This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
As I looked at a painting that I mouthpainted on the office wall, recently, I was reminded of a story of a young man who came into my office for counseling. The young man’s mother was quite concerned about him and wanted him to talk to me. I had told her that I was not really interested in speaking to someone who was being brought to my office against their will. I assured her that if he came in on his own that I would speak with him.
The 15 year old came to my office and sat slumped in the chair, staring at the ground with a “what are you going to tell me?” attitude. During our conversation he told me that his life did not matter and he saw no reason to go on. I asked him to really look at me, and asked if he realized that someone else had to brush my teeth, comb my hair and dress me; that all of my needs had to be taken care of by someone else. I ran him through all of the facts of my life and then I told him “you know–you remind me of how bad it is after all, and after talking to you, I’m not sure if I want to go on, either.” He looked at me surprised and asked “what do you mean?” I replied, “Since my life and your life are both so awful, we should just both give up, right?” Then he spoke up and said that he really didn’t want that and told me I was important because I helped people. I let him know that he had the potential to help people too. However, he would need to look at life differently and see the positive. I had him look up at the wall to a painting that I had painted with my mouth. I had never painted before my accident. He was again surprised, and responded by asking me if I was really the one who had painted that picture, because it was actually good. He said he would not have expected a paralyzed man would be able to paint so well.
The young man’s attitude took a turn for the better that day when saw firsthand that if I can make a positive impact on others, learn to paint and attend college, that maybe he too could do something with his life. I gave him a copy of my painting assuring him that he could do anything that he put his mind to and start turning the negatives to positives and the losses to gains. He left with a smile and thanked me for the painting.
Sometimes we need to be reminded how our lives and words can be significant to others. When we overcome obstacles in our lives and share those experiences with other people we become a light to help others when they are in a dark spot. What you do today could change the world tomorrow. Nothing is impossible if you believe.
To your inspiration,
Ron
In honor of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Ron will be signing all of his “9/11, We Remember” lithographs and a smaller print will be included as a gift at no charge. If you would like to own a signed lithograph of Ron’s “9/11, We Remember” painting, please visit: https://www.ronheagy.com/shop-mouth-art.php
To donate to Ron and Family: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-ron-heagy.php
To donate to Never Give Up: https://www.ronheagy.com/donate-never-give-up.php