This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
It’s hard to believe 33 years ago on Sunday, I dove into a wave and broke my neck while on Spring Vacation. To pile on, the accident happened the day before my 18th birthday. Even now, when I reflect on this past year, I realize it has been one of the hardest years of my life. There are lots of things that I wish I could have done differently, but for now, I’d rather focus on the good things! Firstly, I want to thank you, all of my friends who have sent emails, letters, texts, and Facebook messages wishing me a Happy Birthday. Speaking of birthday wishes, I want to tell you about a phone conversation that I had today with my friend, Marc.
When I picked up the phone, Marc began to sing me a really corny song, which I happily accepted, knowing that Marc can’t sing. As we reflected over our times together, it reminded me of the time that we were knee-deep in “crud.” Kelli and I had been on a speaking tour in Colorado some time back and were visiting with Marc, his wife Kathe, and their two boys. That morning, Kelli had gotten me ready for two back-to-back speaking engagements and loaded me into a van with Kathe and the boys. Marc and Kelli would meet up with us later in the day, so Kathe was going to drive me to the church.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4U6C082CyY&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1[/youtube]
If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4U6C082CyY&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1
On the way, of course the worst thing happened. Yes, you guessed it: diarrhea. I mean, we all know that these things can happen to anybody, but in my situation, there is no running desperately to the restroom. It had happened before, and I’m sure it’ll happen again, but it doesn’t make it any less messy or smelly. In fact, Kathe’s boys pulled their t-shirts up over their heads, it was so bad! Kathe didn’t know what to do, as there really was nothing that she could do. “What are you going to do, Ron?” she asked, concerned. “Well, there are a lot of people coming to this event and everything has already been planned out for me to be there. We’re just going to have to stuff paper towels under my butt and just go for it.” With his nose plugged, Andrew squeaked, “Yeah, Mom. He has to speak. People came to hear him.” “But not SMELL him!” I exclaimed. “But, the show must go on.” We arrived at the church and I presented for both services as scheduled. No, it wasn’t pretty and to make things worse, some of the “stuff” got into my electronics and shorted out my chair. With no power, Kelli had to manually push me and the 300lb wheelchair. Unbelievably, in spite of it all, God was able to use our “mess.”
Back at the ranch, Marc, who is a large man’s-man kind of guy, volunteered to help clean me up. The consistency of the mess had changed since it was three hours after it happened. They got me onto a bed and Kelli directed the clean-up. Marc worked on wiping down the chair, which was shocking coming from a guy who couldn’t stand changing diapers. He put some strange object around his nose, pulled on rubber gloves and carefully cleaned between the wires, seat pan, and control units. Kelli and I could hear him gagging. I whispered to Kelli, “Hey, tell Marc that a very important piece of my catheter is missing and that he might have to dig through my soiled pants.” My humble brother started feeling through the messed pants, searching for something that we knew wasn’t there. After a few moments, Kelli yelled, “Just kidding!” Marc made a few rude gestures, and then we all laughed until our stomachs hurt. I remind Marc periodically that we are “bosom brothers” for reasons like that, and many others. It doesn’t get any better than that! I would like to encourage you, when you’re sifting through the “crud” in life, remember that sometimes there’s nothing that you can do to change it; you just have to push through. Thanks, Marc, for the Happy Birthday memory and thanks to you, my friend, for continuing your encouragement and friendship.
To your inspiration,
Ron
Gracie and Myself at Mattie's Latest Play
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Well that is so true…. some things we can control and some we can’t. Only we can make them stop us. You spoke at CL Elm the other day and our second round of kids loved you. They would not believe that I knew who you were and that their dad and I went to school with you. If I had known you were coming I would of been there. I love seeing pictures of you and your family. Keep up the good work Reta
Thats one funny birthday video. Haha your funny Ron!