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Happy Birthday, Mom!
My mom, Adelia Smith, is celebrating her 61st birthday today, June 2. She is a remarkable woman. For nearly 40 years, she taught English to junior high and high school kids in Mississippi, upstate New York, the Chicago suburbs and Yellow Springs, Ohio. She raised two kids. She is helping raise three grandkids. And most remarkable of all...she has stayed with my old man for 42 years! Happy Birthday, Mom. We love you!
If you'd like to meet my mom, get a copy of filmmaker Joanne Caputo's documentary, "On A Roll: Family, Disability and the American Dream," which aired nationwide on PBS in February. Or read about her in my new autobiography, "On A Roll: Reflections from America's Wheelchair Dude with the Winning Attitude."
Working from the big stage
 Last Saturday, I had the thrill of delivering a motivational keynote on my biggest stage yet. The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) annual conference was held in Orlando and I was chosen to give the opening kickoff speech. An elaborate backstage setup included a green room, television monitors showing the on-stage events and a power wheelchair lift to elevate me to the stage where I would enter from behind a black curtain. I immediately bonded with my AAPA audience, announcing that I booked an extra night at the hotel when I found out I was speaking for the American Academy of Party Animals! I told them my story, remaining patient through eight audience interruptions for applause and laughter, and left them with the three fundamental ingredients to building inner strength. When I was done, I received a thunderous standing ovation from the 3,000 in attendance. More than 100 people stood in line to get an autographed copy of my book. And for the rest of the weekend, it seemed like everyone in town wanted to thank me for making a difference in their lives.
Back to the Beau
On Tuesday, I addressed more than one hundred people from the hotel staff and management at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss. I was so excited about addressing this group that I forgot to put on my microphone! So, like a football coach, "The Strength Coach" called a time-out and rolled to the sideline. When I zoomed up the ramp to take the stage again, I did my own introduction: "And now, from the best parking space in syndicated radio, the Strength Coach, Greg Smith!" The audience laughed and applauded, giving even more energy to my message.
The 4H conference at Mississippi State University
On Wednesday, I chartered a taxi to ride five hours north to Starkville, Miss., to address more than 750 youth, ages 14-19, some parents, and 4H staff and administrators from across our state. Sometimes in my presentations I ask rhetorical questions, like "What is the most difficult thing you've done today?" These kids wouldn't let the questions be rhetorical. They answered every question aloud, creating a buzz in the room, followed by a loud group SHHHHHH! Afterward, they were inspired and energized, a few to the point of emotional tears. I shook lots of hands and signed lots of books!
Gone fishin'!
Now, I'm going fishing. When you read this, I'll be out of the office. It's the annual family fishing trip, this time in Lafitte, La. This week's show is an encore presentation (rerun) of my interview with author Eric Liu. It's a good one.
Buy Greg's Book!
Order your copy of Greg's newly published autobiography, "On A Roll - Reflections from America's Wheelchair Dude with the Winning Attitude."
Early praise: "A candid, inspirational read. (Greg) has the dedication and persistence of a world champion." -- Jude LaCava - Fox 10 Sports, Phoenix, Az.
Hear Greg Smith's message
Energize the audience at your upcoming conference or event. Greg's schedule is filling up rapidly! Corporations, universities, meeting planners and speakers bureaus are taking note of his timely message: “Strengthen America!”
To schedule a sensational, inspirational live presentation for your next meeting or event, call "The Strength Coach" at 877-331-7563 or complete this
booking information form.
"While in town..."
Check Greg's schedule to see if he has plans to be in your area. If you would like for him to speak on an adjacent date while in town, he can offer exceptional discounts for keynote addresses or workshops. Call 1-877-331-7563 soon so he can arrange his travel schedule to fit in your group.
Greg's work is supported in part by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities. Does your state's DD Council support disability media initiatives? Why not? To find out how, call 1-877-331-7563.
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