Page 59 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

and it can be a bit embarrassing. There are parts of my
body that were crushed that never regenerated, but I
have a choice each day. I was given a gift of life that day
in May and I can use it to serve others or I can wallow in
self pity,” said Ray. “In Peru I realized that I was called
to bring light, figuratively and literally, to others. It is
truly rewarding to bring the simple gift of electricity to
people.”
Ray has returned to Peru multiple times with his gift
of light.
Despite the fact that he lives as if he has no limitations,
said Jerry. it’s not always easy. “I don’t think people realize the
“You have to get up each morning and decide that day physical pain he has endured daily for the last 12 years,”
will matter. You have to do something,” explains Ray. shares his wife Linda. “He doesn’t let people see it.”
His grandson Tanner agrees. “He is always positive
Most Sunday afternoons you can find him at a gym and calm. He isn’t someone who is down or tries to bring
somewhere working with kids on their basketball form. you down. He is just always there to help you—even if
“A lot of kids want to follow the flight of the ball,”
explains Ray. “I tell them, like in life, they have to
concentrate on the target.”
It’s not just grandchildren Ashton and Ethan who
have benefitted from the Sunday afternoon sessions.
“There have been quite a few that I have helped over
the last ten years,” states Ray. “Most of them still hold
school shooting records.”
Ashton, a record holder herself, has a soft spot for her
Big Daddy. “He has a true servant’s heart,” she explains.
“He is always willing to help anyone whenever they
need it, whether it’s going to the gym to rebound or
making someone a batch of fudge.”
Ray’s talents aren’t just limited to basketball and
fudge. When he was asked to be a court-appointed
visitation supervisor, he said, “yes.” When he was
asked to fly to Peru to be a part of a mission trip, he
didn’t hesitate with his response.
“I’m a Master Electrician and I was shocked at how
little access to electricity the people in Peru have,”
explains Ray. “When I arrived at this one house, they
had an extension cord running from a neighbor’s house. he physically should not be helping. Granddaughter
Attached to the end was one bare bulb. They would just Tatum nods in agreement. “He just takes care of us,”
move the one light around the house. That just seemed she adds.
wrong.” “I think that is what we love most about Ray,” smiles
“There are some things I can’t do like everyone else Linda. “He has accepted his new “normal”, but he
doesn’t let that stop him from pursuing the passions of
his life.” Jerry adds, “He still believes he has something
to offer.”
After the accident, Ray developed a passion for
Psalms. Often he would read Psalm 21, “Some trust in
chariots or horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord
our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but
we rise up and stand firm.”
Today he celebrates as he devotes his life to others
and truly stands firm. He invites others to join him in
living a life of purpose regardless of their “limitations.”

Lubbock Senior Link 59