This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

While on the streets of New York on the day the towers came down, I was asked to share my Smiley face story.  I guess that you never know what a smile can do, even in the darkest times.  After viewing the video, I’d really like to hear where you were on 9/11/2001.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDV1j3eARU&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSDV1j3eARU&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp

I haven’t heard from a number of my friends for a while now—so please let me know if you are still receiving my messages at office@ronheagy.com.  We always love to hear from you!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Eleven years ago, today, we flew into New York City.  It would be to celebrate a documentary about my life, produced by Martin Luther King III, that was set to premiere on September 11th, 2001.  Little did we know what was about to unfold before us.

In memory of that historical day, I painted a picture titled “We Remember.”  Please click here to see the painting and hear a bit of my experience while in New York on that tragic day.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4IoqNISBAM&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4IoqNISBAM&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp

My heart goes out to to all of those affected by this tragedy.  We must always remember the individuals who have given their lives in the name of our great country and those who are actively serving.  God bless America!

As a thank-you, I will be selling my lithograph prints of my painting, “We Remember,” for a special price of $20.00 with free shipping and handling.  If you would like to purchase one for yourself or for a dear loved one, please follow this link: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-mouth-art.php .  At the bottom of the page you will see the painting and the hyperlink “Contact Us for Special Pricing.”  Click the hyperlink to send an email to our office, letting us know your name, address, and how you would like to purchase the print (we accept cash, check, money order, PayPal or debit/credit).

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

As I sat with my seven year old a few days back, I wondered if God truly cared about our very sick cat, Smokey.  Gracie and Smokey have had a close relationship all her life.  She loves cats and Smokey is very special to her.  So we prayed, and trusted the Lord would take care of Smokey.  Later that day, my wife and I were told by the veterinarian that Smokey would have to be put to sleep.  Please click below to view a short video to find out how our story ends and to get a peek of my latest mouthpainting.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhC33cw3dN0&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhC33cw3dN0&feature=plcp

Gracie and Smokey

Kelli, the girls, and I are extremely grateful for your prayers and support and we would love to hear from you.  Please drop us a line to let us know if you’re receiving our messages.  Your words of encouragement are what keep us rollin’.  I look forward to  continuing our friendship.

To your inspiration,

Ron, Kelli, and family

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

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

The following short video is a story of how my perfect plans were spoiled, yet something even more wonderful became of it.  Do you ever have those days when nothing seems to go right?  Watch my video and let me know if you can relate:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyW8_tHOnnY&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyW8_tHOnnY&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp

Please continue to pray for my wife and I.  The accident that we were in on June 28th is still causing physical pain and serious inconvenience.

Hope you’re having a great summer and keeping an Attitude of Gratitude!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Wow, what a surprise to receive not just letters, but a book of letters from Ms. Caulfield and her first graders!  It truly made my day.  It was clear by the comments the children made that they were touched by my presence.  I’m sure for many of them this was the first time they had experienced an individual with a disability to my degree.  I believe the letters indicated that the children are able to see beyond a disability and into the potential ability of a person.  This mindfulness will be helpful in relating to others in the future.

I would like to thank Ms. Caulfield from the bottom of my heart for making these letters a possibility.  I know that it was a result of her good teaching that the letters became a reality.  I especially want to thank her for taking my presentation one step further and challenging her students to think more progressively.  She has helped me in fulfilling the dream that we all could see the best in another person in spite of their limitations.

Click below to see the book of wonderful words written by Ms. Caulfield’s first graders:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Klz1wXpGo&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Klz1wXpGo&feature=youtu.be

As an educator, I want to specifically thank her for teaching the following three lessons:

1: Identifying ability in disability.  She taught the children to focus on all the things that I was able to do, in spite of my disability.

2: Self-reflection.  Seeing how other people have overcome their challenges inspired the students to imagine what they could do with what they have been given.

3: Paying it forward by giving encouragement.  She challenged the first graders to make a deposit into my life by not just thinking good thoughts and reflecting on what I did for them.  She taught them to say “thank you” through written word, demonstrating the importance of letting people know that you appreciate them.

Thank you for your prayers and support–it always means so much to us!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

This last weekend I had an opportunity to mouthpaint in the exhibit hall at the Marion County fair in Salem, Oregon.  This was the first time that I had painted in public for such an occasion and I must say it made me a little nervous to have people looking over my shoulder.  Many of those that passed by would comment on how “awesome” it was to see me paint.  I would like to think that they were talking about my artwork, but really, it was the technique that seemed to thrill most fair-goers.  It’s not every day that you see someone with a brush in their teeth painting in the middle of a county fair.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cww1yie2zF8[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cww1yie2zF8

I was moved by the smiles I received from all types of people.  Some were from other countries, some used walkers, and a number of people rolled up in their wheelchairs.  It was a meaningful experience and I received inspiration from those who complimented me on my artwork.  As you watch my video that displays the final brush strokes to the piece I was working on while at the fair, I would like to ask you a question:  if your life resembled a color, what color would it be, and why?  Please send me your answer; I would love to hear from you.  You are important–your color is part of the picture of life and without you the world would not be complete.

Thank you for your prayers and support!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

On July 4^th, 1776 our country made history by declaring independence from Great Britain.  Our free nation, the Land of opportunity, was born and with it came the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I am truly grateful and consider myself blessed to live in a country where we have so many opportunities.  God has empowered our nation with brave citizens who have made and continue to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation.  Let us never forget our duty to preserve the freedom that we enjoy in the United States for future generations.  God bless America!

As I think back over my life, I recall the moments I felt genuinely “independent.”  The first being when I moved out of my parent’s house.  I felt free; that was until I realized how many bills would accompany my freedom!  Then there was the day that I graduated from college.  I was able to celebrate my Master’s Degree and the open doors that led to my furthered happiness.

Most recently, I experienced independence when I drove a 1968 Pontiac Firebird, also known as the Hope Rod.  With a stick attached to a drive-by wire computer system clenched between my teeth, I realized my dream at 100mph.  I cannot express in words the feeling of rocketing across the dried lake bed of Alvord; the American flag painted atop the car shining in the desert sun.  I wanted to inspire America’s warriors to believe in the impossible; to take what was won on Independence Day and apply it to our lives.  We must believe that we can overcome our limitations and have faith that all things are possible.

The following video captures my dream to drive a car again after being told thirty years ago that I would never be able to have that
chance.  I hope that you enjoy this trailer created for the documentary that is in the works.  May you be reminded that  Independence Day has afforded all of us an opportunity to accomplish our dreams.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLnX2jRt4OU[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLnX2jRt4OU

Please email me and let me know what you think of this spectacular project.  As our country worked hard for its freedom, so did the “Quad Squad” who made it possible to experience this exhilarating (and independent) drive.  I could not have done it without my friends Ron, Mike T., Mike P., Ed, Robert, Jay, Dave V. Also, thanks to Dave O. for filming the project, Matthew of Laminated Pictures for creating the trailer, and Dave H. of Dignified Motors for providing the drive-by wire system.  Thanks to everyone else who has helped with the project.  I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for helping me reach my dream.  You guys rock!

To our knowledge, no other quadriplegic has ever driven 100mph with only the use of teeth and we want to bring this story to the public.  We are currently seeking financial support to create a 30-60 minute documentary of this historical event.  Please forward this inspiring video to your friends and contacts and may you continue to follow your dreams!

The following is a mouthpainting I have done to represents the courage and freedom of this great nation:

Kelli and I (and the girls) wish you a happy 4th!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

It all happened so quickly—the airbags deployed and the panic following the event only intensified when my wife exclaimed, “I can’t move my arms!”

——-

I believe it happens to us all at some time or another.  We get so preoccupied with our daily activities that we forget to set aside special time to spend with our significant other.  This is particularly evident when you have children to care for.

This last month my wife and I had not scheduled much-needed alone time.  As a result, we had been getting to the point where many couples find themselves.  We were becoming short with one another, and were nit-picking unnecessarily.  With our busy schedules and the girls home for summer break, we were rarely alone and our marriage desperately needed some attention.

Recognizing this, we scheduled a date night for Thursday, June 28th.  Kelli made the arrangements for a baby sitter while I picked a movie we could go see together.  That night, we headed off to Corvallis, Oregon for dinner and a movie.  We were both excited to finally have this time alone together.  The drive was quite nice—poppies in bloom lined the highway and a light, refreshing rain fell.  We were enjoying each other’s company; talking, laughing and generally having a great time.  Kelli asked me where I wanted to eat, and just as our conversation over food was reaching its conclusion, we were given an unwelcome surprise…

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQFkDF2qkM&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqQFkDF2qkM&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp

What Remains of Our Van

Thank God we made it through an accident that could have had much worse results.  We  have an Attitude of Gratitude for our Lord!  We thank all of  you for your prayers and for the support you give our family.

Kelli, I know you’re in pain, as well as my neck, but I’ve always been a pain in the neck. 😉

I love you, Kelli!  Thank you for our “explosive date,” but I’m getting a bit old for so much excitement.  I’ll never forget it, though!

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Today was a day when I needed a little encouragement.  So, I took a paintbrush in my mouth and created some light.  Even in the darkest times, we can find the light.  Sometimes we just need a little help from a friend.  Below is a sneak preview of my latest mouthpainting–I hope you enjoy it!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_duXvK9viY[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_duXvK9viY

Thank you for your support and for being a part of our team.  To view more art or to purchase my art for yourself or as a gift for someone else, please visit: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-mouth-art.php

To your inspiration,

Ron

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

As I sat in the radiant warmth of the summer sun, I began recalling experiences from summers past.  I thought back to the moment, in precious memory of my hero, Kevin, when his mother asked me if I was going to go up in the hot air balloon that sat on the Camp Attitude property.  I said, “You gotta be kidding me—I’m terrified of heights.”  Some dear friends had brought the balloon to the camp for the kids.  The colors of the balloon made for a marvelous sight.  The balloon was tethered to the ground allowing rides to the treetops.  This gave kids with disabilities a wonderful experience; an opportunity to have a first-time view from above the trees!

I assumed that the children would line up with excitement and anticipation for such a ride.  To my disappointment, when the hot air balloon was ready, not many kids were up for the venture.  It became apparent to me that if it was “meant to be,” then it was “up with me.”  I asked my dad and brother to lift me out of my chair and sling me up and over the basket that dangled below the balloon.  I sat on a small stool while someone held me in an upright position.  I must admit, I was glad I had a leg-bag, or I would have wet myself when the fire thundered and elevated the balloon.    Thank God that the ropes would only allow us to reach 50 feet!

On the count of three, I opened my eyes and gazed over the tops of the majestic pine.  I could see the river as it flowed below the mountains.  I was completely awestruck by the amazing view.  The rapid beat of my heart, coupled with this first-time experience was a total rush.  Not much later I sat strapped in my wheelchair yelling, “How cool was that?”  Then it happened–one-by-one my little friends lined up and were lifted from their chairs for an experience of a lifetime.

I broke down in tears as I watched Kevin signal with his eyes that he was ready for his turn.  His mother, a true angel, disconnected his ventilator and attached his air bag as his paralyzed body was seated in the basket.  We all watched in amazement while his mother timely squeezed breaths of air into his lungs as they drifted into the blue sky.  Even though Kevin was paralyzed from his nose down, I could see his eyes quickly glancing from left to right as he, too, took in the breathtaking view.

In reflection of this moment, I realized if I had not overcome my fear of heights that day and ventured into that balloon, none of the children would have experienced such an extraordinary ride.  We all talked about it for weeks.  I do believe that this is one of the memories that shines the brightest over the last 50 years of my life and I thank the good Lord for the courage to go beyond my self-induced limitation.

Do you have a fear today?  Is there something that you should overcome?  I encourage you to go beyond your fear; to take a chance, it just might change your life.  Imagine, the power of a positive impact that your decision could have on the lives of others.

You must see this video!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAcNfaTemB4[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAcNfaTemB4

To your inspiration,

Ron

If you would like to see more of the balloon rides, and learn more about Ron, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of the documentary: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-books-videos.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Let us never underestimate the power that we have to change someone’s life.  Words are important.  I’ve prepared a little video about friends and advice; click the video to hear how a young man inspired me!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp9nYYLz-gQ[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yp9nYYLz-gQ

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

Boy, I’m glad to have the opportunity to begin this week with you!  I hope you’re enjoying the summer weather–we’re experiencing some June thunderstorms here in Oregon!

The following video is just over a minute long and is called “Looking Forward”: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EnTIPoER4E&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp[/youtube]

If you cannot view the video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EnTIPoER4E&list=UUSUzoifeoj–AyW5iXUw69w&index=1&feature=plcp

If you enjoy viewing these messages and videos, please feel free to leave comments and share the messages with your friends.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of others!  If you know someone who has been looking for inspiration (or if you are not subscribed yourself), it’s simple to join the Roll on Ron team–click here and you will receive weekly encouragement from Ron Heagy: https://www.ronheagy.com/rons-enews.php

“Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” –Philippians 3:13

To your inspiration,

Ron

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

To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php