I’m Joni Eareckson Tada with the story of an exceptional college student.
You know, lots of young people are starting college this week and many of those students are young people with disabilities. And as they embark on their studies, they will have a role model in Collin Smith.
Now Collin was just a high school sophomore when, driving home from football practice, he was injured in a serious car accident. He went from being a stellar high school athlete to being a quadriplegic. Most students who suffer life-altering injuries often do not continue their education. Oh, true, a few go back to finish high school, but only one percent of teens who suffer quadriplegia go on to college, and less than that actually graduate. But despite his limitations, Collin wanted to complete his high school education. Not only that, he had a dream to head off to college. But how would he actually make all this happen? A quadriplegic just can’t go off to school by himself — whether it’s high school or college! Well, enter Ernest Greene, a 72-year-old retired engineer.
When Ernest (a man who attends Collin's church) first heard of this young man’s accident, he felt the Lord calling him to help him, even though the two had never met. Well, once they met, things got going: Ernest offered to do whatever Collin needed, from taking him to school to helping him shave. This retired engineer woke up Monday through Friday at 4:30 a.m. to drive to Collin’s house in order to get him up and ready for school. The routine became more challenging when Collin completed high school and then entered High Point University. For many years, Monday through Friday, it meant a 45-minute drive to High Point, wheeling Collin to his classes, and taking his notes. Just think about that. For eight years, this man in his seventies remained by Collin’s side, helping him to achieve his dreams and boy, did the dream finally come true.
When Collin graduated last year, High Point University awarded him with a degree in communications, but here’s the neat part: To the surprise of both men, the university went the extra mile and recognized the extraordinary service that Ernest had invested in his young friend. So High Point University awarded Ernest with an honorary Bachelor of Humane Letters.
You know, as a quadriplegic myself, I have such huge respect for people like Ernest. I mean, he was an engineer; he wasn’t a trained nurse or a trained caregiver. Plus he was retired — he had every reason to live his life for himself. But instead, this Christian man decided to use his time and energy to benefit someone in need in his own church. And look where it took him! I think it’s very neat what Collin says about his companion. He wrote, “Ernest is a great man, but mostly he’s a faithful servant of God. He’s more than a friend. Ernest is like a father to me, a grandfather. He has become family.” Hey, if you’d like to see a really neat photo of Collin and Ernest in their graduation gowns, then go to my radio page today at joniandfriends.org.
Finally, let me ask you: Could there be a Collin in your church or community who needs a helping hand? Remember, you don’t have to be an expert or be skilled in care giving or nursing. Just be available. Look around you, friend. Surely, God has put someone in need in your sphere of influence, whether your church or neighborhood. So use your God-given gifts to make a difference and let Ernest be your inspiration!
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