“No Diving!”

Recently the third-grade class at Bethany School was assigned to give individual reports on famous people in American history. Each student was told to dress in character. This precious little girl, Miriam, gave a beautiful tribute to me, her American hero (I was deeply humbled)! As you can see, Miriam chose to represent me a little differently than most students who sit in a wheelchair as they give their report.

With beach towel, wet suit, and a “No Diving!” sign in hand, she pretended to be “me” that day on the Chesapeake Bay before I took my fateful dive – is that fun, or what?! (“No Diving” would have been a good idea that day)! Miriam wrote me the sweetest letter, saying, “The best thing I learned about you is that you did not give up, and that you help and encourage others!” Miriam even donated part of her allowance to help the disabled children we serve at Joni and Friends. Good on you, Miriam! And thanks for the “No Diving!” advice!