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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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