READ THIS: The Side-Yard Superhero by Rick D. Niece
After completing the book, we'd have to say the postscript is one of the highlights in its devotion to memory and friendship. Who are the superheroes in your life? For Rick Niece, this became a book and the University president shares how his childhood friend who suffered from severe cerebral palsy taught him the most valued life lessons. Set in Ohio, which couldn't be more different from Manhattan, this is the story of growing up in small town America, which was the experience of many that live here in Manhattan now. From the rules and etiquette of croquet to questioning the legacy of text messages, Niece thoughtfully chronicles a worthwhile tale. An excerpt from "Small Towns", which is a poem in the book:
"Small towns ask for nothing in return,
in true unconditional love,
when you return
no matter how many years later.
And even if you are both
no longer what you were,
you are each as you should be
remembered."
"Small towns ask for nothing in return,
in true unconditional love,
when you return
no matter how many years later.
And even if you are both
no longer what you were,
you are each as you should be
remembered."
The author has given us a real heart touching true story. He has awakened us to what should be one of our objectives in life and feel the joy of experiencing first hand the test that God has put forth. This was read by the Read This panel, and one of our panelists said:
"I can tell you first hand of being witness to having been associated with a boy across the street from our home with similar difficulty to the main character in The Side-Yard Superhero. This story brought back fond memories of having Patty in my life. Patty was older than most kids in our neighborhood , but not as mature which made him special. All the parents made sure that we all treated him with respect and he was included in all our events. My older brother and his friends played ball in a vacant lot and Patty always got to play a few innings, and how he would fill with joy when he hit the ball!
When all the older boys went to war, us younger boys included Patty our ball games. All birthday parties included Patty and he would sing happy birthday. He never strayed from our street and always waited for the boys who met at a corner street. Yes, a Carnival came to that vacant lot and we all watched a man get shot out a cannon and Patty was there with his family. I thank my parents for teaching me the meaning of compassion,understanding and sharing which they always did. Rick's wife deserves credit for asking him to write this amazing book, and I will encourage others to buy and enjoy this book as I have."
"I can tell you first hand of being witness to having been associated with a boy across the street from our home with similar difficulty to the main character in The Side-Yard Superhero. This story brought back fond memories of having Patty in my life. Patty was older than most kids in our neighborhood , but not as mature which made him special. All the parents made sure that we all treated him with respect and he was included in all our events. My older brother and his friends played ball in a vacant lot and Patty always got to play a few innings, and how he would fill with joy when he hit the ball!
When all the older boys went to war, us younger boys included Patty our ball games. All birthday parties included Patty and he would sing happy birthday. He never strayed from our street and always waited for the boys who met at a corner street. Yes, a Carnival came to that vacant lot and we all watched a man get shot out a cannon and Patty was there with his family. I thank my parents for teaching me the meaning of compassion,understanding and sharing which they always did. Rick's wife deserves credit for asking him to write this amazing book, and I will encourage others to buy and enjoy this book as I have."
***
He couldn’t fly, and he didn’t have X-ray vision. He didn’t shoot spider webs or climb building walls. He never rescued an entire city from the grasps of a villain. In fact, this ‘superhero’ couldn’t even walk.
Bernie Jones was born with severe cerebral palsy. Confined to his side yard, he experienced the outside world from the seat of his wheelchair. He never vacationed in another country or experienced other cultures; he rarely made it out of his hometown. Bernie Jones did, however, grant his childhood friend with lessons in acceptance and tolerance that even someone who traveled the world couldn’t teach.
Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., President of the University of the Ozarks, recently published The Side-Yard Superhero, a memoir-style recount of his childhood friendship with Bernie Jones.
“Society is fascinated with superheroes,” says Niece. “We define superheroes as those who encompass superhuman strengths and abilities. What we fail to recognize is that there are heroes alongside us every day—we just have to keep our minds open.”
Niece grew up in quaint DeGraff, OH, a picturesque small town. With a population of 900, everyone knew everyone else. Thus, before Niece met Bernie Jones on his paper route, he knew him, or at least the fact that he was in a wheelchair.
“People, especially children, fear what they don’t know,” admits Niece, “and cerebral palsy was something very unfamiliar to me. As a child, I didn’t understand why a boy had to live life strapped down in a wheelchair, unable to go beyond his side yard.”
In The Side-Yard Superhero, Niece shares the adventures he experienced with Jones and recounts the important lessons he learned. Jones revealed to Niece the value of the educational experience—as he could not go to school. He reminded Niece never to underestimate even the smallest accomplishments, like dressing yourself in the morning. Most importantly, Jones taught Niece never to complain, judge, or stereotype another person.
“Often, people walk by persons with disabilities and ignore them. They avoid eye contact almost as though they are invisible,” Niece adds. “A smile and a hello can make a person’s day. A moment of conversation can make a week.”
The Side-Yard Superhero will take readers on a nostalgic adventure. Themes in the book include:
Bernie Jones was born with severe cerebral palsy. Confined to his side yard, he experienced the outside world from the seat of his wheelchair. He never vacationed in another country or experienced other cultures; he rarely made it out of his hometown. Bernie Jones did, however, grant his childhood friend with lessons in acceptance and tolerance that even someone who traveled the world couldn’t teach.
Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., President of the University of the Ozarks, recently published The Side-Yard Superhero, a memoir-style recount of his childhood friendship with Bernie Jones.
“Society is fascinated with superheroes,” says Niece. “We define superheroes as those who encompass superhuman strengths and abilities. What we fail to recognize is that there are heroes alongside us every day—we just have to keep our minds open.”
Niece grew up in quaint DeGraff, OH, a picturesque small town. With a population of 900, everyone knew everyone else. Thus, before Niece met Bernie Jones on his paper route, he knew him, or at least the fact that he was in a wheelchair.
“People, especially children, fear what they don’t know,” admits Niece, “and cerebral palsy was something very unfamiliar to me. As a child, I didn’t understand why a boy had to live life strapped down in a wheelchair, unable to go beyond his side yard.”
In The Side-Yard Superhero, Niece shares the adventures he experienced with Jones and recounts the important lessons he learned. Jones revealed to Niece the value of the educational experience—as he could not go to school. He reminded Niece never to underestimate even the smallest accomplishments, like dressing yourself in the morning. Most importantly, Jones taught Niece never to complain, judge, or stereotype another person.
“Often, people walk by persons with disabilities and ignore them. They avoid eye contact almost as though they are invisible,” Niece adds. “A smile and a hello can make a person’s day. A moment of conversation can make a week.”
The Side-Yard Superhero will take readers on a nostalgic adventure. Themes in the book include:
- Realizing that there are ‘superheroes’ all around us
- How to uphold a sense of optimism during pessimistic times
- The memories, characters, and innocence of small-town living
- The acceptance of others who are different than we are
- The importance of tolerance and sincerely listening to an opposing point of view
- The need for a sense of community in our lives—a place where we belong and are unconditionally accepted
- Why we should not judge others or measure others by their weaknesses.
Rick Niece was raised in DeGraff, Ohio and the people, events, and stories in The Side-Yard Superhero are true.
The President of the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas, Niece has had a very successful career in education leading up to his current position. Niece first worked as a high school English teacher. He has won several professional awards including the Kent State University Alumni Association Achievement Award, the Students in Free Enterprise’s National Award for Most Supportive President, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education’s Chief Executive of the Year, and the Arkansas Non-Profit Executive of the Year.
He lives in Clarksville, AR with his wife Sherée.
For more information, visit www.RickNiece.com.
The Side-Yard Superhero is available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and RickNiece.com.
