"I speak for all nine hundred of us here at Westminster when I say that we will always remember your morning with us; you enhanced our lives in some way; you made us better! "  

The Westminster Schools

September 13, 1998

Dear Doug,

"Wow!" As I quote your first word to the Westminster audience on Friday, September 11, I echo your choice of words, but I use that expression to evaluate your provocative and heartfelt presentation to our students and faculty. Your life experience and the lessons you have learned along the way despite all the hardship and pain smacked us out of our safe and cozy cocoons and into the reality of thousands of people who have been severely injured.

Throughout the day on Friday, I heard the opinions of our very discerning and thoughtful students and faculty: - From Amy, a senior: "Miss Smith, that was the very best assembly we have ever had at Westminster."- From Jacqueline, French teacher: "Judy, what a wonderful selection you have made as our speaker for today." - From Rebecca, high school guidance counselor: "The importance of his message was the truth in everything he said. There was absolutely no guile, no pretense, no vanity." - From Tony, Dean of Boys: "He really did us a favor today. How could they not have heard him?"- From George, history teacher: "The man is a phenomenon! Could you believe that he paced on the stage on crutches?" From Katie, sophomore: "I heard every word he said. I did not even want to talk in assembly" (as she usually does). - From Bill Clarkson, President, the Westminster Schools: "What a great way to begin the year! He was wonderful.' Along with all this testimony for the power of your story and the way you told it there was, of course, the long standing ovation as well as the large group of students who came to speak to you and to remain with you afterwards. Believe me when I say that this reaction is not an everyday response to our assembly speakers.

There is no way to thank you adequately for your investment of energy (physical and nervous). It was an honor to meet you, to hear you speak and to meet Linda. We thank you for Even Eagles Need A Push which is already ensconced in our library. I speak for all nine hundred of us here at Westminster when I say that we will always remember your morning with us; you enhanced our lives in some way; you made us better/ May God continue to bless you as your give of yourself to help others!

1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30327 (404) 355-8673

 

Trypod Communications

Doug Keil
1030 Fairwood
Anchorage,AK  99518

ph:  907-349-8251
trypod@gci.net