Ron’s Hero

This is Ron with your Motivational Message:

If you haven’t heard me tell this story, it is one of my favorites to tell.  This story is about my experience with Kevin, a young man paralyzed from his nose down. 

Although Kevin has since gone to be with the Lord, I continue to share his story.  It was one of my “bad attitude moments” when I wasn’t sure that I was doing the right thing with my life.  I was tired and worn out from travelling and speaking and had contemplated giving up my speaking career to get a real job that could make me some money.  It was my last speech of the day, and I wasn’t feeling particularly positive. 

I could see a young man approaching my direction being pushed by his assistant.  I nudged my chin control over to meet him.  “Hi, my name is Ron.”  His assistant said, “Hello, this is Kevin.”  Kevin stared at me with his soul-searching eyes as if he understood my very thoughts.  “Hey, Kevin, how old are you?” I asked.  “He’s thirteen,” the assistant responded.  Looking straight at Kevin I asked him how he ended up in a wheelchair.  His assistant replied, “He was born this way.”  I immediately wanted to know how disabled he was.  My conversation continued with my focus on Kevin because he was the one I actually wanted to speak to.  All of the words that told Kevin’s story and thoughts came from the mouth of his assistant.  “Kevin has full use of his mind, but he is paralyzed from the nose down.”  “Nose down?” I asked.  “You can’t use your mouth?”  “No, he has feeling only from the nose down, no movement, otherwise.”  Kevin had never tasted chocolate or had a Pepsi.  He could not tell his mother that he loved her; all of his expression was in his eyes and forehead, but oh, the thousands of words that he conveyed.  That moment changed my life.

Kevin’s assistant went on to tell me that I was Kevin’s hero.  Kevin looked up to me, I was an example for his life and I wanted to give up my speaking career!  “What is my motivation in life,” I thought?  I would hope that it would be helping other people, inspiring individuals such as Kevin to take what they have and make the best of it.  Later, I met Kevin’s mother.  I asked, during our conversation, what Kevin wished he could do more than anything else.  I expected an answer such as “visit Disneyland” or “meet my favorite celebrity,” instead she said, “Kevin just wishes he could smile.  Honestly, he can’t understand how so many people who can smile choose not to.”  Well, Kevin, I know that God has given you the most awesome smile in Heaven!  I hope that you get to smile as much as you have always wanted. 

In memory of my friend, Kevin

In addition to God giving Kevin his smile, he also sent us the best gift of all…his son Jesus Christ.  It is this time of year that I feel even more thankful for being blessed with so many wonderful people like Kevin.  As my family prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas, one of the ornaments that we enjoy most is a special stuffed Smiley Pal in memory of Kevin. 

As a special “thank you” for any end of the year tax deductible gift that you may be able to send to our NEVER GIVE UP charity, we would love to give you one of our “Kevin’s Pals” for your family’s Christmas tree at no charge.   It is our hope that when you receive this gift, you can share Kevin’s story with your children.  You just may find that they will appreciate their gifts and even smile more!   🙂   To donate to Never Give Up,  visit: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php or send a check made payable to Never Give Up to P.O. Box 972, Albany, OR 97321. 

Kevin’s Pals can also be purchased separately—they make wonderful gifts for any age and celebrate Kevin’s life (we like to call them “stocking stuffers with a story!”).  Each Pal is accompanied by a card with Kevin’s picture and inspiring words about him.  To purchase a Kevin’s Smiley Pal, please visit: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-rollonron-smileys.php or send a check to the P.O. Box listed above.

We love you all and wish you and your family a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

With an attitude of gratitude and 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