Greetings! I love it when famous people ask me to write forewords for their autobiographies. However, I have never before written a foreword for a person as inspirational, witty, risky, funny and talented as Dan Miller. And I have never before written a foreword where I might eventually inherit a portion of the fortune generated by sales of the book. And, actually, I have never before written a foreword.

This book first describes the impact of the devastating and crippling illness of polio, on an exceptional young athlete in the prime of his life. The rest of the book summarizes how caring, supportive people—Dreammakers—gave this crippled athlete the confidence to achieve his goals beyond anyone’s imagination.

You will read how his fun-filled attitude and Dreammaker wife helped build a successful career in teaching and school administration. And you will read about how a man with only one good arm and two bad legs could learn to fly a plane, golf, swim, shoot hoops and ride a motorcycle. You’ll find that behind each fun story is a lesson in inner strength.

Dan Miller now travels full time as a motivational speaker—still teaching–how to live, laugh, and love life!

And don’t feel sorry for Dan. I never have. Perhaps because I have been shown that life isn’t strong arms and legs, but an inner choice and external support from Dreammakers. And don’t pray for Dan to be healed. It would ruin his speaking career!

I know you’ll like Dad’s book. My hope is that you like it as much as I do.

Growing up in the Miller household had its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages included growing up in an environment that encouraged laughter, positive thinking and talking, looking for the good or positive in every situation and knowing we were loved unconditionally.

The disadvantages? It was hard to feel sorry for yourself or get much sympathy. When I tried to feel sorry for myself, I remembered what Dad had gone through, and realized I took too many things for granted. It’s hard to be depressed looking at life that way.

I still remember the time I realized how unusual our family was. Most dads change flat bike tires, build dog houses and move heavy items. My mom was the one who did all those things. She is truly the "great woman behind the man." Mom supported Dad through all his ideas, risky ventures (flying an ultralight aircraft), physical struggles, and the highs and lows all families experience. She prefers not to be in the limelight, but silently sits by and admires all that Dad has done and become.

Mom and Dad are two of my best friends. They rejoice in my successes and cry with me in times of struggle. Through thick or thin, they always remain proud of me.

One huge lesson that my parents taught me is how to love. After 38 years of marriage, they are the exception to the rule in today’s world. They still love each other and are role models to their children and grandchildren. Our families gather often for weekends of laughing, playing, and enjoying time with each other, practicing Living, Laughing, and Loving Life.

Being a Miller has not been easy, but I wouldn’t trade my upbringing or family for anything. Through them I have learned to love, be a good wife, parent and friend. I thank God for you and all the lives you touch in a positive way. I love you!

I’m not really. Backwards that is. I believe this part should be called the Finalword. Since my parents always loved me best, I should have the final word, don’t you think? I think this book is a terrific idea. Maybe with this book, more people can discover what Living, Laughing, and Loving Life is all about.

I thought everyone had laughter in their houses, and extra people hanging around. Later I realized it just wasn’t so, and those people hanging around were drawn to Dad and Mom because they were fun. They were—Dreammakers.

I really did believe they loved me best, but as the years went by and bits of wisdom and maturity fought to get in, I realized that Danica and Sky always thought Mom and Dad loved THEM best. Isn’t that a wonderful gift to give your children? Silent, unbreakable dreammaking in action. Make someone feel like the most important person ever created. Teach by example. Laugh a lot. Share your laughter with everyone.

The more I learn about life and living, the luckier I feel. I grew up surrounded by support and my own cheering section no matter what. Sometimes, being a dreammaker is keeping your mouth shut. Sometimes it is building confidence by pulling your kids out of class and having them demonstrate something for your P.E. class. Sometimes it is sacrificing by having one parent stay home with the kids when they are young. Sometimes it is laughing at yourself when you fall down. Sometimes being a dreammaker happens by accident, though mostly it doesn’t.

These are the types of things that Mom and Dad did for me and are now encouraging others to do for the special people around them. They are reaching further out with this book. What a great idea—to write Dad’s story.

When I am fortunate enough to hear Dad speak, I am amazed at the reaction from the group. After all, it’s just Dad. I am also touched, after all it’s MY dad. I am also proud to be a part of such a terrific family. The message is real. And to think I thought every family was fun-loving and caring like mine!

Dad and Mom are top-notch Dreammakers. They still have time to follow their own dreams. As their child (their favorite, remember?) I am delighted to watch, and of course, have the Finalword.