Ron Hudson to Represent CDS at Telethon, Channel 6 This Weekend

Ron Hudson

MCKENZIE, Tenn. --- It is a one-story brick house, shaded in front by a large Willow Oak tree. The grass is neatly cut and the bushes tightly trimmed. The house blends in easily with the other modest but well-kept homes on this wide, two-lane street just a few blocks from Bethel College. The house is only remarkable for one reason - it belongs to Ron Hudson.

Hudson, who turned 51 on Sunday, has lived alone in this house, his childhood home on Stonewall Street in McKenzie, the last four years. He mows the lawn and keeps the inside of the house tidy, sweeping, dusting and vacuuming each Saturday morning. Hudson does his own grocery shopping and enjoys cooking for himself, too. None of this is significant, however, without also knowing that Hudson has a cognitive disability.

Earlier this year, the tall, personable Hudson was chosen by Community Developmental Services (CDS) of Martin to represent the agency at the upcoming 52nd Annual Lions Club/Local 6 Telethon of Stars. CDS is a nonprofit organization caring for approximately 140 adults with developmental disabilities in Weakley, Obion, Henry, Carroll and Lake counties. The agency has participated in the Telethon of Stars since the agency's inception nearly 40 years ago. This year's Telethon will air Nov. 8-9, on WPSD Local 6, from the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center in Paducah, Kentucky.

CDS selected Hudson because of his success over the last four years living semi-independently, as well as the advances he's made in the community.

I've seen him change a lot," says Eleanor Davis, Hudson's case manager at CDS. "He's grown as far as being more sociable. When he's out in public he opens up more. I used to think he wouldn't even speak in public. Now he's gotten to the point where he does, and it's gentleman-like and appreciative."

For most of his life, Hudson has been quiet and reserved in social situations, preferring to live his life within the comfortable and protected borders of his own home, rather than venture out into the community. When he did go out, whether it was to a Bethel College athletic event, or attending his church, Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian, he rarely talked.

A lot has changed in the last few years.

Hudson surprised many and spoke in front of a crowd of more than 100 people at a recent Telethon of Stars luncheon in Paducah. He told the audience how honored he was to represent Tennessee at the Telethon.

"That was a shock," says Davis. "For me anyway."

With encouragement and prompting from CDS staff, Hudson has also taken a few road trips. He went to Memphis last month to meet his "hero," WMC-TV weather broadcaster and former professional wrestling announcer Dave Brown. He also traveled to Maryville, Tenn. recently to visit his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Marquetta Hudson, for the first time since they moved across state 25 years ago.

"That was the first time he's come to visit us 'ever' since we lived away from McKenzie," Tom says.

"I'm really happy that he's been able to experience other things - going on field trips, going to camp, going to wrestling in Jackson, the Telethon in Paducah, even the dances the last couple of years," continues Tom. "He'd never wanted to do those things until recently. It's nice that he's being encouraged to go, and that he's going and enjoying himself."

Even at home, where Hudson has always been fairly competent, he's learning new skills like how to use a computer and cut the grass. He proudly gives a tour of his home and talks confidently about his abilities around the house.

The transition to semi-independent living hasn't always been easy for
Hudson. When he first started receiving residential services from CDS four years ago, he was depressed and rarely wanted to leave the house.

In July, 2004, Hudson lost his father, longtime Bethel College business manager James Hudson, to colon cancer.

"Yep, I think about him all the time," says Hudson, pausing for a moment in front of a framed photo of his dad. "When I was very young, when he was young."

"Before dad died I worried about what we would do, and how we'd be able to take care of Ronnie," says Tom. "I knew he didn't want to live away from McKenzie."

That was when CDS, which serves approximately 30 other individuals in
Carroll County stepped in to help, offering to provide Hudson with assistance inside his own home.

Hudson now receives approximately 34 hours per week of residential help from CDS. Aaron Parson and Sheila Browning, his primary caregivers, help Hudson with everything from managing his diabetes and checkbook, to cleaning, shopping and cooking.

"This way, he can live where he grew up and not have to change a whole lot. It's just great that the program is there," says Tom.

"Aaron and Sheila both do a real good job of encouraging him," he continues. "I don't know what we'd do without those two. They're as much family as we are to him."

Much of Hudson's daily life revolves around routine. He listens to his favorite radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey, every day. On Saturdays he does his household chores. On Sundays he attends church and gives his $1 tithe. On Sunday evenings he never forgets to take "Ol' Plowboy" to the curb. Plowboy is Hudson's trash barrel, named after the late professional wrestler, Stan "Plowboy" Frazier.

Hudson also phones his brother.

"Every night, when six comes around, I pick up the phone and call my brother and see how he's doing," says Hudson. "That's when I talk to him."

"I think he catches me between his naps and the news," says Tom with a laugh. "I think he schedules his whole routine by what's on television. Such and such comes on, it's time to start supper."

Hudson loves to watch reruns of old TV sitcoms like Gilligan's Island. Watching these shows remind him of his childhood. Looking at old professional wrestling magazines also helps him to remember.

"When I'm at home alone, I just say, 'well, what am I going to do?' Then I get some magazines out and reminisce," Hudson says. "Reminisce all the glory days when I was very young."

Reminders of the past fill this house. In his parent's old bedroom - the spare bedroom now - his dad's U.S. Navy uniform still hangs in the closet.

"This is where he used to have his bed, right here," Hudson also says, pointing to a bare spot on the floor in the middle of the room.

Following his father's passing, it was difficult for Hudson to acknowledge his new role and responsibilities around the house, says Cherry Webb, director of residential services for CDS.

But four years later, "Ron has accepted how his life is now and has taken full control of it," she says.

He answers the phone, "Ron Hudson's house," and tells visitors, "I'm the man of the house."

Throughout his home are hints of Hudson's life and hobbies: the shelf in the den lined with professional wrestling videos; the dresser drawer in the spare bedroom filled with NASCAR collectibles; the St. Louis Cardinals bedspread in the bedroom; and, in every room, framed black-and-white family photos.

This house on Stonewall Street is many things for Ron. It is the keeper of family memories and refuge from a sometimes strange and scary world. But most of all - this is Ron Hudson's house.

For more information about CDS or the Telethon of Stars, please call
731-587-3851.