Bill first met Dan Hayes in the early 90's when Bill worked at Noah's Ark (a white-water rafting company that also does hiking and rock climbing) and Dan was a Jr. Higher ready to take on the world. When Dan first arrived, Bill asked him what he wanted to do that weekend. Dan's response: EVERYTHING! Dan has a form of muscular dystrophy that left him wheelchair bound. This didn't stop Dan that weekend nor has it stopped him since. During this trip, Dan wanted to rappel down a 90 foot cliff. The other guides decided to fashion a harness that attached Dan to Bill so that the two of them could go down together. After an hour and a half, Bill and Dan were ready to go off the cliff. Dan's dad, Bob, was the youth pastor at the church and was able to rent a video camera in town and captured the whole thing on tape! Since this time, Bill has been friends with the entire Hayes family and hangs out with Dan on a weekly basis. Now that school is out, I've been able to join them more often.
Last summer, Dan gave the commencement speech at a Bible college graduation. He showed the video of his rock climbing experience (he also rafted that trip) and made it known that this was the moment he realized that he could accomplish anything: with the help of others and his determination, nothing stands in his way. Dan was given an honorary Doctorate degree at this graduation.
Dan is also a prayer warrior. We thank him for his DAILY prayers during my pregnancy and now for David. He is a true friend and brother and we look forward to many more Tuesdays together as he watches David grow!
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