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Never Give Up, in March
Never Give Up, USA
MARCH 2005
Dear Friends and Partners,
It is spring and the flowers are blooming. So I wanted to
send a letter to those I love who are dear to my heart.
This time of year fills my soul with joy, fond memories
and sunshine. But for many, this
Season brings sadness and depression. I believe the
difference has everything to do with our focus. Society
bombards us with materialism, but there’s so much more.
What about a smile, a hug, a simple handshake, a walk in
the park, a kind word — or just the reassuring presence of
another human being?
I recently spoke at Craig Hospital, in Denver Colorado,
which specializes in spinal cord injuries. I sat face to
face with more than a dozen precious individuals who had
recently become paralyzed (most under the age of 25). I
must admit that during my talk, I felt their pain . . .
that desperate feeling of dependence upon others for
everything. Couple those emotions with the vast medical
challenges ahead and you can quickly spiral into emotional
despair.
Yet, something wonderful took place; a true connection was
made. They were all moved, including nurses and staff. I
saw a small flicker of hope in their eyes; hope that maybe
there is life after paralysis. Isn’t it amazing how my
life, the example of “rising above the challenges”, was one
of the greatest gifts I could give them at that moment?
When it was over, I approached the elevator with a smile on
my face and a feeling of contentment in my heart. A
therapist quickly interrupted my reverie by asking, “Could
you please visit one more person? Diane is a mother of
three, recently paralyzed from the neck down,
ventilator-dependent and confined to her room. She has
asked to see you.”
I was tired, hungry, and ready to go. Haven’t I given
enough? I thought. Rolling into Diane’s room was like being
in the presence of an angel. I had no idea what a smile
from a completely motionless woman could do for me.
Thoughts ran through my head, Diane won’t be able to put on
her make-up, dress, bathe, or feed herself. The mother the
kids depended on is now fully dependent on others. She
won’t wrap presents for her kids, hide Easter eggs, or
prepare the holiday meal. She won’t hold her child after a
nightmare, or apply a band-aid to a scrapped knee. But her
smile illuminated my soul with incredible peace! Diane’s
respirator pushed a gurgling shot of oxygen into her lungs
as she whispered, “Thank . . . you . . . for taking . . .
the time to see . . . me.” Fighting off the tears, we spoke
softly. I told her how much I needed her inspiration!
Thank God she chooses to live...
I felt exhausted. Yet, her presence reminded me of God and
refreshed my soul. I am thankful I didn’t miss that moment.
I am blessed to experience so many personal life stories.
Each one would literally fill an entire book!
Please don’t miss the mega moments in time God allows you
to experience. Let your life be the gift you give! Use the
passion of Christ for example, who gave himself unselfishly
for us. In 2005, I would like you to join me in focusing on
love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, meekness
and self-control.
Ron’s latest mouth painting-
“She Prays For Me”
Make your tax-deductible donation to Never Give Up USA, a
non-profit 501©(3) organization dedicated to serving the
youth and disabled individuals of America. If you are
interested in receiving your tax deduction for 2004, checks
must be dated on or before December 31, 2004.
On a personal note, I must admit, I am the happiest I have
ever been in my life!! Not only did I get to marry my best
friend Kelli, a miracle happened. I have been told over
the last 24 years of my paralysis, that I would never
father a child. Well, never say never!! Kelli gave birth
to Gracie, a beautiful girl! It is truly awesome, what our
God can do, in spite of my weaknesses, my life, my family,
and my ministry.
Daddy kissing baby!
As you may know, I have spoken to millions of children and
adults nationwide. And as a result of the troubles we face
in our society today, the need for my speaking has greatly
increased. I just have one problem. There is a lack of
funds necessary to meet these requests. I need your help in
making a difference! With your tax-deductible gift to Never
Give Up, USA, we will not only give the life-changing
message to students, we will have the opportunity to
inspire many more people with disabilities to be all that
they were meant to be.
For your gift of $50 or more, I will send you my revised
autobiography. For a gift of $500 or above, I will send you
my most recent mouth painting “She Prays For Me”
(pictured right), inspired by my wife and the dedicated
mothers who pray for their families every day. It will be
one of 195 signed and numbered limited editions, measuring
16"x20".
Thank you for your support! We look forward to hearing
from you soon! And have a wonderful spring, let the son
shine in.
May God richly bless you!
Ron Heagy
Ron Heagy
C/O Never Give Up, USA
P.O. Box 972
Albany, OR 97321
Visit our website at: www.rollonron.com
Email: ron@rollonron.com
Volume 1, Issue 1
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