What a honor and fulfilling experience to witness this young man becoming an Eagle Scout. From what I understand becoming an Eagle Scout is hard rewarding work that takes time, patience, never saying no and never ever not completing a task. That alone should be enough, but RJ showed me more than all those things and more. I am touched to have been included and happy to be a part of this young mans history, part of his story.
RJ came into the world in an unusual way, having a stroke while still in his mother’s womb. Devastating news for both parents not knowing how their future will unfold. Fast forward through turmoil we met by chance at a festival where I was promoting my book and selling raffles. This family happened by, stopped to chat and we discovered I would be speaking at a mother’s meeting for children who suffered stroke just like RJ. Lisa and Bob were a pleasure and little did I know, Lisa feeling hopeless having a child who did survive but was faced with a lifetime of heath issues and developmental delays. We fast forward again, she attended that meeting, something she confessed she was planning on not doing, and we became fast friends. Her and her husband attended many of my fundraisers, Lisa wrote the preface of one of my books, and I got to experience the pain and suffering first hand that this family was faced with.
This was healing for us all. The old saying, “walk a mile in my shoes” is something I would often say when people looked at me and thought I was perfectly healthy and had no idea until I shared my story what I had been through and continue going through in my life. Now I see that my pain was just a stepping stone in my life to cross paths and see what other families go through silently. Lisa and Bob are powers of strength and hope and RJ is a true hero in my mind.
RJ has overcome more obstacles than most of us ever experience in a lifetime and he is only 18 years old. He has pushed, fought, thrived, fallen and gotten back up to try again. Now he is an Eagle Scout, learning to drive, and heading to college soon to hopefully become a nurse.
WOW for him and for the work that went into this young man. I was proud to be a part of the celebration and will continue to keep in touch. Unfortunately his mother passed after a serious illness and his father has continued to keep their family in check. I know his mother was watching over us during the ceremony and always watching over her son. He is a blessing and a true hero. Thank you for including me Mousley family. You are a true inspiration
