Heisman trophy winner Danny Wuerffel tells the story of a voice he heard throughout his whole life. He heard it in first grade when he was trying to win a race. “You’re the fastest boy in the grade, Danny!” the voice said. He won.
He heard it in the third grade as he turned his head to look at a classmate’s paper and cheat on a test. “You’re a good boy, Danny. Don’t cheat.” He didn’t. He said he heard that voice spurring him on and guiding him all throughout his time as a world-class athlete and competitor.
Flash forward to the birth of Danny’s first son. Danny’s mother was in town helping with the baby for a couple of weeks. One day Danny walked past the nursery, where she was rocking the newborn. “You’re so strong, Jonah,” she said. You’re such a good boy.” Danny paused. Her words sounded so familiar.
Later that same day Danny walked by the nursery again. His mother was still talking to the baby.
“You’re so smart, Jonah. What a wonderful boy you are.”
Danny Wuerffel broke into tears.
The voice he had heard his whole life was the voice of his mother and father. It was the voice of love and encouragement.
Anonymous
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