what is a otw??

Moral. No question about it. You used Out of this World to help a friend pass an exam by getting over her nervous condition.

If helping someone over an emotional hump isn't moral, I don't know what is.

Good for you!

Lee Darrow, C.H.

Mc_magi, the story that you told was precisely what I am talking about. There is of course the magic that we all work on. I practice for my shows. I do not only the practicing of the sleights but the routining, the staging, etc.

But it is so easy, in our working on the 'big picture', to miss on the chances to create real magic. It's so easy for us, in our pursuit of the perfect execution of the illusion to overlook the moments in which we can change lives with nothing more than a 3 minute investment of our time and a silver dollar sized coin made of cheap nickle.

What is really amazing is that most of us would be happy to spare those few moments to bring joy into someone else's life - we just forget to look for them.

Great story! I wish I could get that effect with my own kids, but after watching me do magic for the 1000th time.... well......you all know how that is. Anyway, very inspirational story!

Wonderful Story. Thanks so much for sharing.

Rik, as a very late comment on YOUR story, the only thing I can say is it brought tars to my eyes. as they say in China - a "cry for happy" kind of tears.

Truly a random act of magic and a special kindness.

Well done, my friend!

Lee Darrow, C.H.

Thanks for the original Post. I was very powerful, and my reply is you are magic. Magic is not the effect that you do but more the effect that you leave your spectator with.

In the past 2 years I have gotten involved in some greif counseling, mainly with youngsters between the ages of 7 and 16. These are children that have lost a parent, grandparent, or sibling within the last six months. It is through magic that I try to connect with people that are going through a rough time. Hearing many of their stories I have been brought to tears more than once.

However in sharing my magic I have seen tears turn to smiles, and sorrow turn to joy, even if only briefly. My message is that even though they are hurting now, there are things to smile about. Magic is in all of us and the greatest place to find it is within yourself because then you can share it with some one else. It is in the act of sharing magic that it come to life, and becomes real.

Your selfless act of kindness created Magic in its truest form, in that childs mine he hase a magicx coin, in the fathers mind you have created an outstanding magic memory that I am sure is rememered much greater than your recollection.

Thank you for sharing
Scott

My brother had Downs. Unfortuantly he has passed on, but I always love hearing stories like this. Thanks rikbrooks for sharing with both the boy and his father and us here on the Café!

Thanks rik - this is what magic's all about...

Thanks for sharing this wonderful and emotional event with us.

Rick:

I'm proud of you -- especially since you and I have a connection through the late Fred Scott Donaldson. You done good!

Fred would have liked that.

Check your local clinics to find a support group for people with Down syndrome. Also check out United Cerebral Palsy. These people are often neglected. They love magic.

Brilliant! It is people like you who share moments like this that make us proud...

I must say, that was a truly awe-inspiring story. You have to create a club for magicians working to make the world a better place . It seems like a different form of magic...it's "real" in a sense.

Sir, you have definitely made my day, and everyone's I'm sure. Thanks for that!


Dan

Very beautiful story, thanks for sharing this.

For anyone looking for a place to start volunteering with people who need it, I also suggest checking out Copperfield's Project Magic (www.davidcopperfield.com) or with the Spencers Healing of Magic (www.magictherapy.com). It can be very tough sometimes, but working with patients can be a very rewarding experience for people who really a little magic in their lives. As has been noted here, contacting a charity or foundation directly can also lead to unique opportunities. Hospitals might be a little easier to start working with, though, as they may already have a physical/recreational therapy program in place you can work with.

Rick,

I would like to say that your story was very inspirational and thank you very much for sharing it with the rest of us. I have had the opportunity to perform in a hospital setting and enjoy the reactions that I recieve.

I just saw this thread now, so, just wanted to say as a newbie that I agree with those saying that's the true magic.

Made me a bit teary as well.

Great story, and more importantly, it was a great thing you did.

Rik,

A couple of organizations that work with developmentally delayed individuals: Special Olympics and Parent to Parent. Both of these organizations have a national presence.

Your original post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for reaching out in such a special way. You will definitely be blessed beyond your intitial contact.

Sherrie

Rick,

I guess your testimonial just demonstrate us the aim of Magic. It's a very strong medium to inspire people, the art of astonishment can make miracles (even small ones...).

I had the oportunity to practice Magic in an Hopsital in Bogota, for children from 7 to 15, in cancer therapy. Such an emotion to see their faces changing, to see hope coming back the time of a simple but effective close up trick...

:bikes:

After a LONG day at work, thank you for reminding me why magic really is magic!

Gary

Thankyou for sharing your story. It is magic.

Anyone else care to share their experiences?

Would love to hear more stories of touching lives.

Thanks again for the inspiration.

Shawn

Bravo!!

and thanks for sharing