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 14^th, 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.