit to the island was a competition to have the better tan. She loved helping those with disabilities overcome obstacles emotionally, spiritually, and physically. She had a vision for a place where those with disabilities had the opportunity to use adaptive exercise machines to stay in shape. A facility where there was fellowship, comradeship and a place to inspire each other. She wanted a individuals with disabilities to no longer feel isolated and alone, knowing that there are others that feel their pain and suffer with similar situations. Jeri shared my passion for helping people with disabilities enjoy the great outdoors particularly a wheelchair accessible ocean. Jeri was one of my biggest advocators of Camp Can Do.

I watched her on several occasions building people up, making them smile, and inspiring them to go beyond their limitations. Jeri was a people person, and had a wonderful ability to connect others. In fact she connected me with several individuals that have been instrumental for the camp. One of them being her friend Jordan Kerton from Canada a recreational therapist and an expert Sherpa. If it wasn’t for that meeting I wouldn’t have gotten familiar with Access Revolution- a social impact organization that promotes access to the outdoors. Jeri and Jordan helped me complete a dream of hiking Twin Falls in Maui. Jeri and her husband Dave were there cheering me on when I attempted my first ride in the trailrider- an adaptive hiking like wheelbarrow. I had a spectacular moment of excitement and exhilaration of accomplishing something that many people with mobility impairment never have the opportunity to do. Jeri was so excited to see me get out and do something wonderful such as experiencing a waterfall of Hawaii.

 

Twin Falls was absolutely gorgeous and I remember Jeri had gotten behind on the trail, and it probably made her mad. She was so excited for me, even though I left her in the dust.  When I got back she was gone and I remember thinking I got to get together with her and didn’t get the chance to. When she passed on I was left feeling a little bit like I missed a moment that I should have taken advantage of. Which begs the question-are we making the most out of the time we are with friends and family? Realizing it could be the last time we see them. So make sure that you close your conversations with resolution and love. May we enjoy one another and have memories of all the good things.

           

Jeri was filled with joy, peace, and she radiated hope. She was one of the most active, fearless and bravest quadriplegics I’ve ever met. With the help of her husband, she participated in more activities than most completely able bodied individuals take advantage of. She lived out her faith, admired and respected by many. I consider it an honor to have spent so many good times with Jeri and Dave. My life will never be the same as a result of her passionate life.

 

Speaking of Dave, I have met a lot of men I have been impressed by but nothing compares to Dave. This man was dedicated to his wife 24/7, and felt it a privilege to help give her the independence she needed. Dave served her and she loved him with all her heart. I know how hard it is to make it through with the added difficulties that a disability can bring to a relationship. Dave and Jeri had their own problems just like every marriage does, yet they were an example of how to work together through thick and thin. They demonstrated love in action and it was obvious to everyone who knew them. May we continue to pray for Dave and give him our support as the waves of grief and loss will come and go.

 

I am truly grateful for my sister in the lord, friend, and fellow dreamer. One thing i regret is Jerry was not able to see the building of Camp Can Do. I feel all the more urgency and passion to complete the camp in remembrance of her beautiful soul. Life is so short, and I want all my friends to experience this opportunity. The sun, the ocean, the therapy one gets from the Hawaiian Islands just as Jeri did and what she would want for all of you.

 

 

Today I had a nice conversation with Dave, and his desire is to have those who would like to make a donation in memory of Jeri to go towards Never Give Up’s future Camp Can Do Maui, a 501(c)3 Tax deductible organization

In October when I return to the island I would like to have a Jeri’s beach gathering.

Sunday October 9^th, 2016 at Kam # 1 beach

I just might get in the ocean.

 

 

I will truly miss her, and I look forward to the day that I get to give her a big hug. Thank you Jeri for the wonderful things you left. –And Hey Jeri, if you get a chance find my mother and give her a big embrace for me.

 

To your inspirations,

 

Ron Heagy

541-990-7411

Never Give Up

PO BOX 972

Albany, OR 97321

office@ronheagy.com