Monday, March 21, 2011

Laying the Foundation: Paying it Forward - Part 2

In March 2009, I was roughly 8 weeks away from the Pittsburgh Championships, and as fate would have it, my then-girlfriend decided to end our relationship of almost 5 years. It was a really tough time, as in 14 days, I had to find a new place to live, a new car, and a new phone. Since I have 2 dogs, finding a place to live is not an easy thing to do on the fly.

Everything was upside down. I didn't have anyone to turn to, as my best friend at the time had his own issues to deal with. Out of the blue, another friend whom I didn't expect at all stepped up.

He helped me get ready for the show, listened to me express myself about my situation, gave me advice, called me every morning. He asked if I had done my cardio and eaten my first meal by 9 am, and always asked, "How do you feel?" He knew I had nobody to turn to and needed someone. He stepped up and gave back in so many ways; he took a chance by being there for me. His name is Kevin Levrone.
Me, Kari, and Kevin in the gym. This was Kari's first trip to Maryland.
He went to the show with me, and those 72 hours would be something I'd never forget. In the hotel room, he taught me what to eat and drink, and the next day, I took 4th in a very stacked Heavyweight class. I was 199 lbs on stage, and the other guys were 25 lbs or more than me. And I beat all but 3 of them.

This video was taken the day after the show on the ride home to Maryland.



And you know what? At that show, I met the love of my life, Kari. If Kevin hadn't been there to support me along the way, I might not have gone to the show, and my life might be so much different than it is now.

Kari and me in the first 10 minutes of meeting.
At that point, I didn't think of  Kevin as a bodybuilder. I thought of him as my friend and a giving human being. He gives back quite often, most recently with his Levrone Formula supplement on the market. A no-frills, no slick advertising product. Just a legit "get your money's worth" product.

My way of giving back? I talk to the young guns in the gym and give advice on message boards about bodybuilding and life in general. In 35 years, I've been around the block 100 times and back, and I want to pay it forward.

So the next time you see someone in need, and you feel you can help them, go ahead! You never know ... it might just change a life!

And Kev, Ive said it before but Thank You!
Posted by Jerry Ward at 1:50 PM

4 comments:

  1. StevenMarch 21, 2011 at 2:54 PM

    I remember that as M3 was just going up and that was some of the first vids. It was cool to see Kevin in a regular guy role. Knowing that you and Kerri would be where ur at today was a real treat while being a member of M3.

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  2. Jerry WardMarch 21, 2011 at 9:37 PM

    Thanks Steve, You have been one of M3, Mine and Kari's biggest supporters and we appreciate it very much! Thanks for standing by us through everything!

    Jerry

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  3. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Awesome post. I sincerely believe that everything happens for a reason and when one door closes another, even better door opens. Sounds like that is exactly what happened here!!

    I love the point you make about giving back. I have been lifting weights since I was 15 (33 now) off and on and I feel like I am just getting serious enough about it and getting my knowledge to a point to where I can start giving back. Granted most of my stuff I am passing on is beginner level right now. I work to educate myself each and every day so that I can give back more. It is the challenges we set for ourselves each day that push us to be better!!

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  4. Raul CruzSeptember 5, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Lucian,

    Ur post hit me like no other. It really is amazing how one thing can lead to another. Everyone goes thru up and downs but it's wut u do in those down times that truly defines one's character.
    I really don't understand how people can be so cruel/slanderous even against Kevin. This is a guy whose been thru hell and back multiple times thru out his life and yet he still makes time to help others. I asked him once, "why do u care so much about people (strangers)?". He told me his mom would say, "Son, if u can help someone, help them and never expect anything in return". His dad would say that the good Lord will always look out for you. I believe in those things too.

    Have a blessed day bro - rcruz

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