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Girard - "Great book! This kind of info is what family, friends and caregivers need to know. It is clear, concise and at times cuts to the heart. Thanks for allowing me to see your pain. It will help many of us be more patient and loving toward the little ones."
EXCERPT: This is a list of the top 18 excerpts from my book, DYSLEXIA MY LIFE. that a group of learning disability students in high school pulled from my book. The kids carry these quotations with them to read at any time when things seem to get difficult. 1. "What I kept, I lost; what I spent, I had, and what I gave, I have." 2. The improvement of understanding is for two ends: first, our own increase of knowledge; secondly, to enable us to deliver that knowledge to others. "-Jon Locke 3. "You have a great job. Each day you can make a difference in someone's life and that difference could change the world tomorrow, for good or bad. Most people spend their lives in a job that makes other people financially wealthier." 4. "Every difficulty scrambled over will be a ghost to disturb your leisure later on." 5."A law of nature rules that energy cannot be destroyed. You change its form from coal to steam, from steam to power in the turbine, but you do not destroy energy. In the same way, another law governs human activity and rules that honest effort cannot be lost, but that some day the proper benefits will be forthcoming." 6. "It is much easier to be critical than to be correct" 7. "The secret of education lies in respecting the pupil." 8. "Criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant as a standard of judging well." 9. "Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal, it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it." 10. "The best education in the world is that by struggling to get a living." 11. "Too many people have limitations set for them by school teachers, friends, spouses, co-workers, and even themselves. These limitations stop them from doing what they really want to do in life. It is easier to think of a limitation or reason not to do something that to try. The hardest part is to overcome one's thinking." 12."I was part of that strange race of people aptly described as spending their lives doing things they detest to make money they don't want to buy things they don't need to impress people they dislike." 13. "Our strength grows out of our weakness." 14. "When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity." 15. "If you try and you fail, what's the worst thing that will happen to you? They can't take away your birthday."

Girard - " Great book! When I was reading it last night I was amazed at the similarities between my nephew and you. Two days ago he got beaten up at school by some kids, so this will be just the pick-me-up he needs. We will be meeting them in Virginia next week, so I'll give it to him then. In the meantime, my sister and I both thank you for taking the time to write about the best approaches to take. Between you and me his father has not been the most patient with him and perhaps if he reds about the relationship between you and your father it will help the situation."
Girard - " I happened to be in the bookstore last week and saw your book about dyslexia. I'm sure it took a lot of courage to write such a book. But, what a blessing for people who are struggling with the same thing. My son has ADHD and it has certainly been a adventure with the school system etc. I just wanted to write and say thanks."
Girard - " I too have a secret, I have a learning disability. After reading your book, suddenly everything about me made sense, the trauma of school, knowing that I was different, and every aspect of my life."
Girard - " As a father, with a son who has a learning disability, your book made me realize how to treat my son and better understand how to help him. The first two chapters made me cry as I also relived my experiences with my own son. I have mow learned to get out of my chair and sit in his, becoming a better parent. I can now say that I have better understanding of my son."
Girard - " This is the season to be thankful. I want to take this Thanksgiving-time opportunity to express my gratitude to you for coming to speak to the LD students at our school. I am so very grateful to you, as are my students. In our book, you expressed a desire to reach out and help even one person, so they would not lave to go though what you did because of all the misunderstandings that surround learning disabilities. You can be assured that you have already touched and CHANGED many lives. " - Elementary School Teacher
Girard - " Thank you for coming to our school. Just like you talked about, I get North and south and right and left mixed up. I get bored easy, too. I'm good at building motors and leggos. I agree with what you sad, everybody has their own gifted area, and mine is sports. I'm also interested in science and social studies. I will like you to come back again." LD student
Mr. Sagmiller - " Your article on Dyslexia was in our REC magazine and you are to be commended, and thanked for taking time and effort to share your experiences. I'm really looking forward to reading your book, and may your Guardian angel continue to sit on your shoulder and guide your life!"

June - infoZine newsletter, Review by Becky Kaiser, Internet, infoZine
If you would like more information please call Girard at (816)-803-4679

A letter from a mother Friend........ "Mark hated school. Although extremely bright, he didn't do well there. He had a difficult time conforming to the structured and rigid ways of his teachers. Mark had looked forward to the new school year. A fresh start in a new school, surely his "new" teachers would understand his uniqueness and things would be different! But things weren't different. mark quickly perceived that this year was more of the same rigged standards that he didn't fit into. mark lost all Hope that things could ever be better. In the early morning of August 28, 1995, less than two weeks into the new school year, Mark hanged himself in the park near his home. The family had done all the "right" things for Mark, they sought consoling for Mark's depression and felt he had made great strides in overcoming this darkness that frequently accompanies people who are "different". When Mark felt there was no hope that things would ever be better, he gave up.. His mother confided to me that if she could go back she would be more vocal to the school in addressing Mark's unique needs. An educator herself, the mother had tried to work through a system that is frequently slow and reluctant to respond.. Today the mother is a outspoken advocate for the rights of gifted students." - they need hope....giving not taken...

DYSLEXIA MY LIFE - one man's story of his life with a learning disability. In elementary school Sagmiller was diagnosed as mentally retarded by his teacher and school administrators, who recommended that his family institutionalize him. In reality he suffered from dyslexia, which can affect speech, reading, time perception, and can slow learning is some subjects. Girard discusses his struggles to overcome the ignorance and prejudice of his friends, family and society in general. Succeeding in school ( getting his MBA), business and life.
Girard's discussion is packed with emotion, drama, helpful tips, surprises and inspiration. It is told in the matter-of-fact tone of someone who has lived through quite extraordinary events without realizing that they were anything out of ordinary. Besides being an engaging personal story, the discussion provides quite an education regarding the profound effects of dyslexia on a person's educational, social and emotional experiences...
Girard, now at the age of 36, is a Business Consultant for a world wide organization and moonlights as a professional model for companies such as Levi Jeans and Anheuser-Busch Inc. He also gives his time to offer classes to non-profit organizations, universities, schools and other community services. Girard's story is an inspiration for all. We can benefit from knowing how to deal with obstacles that threaten to hold us back.
Girard also does speaking/ workshops engagements on Learning disabilities, Dyslexia, and motivation/ goal setting. If interested call (816)-803-4679.