Dear Mr. Tuohy and Dreams for Kids:
I want to thank you so much for helping contribute to my ICRE-R Diveheart Scuba Diving trip to Florida June 19th through June 24th. Without your generous contribution, I would not be able to have such a wonderful time down here!
I took my first plane trip on Saturday. The flight attendant gave me my wings and a certificate for my first flight. The takeoff was very exciting. It is beautiful out here in Florida Keys! They have the most beautiful plam trees out here. I’ve never seen palm trees before. The sun feels great. The resort we are staying at is also great, and the room has a beautiful view. We have a pool where I am able to do my therapy exercises in between traveling from the marina for diving. I even had some swimming lessons to help me get stronger in order to move through the water with my upper body. I also learned more about how to be responsible while traveling away from home; I had responsibilities to help my roommates to prepare meals, keep our rooms clean, pack gear, clean clothes and do the dishes. I also learned more about giving direction to a personal attendant regarding how to help me with my medication schedule, handling of my wheelchair and appliances, and safe transfers on multiple surfaces while traveling. This was all new and wonderful!
I have already done 3 open water dives. The first dive was in a lagoon, and yesterday we did two ocean dives. We took a huge diving boat onto the open ocean. I feel very free in the water. At first I was a little nervous, but I was able to get through my nervousness with the help of my awesome diving instructors and buddies. I have seen clown fish, octopus, stringrays, and crabs. I also tasted salty ocean water for the first time (it was nasty!). This trip has changed my life forever.
The people I have met here are very polite. A man who works at the hotel gave me a souvenir; it is a fish made out of a coconut and shells. I have met many people who are on vacation out here. The ladies are beautiful! Today we are going to Key West to check out the shops and see the sunset over the ocean. I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful opportunity. I will never forget how you have helped me reach my goal as a certified diver!
Sincerely,
Quincy Dees