Yesterday I visited Queen of Peace Middle School and spoke to a group of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. The 8th graders had read What Though the Odds, while the younger students had read an article about my story and the book.

Wow.

Before I even walked into the school, I saw signs to greet me. Computer-made signs and hand-made signs, posted on the doors and the walls - and just about anywhere I looked. I was greeted by three students who escorted me to the library, where the rest of the students were waiting.

I was nervous and I was excited. In some ways I was returning home: not to the classroom to teach history (as I used to), but spending an afternoon with students to share my journey: my physical, emotional and spiritual journey. Which I realized, was a history lesson to them. None was born 16 years ago when the bus accident occurred. Because some of the students had read the book, I didn’t focus too much on the facts, but more on the emotions and my struggles as a teenager. I thought perhaps that was something to which they could relate.

But they got it. They got it all. As I met with their teacher, Mary Korzan (she’s got a great story too: www.OnceUponAPoem.com) afterwards, she shared with me some of the board games the students had made, based on the book. I was touched, and moved - and amused! They were awesome (example: “wiggle a toe: move forward 2 spaces” or “another surgery: lose a turn”). So great!

Mary Korzan also shared with me - anonymously - some of their responses to the question: Name three things you learned from this book. I think you will find the sampling as impressive as I did:

1. To know there is such a thing as miracles.
2. It made me appreciate what I have and my friends and family.
3. It made me realize that you learn who your real friends are when you are in real trouble.
4.  I learned that your life can change in the blink of an eye.
5.  I learned that anything is possible and that if you believe in God, you can get through anything.
6.  I learned you should never listen to the hospital nurses.
7.  I learned that the human spirit is good.
8.  I learned to never give up.
9.  I learned to think about how much someone might be hurting.
10.  I now know perseverance pays off.
11. The book made me feel stronger to do more things.
12.  I learned that if you believe in it, it can happen.
13.  I learned how one event affects a whole group.
14.  I learned not to take things for granted.
15.  I learned that I should have patience and courage.
16.  I learned how much you have to rely on someone else when you are hurt like that.
17.  It helped me learn how to keep trying.
18.  I learned that anything is possible if you have faith and courage.

What a gift I have been given. One of the reasons I loved teaching was to inspire in my students a love and appreciation of history. I welcome this opportunity to teach them different lessons - life lessons - and to hopefully continue to touch lives. This is what inspires me.