This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
Looking over the steering wheel I could see the speedometer quickly approaching 100 mph. 98…99…100…101: I had broken the landspeed record for a quadriplegic. I eased up on the accelerator and navigated the car back to the crew waiting at the starting line, which we called the “Quad Squad.” These guys are the ones responsible for making this impossible drive possible. As I pulled back on the mouthstick, the car came to a stop. The first “Quad Squad” member to greet me was Ed Tolon, who practically dove into the driver-side window. He wrapped his arms around my neck and kissed me on the cheek. For such a manly guy, this was surprising. “He did it!” he screamed, “I knew you could!” I looked him in the eye and replied, “No, WE did it. Without you guys this never would have happened.”
A few weeks ago, I sat beside Ed’s little bed, where he was nestled in the corner with a computer and a flat screen TV. Regrettably, I was visiting for a special reason. Ed had terminal lung cancer, and was beginning to decline. “How quickly things happen,” I thought.” One minute you’re on Cloud 9 and then the next…
Ed was weak and barely could get out of bed, but was able to talk to me. We laughed and shared stories for nearly an hour. Not knowing what to say, I just let conversation carry itself. It was somewhat bittersweet. During our conversation, I looked up on the wall where Ed had hung a few pictures. I was amazed to see a picture of my little Gracie riding on my footrest. The shot did not include me, just my feet and Gracie. “Man, that’s a cool picture,” I said. Ed piped up, “One of my favorites. It was when you were thanking people for helping on the car.” Ed slowly pulled off his covers and painfully stepped over to his walker and then to the desk. He crawled onto the desk and reached for the picture above. “Hey, bro, don’t fall. I’m a quadriplegic and won’t be of much help!” I exclaimed. He pulled the picture of Gracie from his wall and laid it on my legs. I told him he didn’t need to do that, and he replied with a smile, “What am I going to do with it?”
That day when I left, Ed gave me three pearls of wisdom: don’t smoke, focus on people not things, and thank God for each day because you never know when you will not have tomorrow.
Ed has gone to be with the Lord since then and yesterday Kelli and I drove to his service in Vancouver, Washington to celebrate his life. It was a beautiful, clear day; a day he would have enjoyed. We met with his wife and sons, along with the rest of his family and the members of the “Quad Squad.” We are so thankful for Ed Tolon’s life, love and friendship.
I experienced 100mph of pure exhilaration, not knowing two years later the man that kissed me would enter heaven. What I have from Ed is fond memories and a photo to remind me of what can so easily be taken for granted–no car in the background, not even my image, because it is not about me. Let us pray as we face our day: “Lord, please give me the strength to focus on others.” In closing, thank you my brother, Ed, and your family for touching my life.
Ed's Note
To your inspiration,
Ron
A great reminder that we do need to cherish each day in the moment not knowing what tomorrow will bring. Ed was a very special person. “RIP Ed”
Very touching and a reminder to treasure each day. Your daughter is beautiful. 🙂
Great reminder Ron. Thank you for the update. I’ve been reading all your emails.
Ron…..you are the best encourager ever! Today, my husband and I attended the funeral of a friend. It seems that for the last several months we have spent our days attending funerals of friends & loved ones and as I write we are waiting to hear of the passing of my husband’s niece. Some of our friends have known the Lord and they are celebrating in Heaven but others did not know the Lord and that has been a very difficult experience to deal with. Your message has helped us to keep life and its events in perspective. We are once again challenged to live each day in a way that honors the LORD and shows His love to others. You have been a blessing to us….May the Lord bless you today in a very special way.
Ron,
You’ve done it yet again: you have reminded me to keep in focus what is important.
Every day is a gift. With joys and sorrows, challenges, failures and successes. It is all about seeing the value in those we love and those who test our enduance, and being able to say, Thank You for everything. And, of course, thank YOU Ron for your life and wisdom. Gracie, she’s a beauty!
Larry O
Ron thanks for sharing that story and the picture. Always good to hear from you.
With Love,
Kathy
Ed was a great man. The Quad Squad blessed not only you but many others that were inspired by the Hope Rod and your life story. Being able to share your adventure to drive 100mph and hang out with the Quad Squad was so much fun- it would be great to get the documentary finished so you can share it with the world. 🙂 If I find a lot of money I will send it your way!
Love you bro- thanks for the inspiration~ hi to Kelli and your girls! 🙂
Dave
I look at Gracie and think about all of God’s magnificent creations from day 1 until today. The Miracle of Life and Eternal Salvation are right up front. Ed’s hands held the camera, and God pushed the button. Amazing team,priceless shot. Roll on Ron !.
Hey Ron,
Thanks for sharing about your friend Ed. When I saw the title of your email, I half expected it to be referring to MY dear friend, Ron Carey, who died on Saturday of cancer. Ron grew up around the corner from your place in Albany, and worked with me at my school for 10 years before retiring 7 years ago. He was an amazing guy – an ultra-marathon runner, with an intense passion for life and a heart as big as they came. Just another reminder of how fleeting that this life is, and how important it is to make the most of each day that the Lord gives us here!
Thanks for your updates…I always love to read them and stay tuned into how God is using you, my friend! Tell Kelli and Gracie “hi” for me.
Take care,
Carl