We had the honor & privilege of meeting a celebrity and our "hero" today
Kyle Maynard!
About a month ago, Katie had a particularly bad day and I was praying about how to encourage her. I've realized on a certain level that I will never relate to Katie as she parents Will or at least she won't feel like I can relate (because of course I am "just the grandma") anyway...I decided to do a little computer research - found and called another mom that Katie has often said she wished she could talk to - Anita Maynard in Suwanee, Georgia. Anita graciously agreed to talk to Katie and they have been doing that for the past few weeks. She has truly been an encouragement as well as an inspiration!
When Katie was pregnant, a friend of ours gave us a book titled "No Excuses" written by and about Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee who became a championship wrestler. We loaned it to Katie and Reagan to read. They relished reading Kyle's words and his perspective, dreaming of what their own son would one day convey. They were amazed by what Kyle had accomplished (world records in weight lifting, college wrestling, publishing a book, modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch etc!) He recently opened his own gym and does personal training. He has his own home, drives a car and can quickly dial someone on his Blackberry. He also can drive his car and talk on the cell phone at the same time even though his mom wishes he wouldn't! He is a typical 25 year old guy - except that his attitude about life is atypical. And he is a quad congenital amputee... like our Will!!!
We loved Kyle's attitude in his book & knew that much of that came from the values and love that his parents & grandparents instilled in him. Kyle has met many celebrities & been on television with Oprah, Larry King & Bryant Gumbel. He's won athletic awards from ESPN. He is a motivational speaker who travels all over the USA. Another documentary is currently being filmed and this one will include Will, as the filmmaker came to the gym to cover our visit. Kyle's parents also surprised us by inviting Kyle's grandmother (Anita's mom) Betty to attend our meeting. I knew immediately who she was and was so emotionally touched to meet someone who has been so instrumental in encouraging her grandson - now here was someone I could relate to!!! Thank you for your inspiration and for walking the road ahead of me Betty...It was truly an incredible experience and so fun to have all 3 generations of their family along with 3 generations of our family in one room. We were able to ask lots of questions and hear answers from so many perspectives.
Kyle has made quite an impact in our life, our children's lives and even Will's life. As a Christian male, as a competitive athlete and as a man who has lived a life without limits, he will continue to have a great influence upon our grandson.
I'm also pretty sure there will be more reunions ahead as we have something else in common between the two families -- the Maynards go to Panama City Beach, Florida every year, just like our family!- now there's another "God-incident" for you! Thank you, Maynard family, for taking the time to meet with Will's family....you have blessed us more than you know!
About a month ago, Katie had a particularly bad day and I was praying about how to encourage her. I've realized on a certain level that I will never relate to Katie as she parents Will or at least she won't feel like I can relate (because of course I am "just the grandma") anyway...I decided to do a little computer research - found and called another mom that Katie has often said she wished she could talk to - Anita Maynard in Suwanee, Georgia. Anita graciously agreed to talk to Katie and they have been doing that for the past few weeks. She has truly been an encouragement as well as an inspiration!
When Katie was pregnant, a friend of ours gave us a book titled "No Excuses" written by and about Kyle Maynard, a congenital amputee who became a championship wrestler. We loaned it to Katie and Reagan to read. They relished reading Kyle's words and his perspective, dreaming of what their own son would one day convey. They were amazed by what Kyle had accomplished (world records in weight lifting, college wrestling, publishing a book, modeled for Abercrombie & Fitch etc!) He recently opened his own gym and does personal training. He has his own home, drives a car and can quickly dial someone on his Blackberry. He also can drive his car and talk on the cell phone at the same time even though his mom wishes he wouldn't! He is a typical 25 year old guy - except that his attitude about life is atypical. And he is a quad congenital amputee... like our Will!!!
We loved Kyle's attitude in his book & knew that much of that came from the values and love that his parents & grandparents instilled in him. Kyle has met many celebrities & been on television with Oprah, Larry King & Bryant Gumbel. He's won athletic awards from ESPN. He is a motivational speaker who travels all over the USA. Another documentary is currently being filmed and this one will include Will, as the filmmaker came to the gym to cover our visit. Kyle's parents also surprised us by inviting Kyle's grandmother (Anita's mom) Betty to attend our meeting. I knew immediately who she was and was so emotionally touched to meet someone who has been so instrumental in encouraging her grandson - now here was someone I could relate to!!! Thank you for your inspiration and for walking the road ahead of me Betty...It was truly an incredible experience and so fun to have all 3 generations of their family along with 3 generations of our family in one room. We were able to ask lots of questions and hear answers from so many perspectives.
Kyle has made quite an impact in our life, our children's lives and even Will's life. As a Christian male, as a competitive athlete and as a man who has lived a life without limits, he will continue to have a great influence upon our grandson.
I'm also pretty sure there will be more reunions ahead as we have something else in common between the two families -- the Maynards go to Panama City Beach, Florida every year, just like our family!- now there's another "God-incident" for you! Thank you, Maynard family, for taking the time to meet with Will's family....you have blessed us more than you know!
Flying to Georgia with Lovie, Cookie & Mommy!
Meeting Kyle Maynard!
Above: Kyle autographing a book for Will & Will autographing a napkin for Kyle.
Kyle autographed our book " To Tom and Julie: My grandparents impacted my life in ways I can barely put into words - and you both will have that same impact on Will! Keep encouraging him to reach for his dreams! God bless"
Below: Feet Fight!
Two proud moms with their super sons! 
4 comments:
Wow, wow, WOW...I very much enjoyed visiting the blog page for the first time! Will is adorable, abosolutly (sp)???! adorable and I am sooooo looking forward to meeting him at the reunion. Thank you, love you! Lili
Oh, one other thing, the books you have recently read that doesn't include children's books. Right? I would love to know what Will's favorite book is. Ok bye for now and love you again!!!
these videos are wonderful!
I'm so happy you were able to meet my angel of a friend. He's inspired me in so many way, I'm now certified in 3 things because of him. Will is so adorable!
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