Feb 07, 2012
Neal McClaugherty was a true inspirational blessing
May 11, 2010
FRIENDSWOOD — There are people that you meet in life that are nice and friendly, but they are soon forgotten. On the other hand, there are those that come across your path that make an immediate impression that you will never forget.
One of those special people was Friendswood's Neal McClaugherty who had made early headlines when a couple of the Houston television stations featured Neal in special segments during his early years.
Neal was born to Larry and Kathy McClaugherty on March 23, 1983. He was born with cerebral palsy and was a non-verbal quadriplegic who spent his days in a wheelchair. Don't feel sorry for him, though. He had little time to be discouraged and frustrated, and little patience with those who were.
With the assistance of his Dynavox 3100 augmentative communication device, he sang the National Anthem before the Friendswood High School girls basketball games, and he delivered motivational talks to his team.
After one loss, Neal told his team, "The season starts now. Get with the program. Losing is not an option." The Lady Mustangs went on to win 15 straight games and advance to the state quarterfinals that season in 2005."
Recently, Neal was admitted through the ER at Methodist Hospital and had emergency surgery. They removed one-half of his large intestine which was 2 ½ times the normal diameter and weighed about 10 pounds. The portion was 'kinked & had a twist' so nothing could go through. While in the hospital, Neal developed pneumonia and a fever that wouldn't let go and he lost his battle to live on Sunday, May 10.
But he didn't lose the many lives that he touched over the past 27 years.
"Neal was very smart," said his dad Larry. "He just happened to be trapped in a non-working body. But he didn't let that keep him from making a difference in thousands of lives."
Neal was known as the No. 1 fan of the Friendswood Lady Mustangs basketball team. Former coaches Angela Spurlock, who is now at Katy Seven Lakes, and former FHS standout and former head coach Dena Russo both had a love for Neal and his family, Larry and Kathy, that far exceeded the basketball court.
Both former coaches would gather up some of the girls on the team, pick up Neal's van, and take a trip to Baybrook Mall and spend the day together. Neal would have a ball with all the attention from these lovely young ladies who truly loved him.
"Neal was truly an inspiration to all of us," Russo said. "He went on no matter what and he brightened your day by just looking at him. He was my precious angel and he gave more to me than anyone can imagine. Larry and Kathy were blessed with a very special gift. He was truly amazing. Neal is the best!"
One of the most memorable events came in 2003 when some of the Friendswood high school students rigged some equipment to Neal's wheelchair that would allow him to launch a basketball from half-court.
"We shot the ball during practice and never made it," Spurlock said. "But the night of the game, history was made as the boys loaded up the ball on the launch pad. The ball was fired. Nothing but net! The entire gymnasium was packed and the crowd cheered, home and visitors alike, and there wasn't a dry eye in the building as all had witnessed the greatest shot ever made in that place."
That inspired the Reporter News staff to title the shot - "A swish come true" - which ended up winning first place at the Texas Press Association in the headlines category.
Neal graduated from Friendswood High School in 2005 and was a part of the Friendswood Lady Mustangs basketball team that exceeded the basketball court.
"Our basketball team was one big, happy family -- and Neal was a part of that family," Russo said. "The girls welcomed him as if he was their brother. They all loved him dearly and included him in everything they did. He really was something when he was invited to one of their parties and he was the only male."
That deep love was evident only a few days ago when coach Spurlock spent the night at the hospital with Neal so Larry and Kathy could go home and get a little rest.
Neal went to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 10 and now he won't ever be trapped in a non-functional body again. He will experience, for the first time in his eternal life, a freeness that only heaven can afford. And there is no doubt that if he could send a message back home, it would be to let everyone know that he is now running and leaping with joy.
The community is invited to celebrate Neal's life at the First United Methodist Church in Friendswood on Friday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation with the family will be at Jeter Funeral Home in Friendswood on Thursday, May 13 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
"Kathy and I want to thank all of you for your thoughts and especially your prayers for our fine young man," Larry McCaugherty said. "Our prayer is that his sweet tenacious spirit and unconditional love will continue through every one that has had the privilege to know and participate in Neal's life."
Neal was one of those angels, sent from heaven, to touch the lives of people as an extended hand from God.