After Attending This Years Bowling Hall Of Fame Awards Night I Returned Home With A Humbling Experience. With Each Inductee Came A Short Biography Of Their Years On The Bowling Alley. Reading Their Achievements Throughout The Years While Family Is Present And Listening. Most Were Rather Shy In Response But Did Acknowledge And Were Humbled By Their Selection.
This Rather Slim Older Looking Gentleman Slowly Approached The Podium. Expecting About As Much The Same As Those Who Spoke Before Him. For Those In The Audience Who Knew Him Expected What Was Forthcoming. As He Stood There Desperately Trying To Get That First Syllable Out He Awkwardly Tried To Give His Acceptance Speech. I Found Myself Silently Trying To Help This Poor Soul Through This Ordeal. With Each Word Spoken It Came More Clear To Me After All These Years And My Fear Of Speaking To Large Audiences, I Had Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself.(Familiar Words, eh?)
If That Man Had The Courage To Get Up In Front Of That Large Crowd With His Speech Impediment I Knew My Worries Were Behind Me Forever.
I Don't Think That Man Has Any Idea Of The Impact His Speech Had On People That Saturday Night. I Have Wondered How Many Times That Man Wanted To Back Out Of Attending This Event That Night.
Not Only Did This Man Have A Wonderful Bowling Career, He Had To Be One Of The Most Courageous People I Have Met In My Life.
Never Again Will I Shy Away From Public Speaking. If I Do, I Will Think Of This Great Man Who Showed Me Courage.
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