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Permalink Reply by Darrick Linton on August 26, 2008 at 9:10am

Hi Leslie,
You are so right on the money with your comments. I too, believe this is a gift from God that I possess in "Loving What I Do", because of the joy on both children and adult faces as they conquer another stair step facet in learning to swim. Three of the essential qualities that ALL teachers must have is loving to deal with people, possessing compassion for the student, and really having the patience and heart of a teacher. Not every student will learn at the same pace due to their varied backgrounds and experiences. If you think you have made a positive impact on one's life, try teaching them to swim. You will be remembered by that student for the rest of their lives, and that to me, is what part of life is all about. This is one of the things I truly believe that former President JFK was talking about in his speech when he stated" Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country". We can't keep what we have, unless we give it away. When the Good Lord call me home at the end of this life's journey, I want to be remembered not only by the number of things I have given away, but the quality of them, as well as the positive influential impact that I had on someone's life, that they too, will continue to pass on what was given them. As one of the hymns I am reminded of hearing in church states; If I can just help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain!!!!!! Darrick aka dswimmerman