Today I was on a flight from Denver to Boston. The Hultquists are off for a week of family time on the Cape. We’re looking forward to visiting the ocean together, seeing the sights, and being together. On the way, though, we had a bit of a surprise…
While waiting to board, we stepped aside so a beautiful young woman could board first. As she wheeled past us, I noticed a small grey dog nuzzling her from between her outstretched legs. I had to wonder if there might not be a story behind this scene.
When the five of us boarded, Terry and the girls headed to their seats, and Gabe and I turned into row 10 on the Boeing 757. Seated across from me in 10D was the young lady, the miniature greyhound peeking over her lap. A few minutes after settling Gabriel and myself, I helped her tuck her bag under the seat in front of her and we struck up a conversation. I’d like to share with you a bit of it.
Dr. Diane Dike, Ph. D. lives in Vail, Colorado. She suffers from an extremely rare blood disease called cryoglobulinemia. It impacts everything in her life. Her dog Gracie is her full-time companion, and her service dog, although she would fit into a small backpack. As we chatted, she reached into her bag and pulled out a large illustrated children’s book. It is the first in a series that she is writing about Gracie and the relationship between the two of them. Each of them broken, but loved.
She also wrote an autobiography entitled “God Made Only One of Me”.
Diane and I spoke about writing, about the challenge of getting the word out, and about her amazing story. We spoke about her web site (which is difficult to navigate, but if you’re willing to dig, you’ll find a lot here: http://www.dianedike.org/). Diane is active in her non-profit organization Second Chance with Saving Grace, bringing hope and encouragement to a hurting world.
So, what’s your excuse?
Diane is cheerful, talkative, and full of life. She has written two books, with more on the way. She engages in conversation easily, sharing herself, her faith, and her life’s journey, even though it is far more difficult than most of us can imagine.
As we took a break in our conversation to review each other’s work (we actually swapped our Macs on the plane), I got to thinking about how easy it is give up. We quit before we really even try.
As personal development guru Brian Tracy often says, “Never, ever, ever, ever give up!”
That persistence separates those who become successful from those who just coast through life.
What about you? What are you going to do today?
Let’s go!
ssh
PS You don’t have to learn this stuff on your own. You can have a personal guide to go where you want to go. Learn more at http://masteringyourlifenow.com/
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Upon reading your blog note today about an amazing woman, I just had to comment. Diane Dike is the real deal. She lives out her message. Just the other day I had the privilage to let Diane know about a little girl who has MS. Within a few days this little girl was unwrapping a surprise gift that arrived in the mail. It was Diane’s first children’s book along with a tote bag, t-shirt, and the beanie baby Gracie dog. The gifting experience inspired the little girl and her family to keep going even with it hurts. Now some people may not think this was such a big deal, but it was to a little girl who is struggling with her own health. I encourage anyone who reads this comment to give to Diane Dike’s cause. It is making a difference. Bless you for writing about Diane Dike, an amazing woman making encouraging waves across the country, one person at a time.
Dear Stephen,
Thank you for your interest in the efforts my wife is making to imrpove the world. Traveling alone is difficult enough having to use a wheelchair only makes it more so. I greatly appreciate the effort and time anyone takes to faciliate Diane’s travels when i can’t be there.
She told me about you too with great enthusiasm. We pray God’s blessings upon you and we are glad you had a wonderful time with your family on the Cape. We both went there as children and go whenever we have the chance.
Keep in touch!
Paul Dike