Inspiration.

Jake Keesler lost both of his legs fighting for our country in Iraq. While a trying experience, Jake and his wife Vanessa have fought hard to stay together, adapt together, and grow. And they have.

Jake and Vanessa both are heroes in the truest sense of the word. They both have sacrificed so much for our country, having their lives altered in ways they didn't anticipate or imagine. Instead of being discouraged or placing blame... the exude hope. Instead of dwelling on how much they've lost, they radiate an appreciation for how much they have. Jake has a new lease on life, and is spending his time conquering things many people with two legs can't accomplish. While in the hospital, a friend placed a sticker at Jake's hospital bed that said "Live to Ride, Ride to Live". While Jake hasn't driven a motorcycle since loosing his legs, he isn't giving up hope. And he has already taken on rock-climbing, skiing, and scuba diving.

Click here to watch The Keesler's interview on Glenn Beck's show 5 months ago.

The story touched me and I know it touched countless others, including Bill Hattan, a listener of Beck's radio show. In 2002 a car struck a guard rail at 80 miles per hour while Bill was working in a construction zone. Bill lost both of his legs. A co-worker lost her life.

Like Jake Keesler, Bill Hattan hasn't spent his time feeling sorry for himself or blaming the world. I'm sure there were moments like that, but it hasn't consumed him. Bill Hattan has taken what life has dealt and adapted. Hattan now owns Cool City Customs where he designs and builds custom motorcycles.

On Glen Beck's show tonight, he updated his viewers on this story and talked about Bill Hattan's latest custom motorcycle, and probably his most imporant: the custom bike he and his shop are building for Jake Keesler right now.

Jake Keesler will ride a motorcycle again.


At a time when everything on the news is full of skepticism, political attacks, or lack of personal responsibility, I'm thankful to watch a story that lacks all of the above. The Keesler's like Mr. Hattan have every reason in the world to place blame on others and give up. But they haven't. Instead they are taking what life offers and making the best of it... on the way offering a lesson or two for us all.