Solutions December 2019 | Page 8

meals for the hungry—men and women who look each person they encounter in the eyes as they come through the line, asking them their name and thanking them for coming to dinner. So many communities have everyday heroes who step up and press in, men and women who see people, but few communities have enough of them. Ask yourself, “Am I one of them?” Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray Patrick Gray and Justin Skeesuck have been blessed with a unique friendship that spans more than forty years. Despite the many challenges of a progressive neuromuscular disease robbing Justin of the use of his arms and legs, the two seek to live life without reservations. Their friendship has taken them on many adventures together, most notably their 500-mile wheelchair journey across the vast terrain of northern Spain known as “I’ll Push You.” As bestselling authors and highly sought- after keynote speakers, Justin and Patrick use their life and work experiences and their adventures as the backdrop against which they explore concepts such as leadership, teamwork, relationships, and the power of human connection. In 2017 they released their bestselling book, titled I’ll Push You, a memoir of their friendship and their 500-mile wheelchair journey through Spain. The two friends are also the subjects of an award-winning documentary by the same title. In April of 2018, they released their children’s book, The Push, written by Patrick and co- illustrated by Justin. 8 • Solutions