This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
After 32 years since my surfing accident, my neck and spine have developed a bit of arthritis. It was recommended by my physician to have x-rays taken to see how my vertebrae was holding up. When I scheduled the appointment, I was told it was necessary to inject nuclear medicine into my bloodstream which would make me radioactive for a couple of days. This concerned me even though I was assured that there would be no side effects—besides perhaps “activating some radios.” After receiving the injection I would have to wait three hours while the radioactive material spread through my bloodstream to get a good x-ray of my vertebrae and spinal cord.
When I arrived at the hospital that morning, I proceeded to the elevator which is on the main entry for all levels. Approximately 20 feet from the elevator I felt a bit sick to my stomach and at the same time I smelled a foul odor. I immediately realized that I had messed my pants. Kelli was behind me so I turned my chair around to let her know. After turning 180 degrees, I looked on the tile floor and there I saw what I now call, “Ron’s version of the Hawaiian Islands” spread across the floor of the main entry. I was stunned and embarrassed, as I needed to tell people getting off the elevator to watch out for the mess, saying, “Sorry, please watch your step.” I have messed my pants before, but not to this degree of public awareness. Generally, the smell is bad enough, but this time it had soiled me and the floor. Kelli felt terrible for me and I worked hard at smiling at those that politely walked around me. When the janitor arrived to quickly clean and sanitize the area, Kelli stuffed paper towels around my jeans like sand bags. It took approximately 15 minutes before everything was cleared out and people could use the elevator once again. I have never been in such a dilemma, but I did gain a new appreciation for janitors, custodians, and cleaning crews. I made a promise to thank them if I encounter them in person in the future. They are individuals that don’t receive the praise that they are certainly due.
Finally, we began to make our way to the appointment with the mess in my pants. I couldn’t reschedule, so we headed to the x-ray department in hopes they would have a bed available for Kelli to transfer me to and clean the mess. Thank God that they did. My wonderful wife cleaned me up and I received my nuclear injection. I was put on the x-ray table wearing a pair of scrubs the hospital gave me. I’m grateful that my procedure went well and the vertebrae in my neck are still in place, even though I do have arthritis and some deterioration in between my joints.
This was one of those experiences that when you look back on, you wonder how in the world could someone get through that? We all have experiences in life that are a bit messy–sometimes we create our own “Hawaiian Islands.” We can feel a bit helpless and want to hide in despair, but we need to look back and be grateful for those that were there to clean up the mess. I thank God for so many people, particularly my wife, the janitor, and the nurses that took the time to assist me that day. I wonder if there is anyone that you may be grateful for that may have not received their due recognition? Let us remember today to say thank you to those that do their job well, but may not be the ones that are in the spotlight. I pray that we recognize those that are behind the scenes, taking care of the details that we don’t always see. Without them, those in the spotlight would not have a chance to shine.
To your inspiration,
Ron
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Hi, Ron,
Just want to tell you that you are one of the bravest, most inspirational people I have ever known. Thank you for sharing your awesomeness!
Blessings to you and your family,
Kitty
Ron:
You continue to amaze me. Can’t wait to catch up with you as it’s been some time since we talked (10+years!)
Richard Payne
Ron, I met you a few years ago at IBI Global. I have one of your pictures, still, in my office. It’s a print of a painting that you did. I also have your book, “Never Give Up”. My heart aches that you have to go through what you have, however, how blessed to have such a wonderful support team around you! Your wife is truly your soul mate and loves you — no matter what! Thank you for showing us all that we can laugh ourselves through the tough times, find joy in the blessings and know that no matter how bad things are, we have a loving Father in Heaven who is always there to help us get through.
Best wishes and warmest regards,
Tara Chappell
Ron, until my daughter had ms I had never thought of younger people having these type issues, ~~God bless you & when more persons share what they have went thru the more you realize “stuff” is just “life” happening with these human bodies, Christ be with you! Love your inspiration!
Hi Ron, must’ve been whiplash from those 100mph runs we did in the desert. I had that nuclear stuff pumped into me about 5x last year, looking fwd to another dose in a couple weeks. Your bro forever, luv ya man and keep that neck loose.
Ed