This is Ron with your Motivational Message:
I must say that I’ve missed blogging to you the past couple of weeks. It seems like time escapes us. You wonder where it went and what actually managed to get accomplished.
I was recently reminded how limited our time can be. Not far from my home, a young man, looking for a thrill, was driving much too fast with his friends in the car. At 90 miles per hour, he lost control of the vehicle. His friends were seriously injured and he lost his life. This story saddened me, but made me think. We have a choice in what we do with our short time here.
My buddy, Kevin, and his mother made good use of their time. Some of you know his story; he was born paralyzed from his nose down. Kevin is the hero who changed my life, along with the lives of many others. I met him on a “poor me” day when I decided to give up motivational speaking and go make some “real” money. Following my “last speech,” I wheeled over to say “hi,” but he could not reply. Kevin’s nurse, Allen, had to communicate for him. He was thirteen at the time, and couldn’t speak or even eat. Kevin told me through his nurse that I was his hero and he wanted to become a speaker like me. That day, my attitude quickly changed and I’m still speaking today. I had the opportunity to meet Kevin’s angel of a mother, Susan, not much later. After visiting with them for several hours I found out that one of Kevin’s greatest wishes was to have the ability to smile. I was floored by the statement and immediately realized how much I took for granted.
One day, I received a call from Kevin’s mother. Susan excitedly told me that they found a computer Kevin could operate by simply moving his eyes. She was putting together a fundraiser and was hoping that I would help them raise the money. I quickly agreed and asked how much was needed. She replied, “$25,000.” I hadn’t expected it would be that much and yet, how completely awesome it would be for Kevin to speak, write, and play games? Who knows, I thought, he could possibly even get a job. We began to sell plush smiley faces (http://www.rollonron.com/shop-rollonron-smileys.php) to raise funds.
In just a matter of time, I sat with Kevin in front of his new computer and was losing horribly to him at one of his favorite computer games. A camera monitoring his pupils allowed him to quickly move the cursor around the screen. He was finally doing what so many kids take for granted. What a truly amazing day.
Kevin became the driving force behind the creation of Camp Attitude. Like thousands of other children, he was not given the opportunity to go to camp. The camp was built, and not only was Kevin’s dream realized but mine was, as well. Kevin made his way up from California every year to attend camp. He loved the outdoors and was even brave enough to take a hot air balloon ride. All who met him would never the same.
Sadly, my little buddy passed away years ago and in memory of him I shared his story at a speech in Orlando, Florida in early June. The audience laughed and cried as I spoke. While signing one woman’s book, she introduced herself as Mindy, and asked if Kevin’s last name was Morgan. I was surprised, and said, “Yes, it was.” She described how she, herself, had met him and had even filmed a video of him working at his new job. Kevin took attendance for a classroom with his Eye Gaze computer, which no one could have done a more perfect job. Mindy, happened to be there visiting her brother. It was amazing to us both that he had touched both of our lives and years later, thousands of miles away we would meet one another. I had no idea that he had gotten a job and was doing so well for himself—I couldn’t have been happier when she told me she would send me a copy of the film.
Kevin, born paralyzed from his nose down, did not waste his time on earth. Even though he was never able to eat a candybar or drink a Pepsi, he had an attitude that outshined everyone. I think that this story speaks for itself, but for me, reflecting back it has made me ask, “what time is it?”
To your inspiration,
Ron
Thank you for this, Ron. Your emails seem to come just when I’m feeling like complaining the most about life. Picks me up 🙂
Talk about perfect timing! I live to read your blogs!
A heartfelt thank you Ron! 🙂