The young man I wrote about yesterday, Hilton Hamilton, continues his story. He just got home from his graduation, and his family was surprised and touched when he walked for the first time since his accident three years ago to get his diploma.
Hi, folks. Hilton Hamilton here.
I am in such awe and joy right now I don't know where or HOW to begin!
I just graduated about two hours ago, and I got my diploma. I also surprised my family when I took my first steps to receive my diploma. When my name was called (my full name is Hilton Jackson Hamilton, by the way), I grabbed my crutches, worked my way up to my feet, and walked the few steps to where the principal of my high school was standing. I walked slowly and carefully, but I was determined to make the journey. As I walked to where Principal Reiser was standing, the auditorium erupted into wild applause, and the audience rose to their feet; and each step I took caused louder and louder applause, cheers, and whistles. I knew I had a huge grin on my face; I was so thrilled to be graduating high school at last, and I was thrilled that my family could be there and see me take my first steps since the accident. (They didn't know until then that I had been having therapy at the rehab hospital I was staying at, and they were moved to tears.) When I got my diploma from Principal Reiser, I raised my one hand high into the air, and I held my diploma as I flashed a huge grin in the direction where my family was sitting.
It was a wonderful moment, one that I will never forget as long as I live. I was now officially a high school graduate, and I now had the diploma to back that claim.
Now we are home, and we are having a graduation party in my honor. I am so touched that many of my friends from school and my family and relatives could come, and I was enjoying the attention that they were giving me. Everyone wanted to give me a hug or a congratulatory slap on my back, and I was touched that they thought enough of me to give me money. They gave me well over $500 in cash and checks, and they were thrilled that I could walk again since the accident.
I just thank God that I had the chance to walk again, and I thank God that I have had the love and support that I have gotten over the past three years. The past three years have been especially difficult, but thanks to my faith in God and the love and support of my friends and family, I am a much better and happier person, and I am so blessed beyond measure! Yes, I could have very easily wallowed in self-pity or depression, but what would that have accomplished? I am not a bitter person by nature, and it wouldn't have done me any good! In fact, it would have probably been detrimental to my recovery, and I am NOT a sad or unhappy person!
Gotta' go again...Ashley and Brigitta want me to sign their yearbook, and I also gotta' get some of Mom's delicious pineapple upside down cake. I am getting rather hungry all of a sudden....
You told this story so beautifully that I felt as if I were right there with Hilton celebrating his graduation and the way he was able to walk to get his diploma instead of going in a wheelchair!!! Hugs! AJ :o)
oh, (((karen))) this is as wonderfully written as the first part of the story of hilton...well done! moved me to tears! outstanding *standing ovation* (((HUGS))) and thanks for sharing...love, karla. :)
Reviewed by Robert Blackwell
6/1/2003
By faith, the lame shall walk, and the blind shall see.
Timeless wisdom and advice on the art of living for today’s young and old: The art of thinking, the art of loving, the art of working, the art of leadership, the art of growing old.
A new translation by Sergio E. Serrano of this inspirationa
This book consists of a 150 pages of Christian poetry about the end of time and the Second coming of Jesus Christ not as a servant but as a King, the King of kings. To bring righteousness and peace to the earth and restore the government of God! Peac
Hi, folks. Hilton Hamilton here.
