SPECIAL LETTERS

Mr. Miller,

You are an absolutely amazing, beyond belief, and obviously a very bright human being. What a role model for the rest of the world. I heard you speak a week or so ago in Anacortes. We still can't believe what you have accomplished. I came because I was curious and because I had polio when I was 23. Although, it was a terrible time for me because I lost my husband from the polio. By some miracle, even though I was pregnant, I survived with no effect from the polio. And, of course, I am so grateful to be able to say that.

Anyway, your book is such wonderful example of extreme courage and the pursuit of going after your dream that I will share it with my grandsons who are just arriving at the age of pursuing careers and directions. I have shown your book to many people and I am sure they will be contacting you too.

Thank you for sharing your gifts,

Beverly S.

Hi Dan, I want to tell you that you greatly effected me in a positive way some years ago. You came to speak to the faculty as Spokane Community College in the mid-late 90s. I was in the audience. You talk has stayed with me through the years. Thank you so very much for being a mentor to me with respect to attitude. Bob L.

Hi, Mr. Miller,

You may not remember me at all, but I wrote you about three years ago after seeing you for the first time via a Gaither video. To say the least, your persistence and joy for life impressed me then and has continued to encourage me over the past few years.

I just had to sit down and type you this short note of thanks for all the encouragement you have been. Your book and your video have been so inspirational as well. Saturday I will graduate with my undergraduate degree in accounting. Then this fall I will begin the graduate program for my MBA. Lastly, I will take the CPA exam sometime next spring and eventually become a CPA. My twin sister and I have been offered a full-time position at an accounting firm starting June 1 of this year.

My college experience has been great and your inspirational story of your struggle to attain your dreams despite adversity and challenges has inspired me many times when the challenges were there (yet not so large as yours). Thank you again for your wonderful example, your cheerful disposition, and your exceptional attitude. I will continue to draw from your joy, persistence, dedication, and determination in the years to come!

God bless,

Bethany G.

Hi, you spoke at East Valley High School a few days ago and I think you are by far the neatest person I've ever met. You taught me more in that 45 minutes than anyone has my entire life. I can't even pick one thing I loved. I loved all the stories you told, the fish song, the slideshow, and the pics of your grandsons were very nice :). There pretty good looking. But anyways, your show was awesome, and you were just an awesome person. You truly inspired me to go for all my dreams. And now, because of you, I will reach them.

-EV Student

Dan,

What a difference a day can make at a school! Thank you for blessing us all with your life story. Lives will be changed due to you and your message. You see - a “Dan Miller” day can make a difference immediately!

I appreciated your sensitivity on what to say. Your opening was perfect for the teen crowd and you modified it a bit for the evening crowd of parents, teachers, administration, and kids. It was as if you knew exactly what each group needed to hear!

It was interesting to hear how people appreciated your style of humor and realness combined with your reflective spirit. People left feeling inspired to risk then persist and to reject rejection. I think it was wonderful how you encouraged us all to think creatively has we problem solve.

Dan, keep dreaming and relying on God’s direction. When the speaking engagements quiet down for a bit, you must know that your story is encouraging someone through your book and DVD!

Dear Dan;

You probably will not remember me, but I met you in Nashville at a Premier Designs Rally and purchased one of your books. I worked in the training department at Caterpillar and thought it would be excellent material to use in my classes of young people.

May I take a few moments of your time to give you some results.

I made it required reading for the 50 young people I had in my program and I don’t know if I was lucky when I picked them or what the deal was but… of the 50 I picked, I only had to separate one, there were only 2 that quit the program on their own, 2 have completed their masters program in Engineering, 1 more working on theirs, 15 have completed their 4 year degree, all others completed the program; which includes their associated degree. 3 are in supervisory positions at the company and about 30 have stayed at the company as full time employees. The rest have pursued a career at other companies and all but one is still in the field where they started.

A little inside story about one of the young ladies that I first met when she was a sophomore in high school. Her counsoler called me and asked if I would come and talk to her because of the turmoil in her life. She was involved with a very rough crowd, was in a single parent family, had seen her best friend killed right in front of her and needed help.

I started her in a program when she turned 16 where she came to the company every afternoon and school every morning. And during summer break she came to company every day. She got out of the crowd, improved her grades, played on a championship softball team, came into our regular program, completed her associate degree, works at the company full time, got married and just had her 3 baby. During my infrequent visits, I retired 4 years ago, she always runs up and gives me a hug that make any father swell with pride.

I think your book had almost as much influence on the kids as I did. I thank you for that!

The time had come for me to start another project and I find that I need 5 more of your books. If you would take credit cards, please add necessary charges and send me 5 books.

Dan's story is amazing and inspiring. Severely stricken with polio at the prime
of his life, he chose to overcome. From having other students acting as human
stairs in college to gaining a pilots' license (who would've thought a
guy with only limited use of one arm could FLY!!!) Not only has he overcome in
such a big way, he has chosen to share his life with others. He delivers his
story with a lot of humor, openness, poignancy, and a down to earth honesty that touches your soul. He makes you really think about what is important in life as a whole. I think differently from having heard his story.

I was so inspired by his talk that I bought his book and his video. When I
returned home, I captured my 15 year old and made him sit down and watch it with me. Dan has values, courage, and determination that I felt I must share with my son. It's so easy to shy away from a situation that appears difficult or give up
in the face of adversity. After listening to Dan, it's hard not to think...well,
if Dan can do all those things...What am I thinking?!?!? I sure hope my son remembers as he faces challenges in his young life.-Z. A.

(Comments from a recent talk to High School Students)

I am a Junior at Selah High School. When most speakers come to our school, more often than not, they find the speaker to be boring and worthless of their time. While talking to my fellow students, I have heard nothing but wonderful comments about your motivational talk at our school. I was inspired to go after my dreams, and to be a 'dream maker', not a 'dream breaker'. Thank you so much for coming to our school and to help our student body to feel better about themselves.

Good luck, and God Bless,

Hi Dan,

First of all, wanted to say thanks so much for your presentation at the
District 5110 Conference in Corvallis.... it was truly moving and
inspirational and gave me new insight on the importance of
accomplishing Rotary's goal to eradicate Polio by 2005.

We purchased a DVD and played it at our club today... I am program
chair (my husband is our club's president... so I was kind of coerced
into doing a few things this year!) and wanted to highlight just what
our club members missed by not attending the District conference where
we have high caliber speakers, such as you, who remind us why we are a
part of Rotary International.

Although we couldn't show the entire DVD in the time span we have (we
just meet for one hour)... your DVD had our club laughing, applauding
and teary-eyed! Many times when a video is shown, club members slip out
(there's no speaker to offend, anyway...), but no one left early... in
fact, members were disappointed when the witching hour came and I had
to stop the show!

I had one member guarantee me they would attend the District conference
next year (Jim and I were the only ones from our club this year) and
also had other members who want to share the DVD with their staff...
it's already loaned out!

I know how inspired I felt after listening to you... and I'm happy I
was able to see a live presentation... but I wanted to tell you how
much our Rotary club was touched by the DVD, too.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us. You are truly an
inspiration to mankind.

HI MR. MILLER!

THIS IS RICK - ONE OF MANY FORMER STUDENTS. IT WAS A NICE SURPRISE
TO HEAR FROM YOU AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE AUTOGRAPHED BOOK YOU SENT
ME. I REALLY ENJOYED READING IT. BETWEEN PHONE CALLS AND OFFICE VISITS, I
THINK I FINISHED THE BOOK IN ABOUT TWO HOURS. I KNOW I NEVER TOLD YOU THIS
PERSONALLY, BUT YOU ARE THE MOST INSPIRATIONAL PERSON I KNOW. REMEMBER THE
LITTLE RED "I BEAT MR. MILLER" RIBBONS YOU HANDED OUT TO STUDENTS FOR P.E.?
WELL I STILL HAVE MINE. I HAVE IT FRAMED AND I SEE IT EVERY DAY. I HAVE IT
RIGHT NEXT TO ALL THE POLICE AWARDS I HAVE BEEN AWARDED OVER MY 20 YEAR
CAREER.

MY KIDS AND GUESTS OFTEN ASK ME ABOUT THE RIBBON AND HOW I GOT IT, AND I
TELL THEM ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORY. I PROBABLY HAVE TOLD YOUR STORY
THOUSANDS OF TIMES AND I KNOW THAT I WILL CONTINUE FOR EVER. WHEN LIFE HAS
GOTTEN ME DOWN, I REMEMBER WHAT YOU WOULD TELL US KIDS. "NEVER GIVE UP AND
DREAM BIG". THAT HAS KEPT ME GOING ALL THESE YEARS IN MY LINE OF WORK.

I WISH I COULD KEEP WRITING, BUT I JUST GOT BACK FROM VACATION. THE MAN ON
THE COVER OF YOUR BOOK, THAT MUST BE LITTLE SKY. RIGHT? I LIKE HOLDING THE
BOOK UPSIDE DOWN, THAT IS TO GIVE SKY A TASTE OF HIS OWN MEDICINE. JUST
KIDDING. I AM GOING TO MAKE YOUR BOOK MANDATORY READING FOR MY OFFICERS WHO
ARE UP FOR PROMOTION. I THINK THAT IT WILL GIVE THEM A BOOST, CONFIDENCE
AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING THAT IF THEY DO NOT MAKE SERGEANT THIS TIME, TO
KEEP TRYING AND LIKE YOU SAY "KEEP DREAMING BIG".

IT WAS AN HONOR TO BE YOUR STUDENT AND I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE A FAMOUS
AUTHOR AS A FRIEND.

SAY HI TO EVERYONE AND I WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE MERRIEST OF CHRISTMAS.
OH, YES. IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BRING WOODY BY AND I WILL
MAKE HIM AN HONORARY POLICE OFFICER.

MY OFFICE IS YOUR OFFICE.

RICK GUTIERREZ
CHIEF of POLICE
SELAH POLICE DEPARTMENT

Note: I do remember well this sad little sixth grade girl (below) and her note she gave me - Dan

Today there is no school. I was sitting at home reading your L.L. and L.L. book for the billionth time, when I noticed on page 91 that January 29^th is your birthday. You probably don’t even remember me. You came to Dundee (Oregon) 2 or 3 years ago. I remember your Lobster song! I was the little girl who wrote you that note… I said that I had a hard time laughing. I was surprised that you didn’t put it aside for another time. You read it immediately! I’ve never been treated that way before. I hope you visit again someday and speak. I would enjoy that.

Meanwhile, I have been Loving Life! I go to a private Christian school. I am in 8^th grade now. I am involved in many sports and plays or dramas

Thank you for playing the small but vital turning point in my life

P.S. I dream of becoming a doctor so I can go to places in the world (somewhere in Africa) where people need doctors.

I am 15 years old. In my youth group tonight we listened to a tape of yours. We
liked it very much. You are such a great person for following your dreams and
never gives up. We all thought it was cool how you can golf with just one
arm.& nbsp; You are a great inspiration to everyone. Thank you for telling
your story. I just hope more people get the chance to hear it

Dear Dan,
     I am from Bethel School District and I just wanted to share with you
how much I enjoyed your speech. You are an amazing person that spreads joy
and motivation. It was moving to start the year with such an inspirational
story.
     Your description of the teacher that responded to you when you went and
told him you wanted to major in PE especially touched me. I'm not sure I
would have answered you in the same way. My dream maker sign, now on my
desk in clear view, reminds me that anything is possible for any child. It
has always been my goal to love the kids in my classroom, but your message
has helped me to see that I also was limiting some of my kids.
   I am thankful that my district took the opportunity to start our year
with such a positive message. Continue your good work, love and faith.
Hello to your supportive wife.
    Sincerely,
    J. BEST

I met you, heard you speak and (of course bought "the fish" photo)
way back in '98? When you spoke to pulp and paper
Safety folks in Portland, OR.. I just thought you'd like to know not
only to I have the "priorities" fish pic, also the
"...choose to" on my corkboard. I have looked to them many times, when I
started to feel sorry for myself or whatever...
Thanks, you are still reaching folks years later. Merry Christmas and
congats on 43 years! Take care, this is just one of those FYI's and an
"atta-boy" ..

Dear Ms.Judy Miller,

My name is Richard Tan and I'm a Mechanical Engineering student at the
University of Arkansas. You will be surprised if I tell you the time when I
am writing this email, it's about 4am on a very EARLY Tuesday morning. To
answer your curiosity, I did not choose to stay up this late, I am working
my material science take home test that is due on Thursday, and I am stuck
with no idea where to proceed in most problems. I was feeling very
frustrated and hopeless when I stumbled into Focus On The Family website and
heard a recording named "Overcoming Adversity" of Mr. Dan Miller. I was
really inspired by his enthusiasm about life. After I visited your website,
I am also very amazed to hear about his accomplishments in life in spite of
his condition. I am working my way through college by working as a janitor
for the university, it is not easy to work fulltime and go to school even
though I am only a part time student. A lot of times, I feel like giving up
my dream of becoming a professional engineer because engineering is very
tough for me. What I heard really inspired me, and I would like to read more
about Mr.Dan Miller and the story of his life. I would like to buy a copy of
his book "Living, Laughing, & Loving Life". Would you send me a copy? if it
is not too much trouble, would you ask Mr. Dan Miller to sign the book for
me. I will send the check to you when I get the book.

Thank you very much and God bless you.

Regards,
R. Tan

Hi there,

I was recently flying my wife's aunt back from Georgia in my twin engine
plane. She was returning from visiting her dying father. The trip was not
something I was particularly looking forward to as I did not want to have a 2
hour flight with a sad person that I really did not know how to cheer up.
One trick that I am sure Dan is aware of is to tune the ADF instrument in
the airplane to AM stations and it can help to pass the time on a long
flight. I turned it on and sure enough found some AM station. On it was a
man speaking and so I listened. It was Dan Miller. I have never heard of him
before but I heard something interesting about learning to fly so I left it
on. We both listened to him talk. It was the most amazing motivational
speech I have ever heard and it could not have come at a better time for my
wife's aunt. She said it filled her with hope and could not have come at a
better time. I wrote down your name at the end of the talk and subsequently
found your web site. I would really like a copy of one of your talks.
Ill bet you never thought you would touch someone through an ADF while they
were flying at 11k feet over Georgia.

Take care

J. Curtis
Gainesville, FL 32653

Dear Dan,

My name is Lauri R. I met you Saturday, August 16th, at DFW Airport. I hope you remember me, I was your bus driver from the rental car center to the terminal. Your wife offered me one of your books and you signed it for me.

I loved it. I read most of it before I went home that day...between driving and ignoring other passengers because I didn't put the book down to notice them. Your book made me feel so good inside. I was laughing, crying, sighing, etc. It truly is a great book.

I have a brother, Kevin, who is now 37 as of today and he lives in a nursing center in Ft. Worth. He was diagnosed with diabetes at the age 7. He is now blind and bound to bed and wheelchair. He has dialysis three times a week. His life is there in his room with only the visits from my mom, my kids, and me and occasionally my dad and other brother. I am going to order your audio tape of the book for him (for Christmas). I don't know if it will affect him the way it has me. But your book has definitely opened my eyes and I realize now that his life would be better if he had more loving support from his family. Before, visiting Kevin, was a duty, a chore, something that had to be done so he could get his diapers and have his laundry picked up. Now I realize that even though my visits are short, it may very well be the most exciting thing he looks forward to all week. Even though I know that I love my brother, he may not. You are an inspiration. I feel guilty to say that it took reading your book before I could be more compassionate towards him (regardless of our past).

I truly wish that someday I will see you again so I can give you and your wife a great big hug. But for now, I will concentrate on saving my hugs for my brother.

By the way, I also looked at your website and found out that you and your wife were on my bus the day after your wedding anniversary. Congratulations!

Your new admirer,

Lauri

Hi Dan,

I heard your show on "Focus on the Family" and went back to their site three
days in a row to listen to it again because it was so inspiring. I then
called them and ordered the tape to share with my friends and family (I
already made my Mother listen to it on the Internet with me and she wants to
hear it again too) but it was already on back order! You are quite popular
and VERY inspirational!

Anyway, we think you sing and play the guitar so well that you should have
some albums for sale. I'd also love to know if you have any videos of your
singing or speeches for sale. I would love to have seen your on-stage
demonstrations of jumping and golfing! I will keep checking your site to see
if you ever have music tapes or videos for sale.

Thank you so much for your wonderful outlook on life and for sharing it with
those of us who really need to hear your message!

Mrs. T. M. Parish

You need to know you are my mom's dream maker. She has many medical issues, but like you refuses to give in to them. However her bowling has suffered greatly. Due to severe arthritis she can no longer bowl right handed, so she switched. She has miniers disease inner ear) so her balance is really bad. She also has polymyagia which really interferes with her movements. So she has been walking up to the foul line and trying to deliver the ball from there. Her average had dropped to around 89.

After listening to you talk on Rejoice radio, she is now taking three steps before delivering the ball. Her average has improved to 121!!! This may not sound like much, but taking steps while trying to swing a bowling ball is!! She has a tendency to lose her balance and fall. But now she just says "well that didn't work", and tries it another way.

The Lord has blessed us in so many ways, and now through you yet again. I am sure we always knew these truths But at times we need someone to come along and give us that wake up call, so that we do not become to staid in our ways.

Thank you again and I hope that I have not taken up too much of your time. You folks are a blessing to us all.

Dan,

While driving home from a nephew's birthday party last night I was using the "scan button" to find a clear radio station and I heard part of your presentation on Focus on the Family. The only disappointment was that I didn't hear it all. Your attitude is such a refreshing counter point to the whining and blame placing that I hear so often.

Are your "Living, Laughing and Loving Life" video and audio tapes the same basic message as your radio address last night?

Thank you for an unexpected boost while driving the monotonous Pennsylvania Turnpike on a dark cloudy night.

Fred

Hello Dan,
It was so awesome to see you at the Polio Outreach picnic. I visited your website and I thoroughly understand why your presentation is so much in demand, but I wonder where you got all that energy. Wow! You have made a positive difference in so many people's lives. It is hard to see polio as a blessing, but your attitude and spirit have made it a blessing to all who hear you. When you are available we would love to have you share your wit and wisdom with our support group.
Norma

Dan,
      I saw a video of your performance last Wednesday in my Natural Resource classroom at Green River Community College. The agenda was to have the SAF (Society of American Foresters) President report on his experience at the SAF regional meeting in Oregon.   Surprisingly enough, instead of the expected riparian management theories, we got your video. I was incredibly moved by your message and had to fight back the tears. I asked the SAF president on Thursday if I could borrow the video to show to my three children. Here it is Friday, the kids are at their Dad's house and I am watching the video by myself.
      Today I've spent four hours in a Road and Trail engineering class and I wasn't feeling like the "sharpest tool in the shed." (Do you know what I mean?) I came home to listen to your video in order to get "back on track" I need to lighten up!! I know that I am a good student and a great mother, but my biggest problem is ME. I'm constantly getting in my own way. That is why your video moved me so much. If only I could get out of my own way! I'm so aware of my faults, but seem to be struggling when it comes to changing them. Why is changing our faults so difficult? (It just dawned on me as I was proof reading my mail that changing and accepting could be interchanged in that last sentence. Hmmm.) When you said in your video that "any one of you are welcome to have cocoa with us" I wondered if you meant it. How many have actually taken you up on that offer? ! Good character is what I'm in need of right now in my life and I see your offer as an offer I shouldn't ignore. I would truly be honored to share cocoa with you and your bride.
      I believe a background banner in your video performance said " The time is now."   The time is now! What in the hell was I thinking when I was younger. I always thought that my dreams would magically just happen. I've had the good fortune of meeting a few incredibly wise and influential people. They have offered to teach and help me with my journey. I have accepted some guidance, but I also found excuses to avoid some of the incredible wisdom I have encountered. I believe that I am blessed with yet another chance of such a meeting. I don't want to miss this chance. I would understand if this "cocoa" offer has invaded your privacy, but what can I lose by asking?
       In closing I would like to thank you for the message that you sent in your video. I was touched by your wisdom and you will be another interpretive guide on my path. In my mind I will refer to your video when my going gets tough. Thank you.
Sincerely, Diane F.

Could you please send me 1 copy of Dan's book and 3 sets of the
postcards? I watched the video last year at a luncheon and was very
moved. This year, with all of the recent budget cuts in Michigan, our
staff has been very down and so I asked our principal if we could watch
the video at a staff meeting. It was great!! Instead of leaving upset,
we ended our meeting laughing with Dan! What an inspiration he is! I
also watched it with my sixth grade students and they loved it. I am
giving my students the postcards as a graduation card.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and gifts!!

Nicole A.

My name is Jeremiah H. My mom, gave me a copy of Living, Laughing and Loving Life! and I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to read about your experience living with polio. I have Cerebral Palsy as a result of brain damage suffered at birth and many times in my life wondered if I would succeed. I appreciate other people who write about their experiences living with a physical disability as it gives me renewed strength to carry on and focus on my dream of a successful life.

Thank you very much,

Jeremiah H.