Dear Indy and Roy,

I believe I mentioned to you that last August (five months ago), I had a subdural hematoma (brain bleed) that required emergency surgery. Surgery was a success but as a result (left side of brain), I lost the ability to speak completely for a few days.

After many months of speech therapy, good care and prayer, I slowly recovered. The recovery process was slow, painful and depressing.

So imagine the fears that kicked in when I was asked to be the Keynote speaker (40 minutes) to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (grade 6, 7 and 8) for their Career Day. To about 160 kids!

Would I be able to do it? Would I stumble or stammer? Would I embarrass myself?

I came very close to calling it off on numerous occasions leading up to the day. Then I remembered something you said to me during the Wizard Academy Public Speaking course over 10 years ago. You said that I had a natural speaking voice, to calm down and be genuine.

Well, I faced my fears and gave the speech last Friday. I include that speech and PP presentation for you to see and read. I do think the kids got something out of it.

Regardless, it was a milestone for me, and another step along the way to full recovery.

My thanks to you and the Academy. I attribute both as a key component of my success.

John Marklin
Richmond, VA