4-27-07 Ron, I just wanted to thank you for coming to Desert Mountain
> High school today. That speech that you gave to us was something that was
> beyond inspirational. I know that you opened up our eyes to a lot of
> things that we don't want to, but NEED to, understand and deal with. I
> know that we all go through our hard times, but your speech really opened
> my mind to how to deal with them, and to realize that its not the end of
> the world... that there is so many things that you can do to make it
> better. So thank you for being so courageous and sharing your story with
> us. Thank you.
4-15-07
These are excerpts from unsolicited hand written letters that high school and junior high students sent Ron after they heard him speak from one in Denver schools.
I have a new outlook on life!
When I left my house this morning I went back and gave my Mom a hug and kissed her on the cheek. It brought tears to her eyes because I told her that even though I don’t like it when she yells at me, she is my Mom and I always want her to know I love her.
My friend thought about killing herself recently and I could not convince her not to. I was beginning to lose hope but then, Ron, you came to my school. After your speech she was so moved that she decided against it. I can’t thank you enough!
Thank you Ron. You taught me to love life and be thankful for it. You taught me to cherish the people in my life, to live for the moment to tell my brother that I love him. Life is great because I am alive. Thank you for speaking with us… you are the bravest person ever Ron! You changed my life…. You are my hero!
You are the best speaker we have ever had!
You have inspired me to do what I can to help others…just as you are doing!
After your speech I decided to call one of my friends that I haven’t talked to in 3 years.
I always thought my life “sucked” because of everything that has happened to me, but I learned from your speech that I should be thankful. Just seeing you with your amazing personality made me want to change my attitude towards life. I wish the best for you and your family! Thank you Ron.
Most of our speakers are boring but everything you were saying made me think twice about how I am living my life. The day after your speech I had a great talk with my whole family on how I was going to change my attitude.
Thanks for all the laughs, Ron! You made me realize that I can feel better about myself and not let myself get down so much.
Ron, you have great willpower and I respect you greatly. I am sorry that I can’t write more but your speech honestly left me speechless.
When I heard we had another “motivational” speaker, I wasn’t too excited. The last thing I wanted was another adult giving me a lecture on life. But on the contrary, you related to me and hit home with your speech. Our student body has never been so attentive as we were with your speech. You have a purpose from God and it inspires me to never give up. The world needs more people like you Ron.
Before you came to our school I was afraid of losing my Great Grandmother because we are so close. Now I feel that when she passes on, I won’t be sad because I know she will have lived a good long life. Thank you so much!
Your speech wasn’t lame. It was the best assembly I have ever attended.
We have never had a speaker like you. I have never had a speaker that was so connected to the crowd as you were. You related to us as teenagers and you changed so many lives through that one assembly.
I have contemplated suicide before but I don’t want to think about it anymore after hearing you speak.
You made me feel like I had no limitations, no boundaries, and most of all that I could accomplish anything!
I am very grateful for people as strong as you Ron. Your strength has motivated me to live my life the best way I can. Thank You!
I hope that someday I too can touch the world like you. If I can ever hear you speak again, I definitely will!
After you talked, everyone in the school was happy because their attitude changed. We couldn’t stop talking about how inspiring you are…you even had the teachers talking about you!! J
You kept me on the edge of my seat for the whole 50 minutes. You changed my life for the better by giving me a new view of life.
Your talk made me realize that anything can be taken away in a heartbeat and I started realizing that I am not living my life as well as I should and that I take things for granted. Not any more though! J
Your story gave me hope for my future and encourages me to go to college even more. I was talking to my parents about you last night and I realized that every other word that came out of my mouth was “amazing”. You are an amazing man and I appreciate you sharing your story with us. I will never forget you Ron!
A couple of months ago a relative of mine committed suicide. She had a lot of things going on in her life but I know if you had spoken to with her she would still be with us.
It really felt good when I went home and hugged my little brother after your speech! You have given me a better outlook on my life and for that I say “thank you.”
I promise that your baby Gracie will have a future, because you have given me one. Thank you for everything Ron!
