When I traveled with Holland America in 2007, I attended the comedy/magic show performed by Craig Diamond. When it came time for him to call an assistant on stage, he picked me. I pretended that I didn’t want to be on stage, so that the act would be more fun for Mr. Diamond and the audience. Just listening to our banter, the audience roared with laughter. Then it came time for me to lie on the table, the kind with knives underneath. I had uncontrollable giggles with tears streaming down my face and arms and legs flailing. Mr. Diamond had trouble keeping me still. When it came time to put the knives through me I didn’t move a muscle, not knowing how the trick worked. When I saw Mr. Diamond after the show, he was with his sister. They said that it was his best show ever. Unfortunately, the show was not recorded.
After boarding the Canada cruise and studying the entertainment schedule, I saw that Craig Diamond was to perform. I called a friend, “He’s on the ship! He’s on the ship!” I hoped to be on stage, again, but audience members were no longer allowed. I attended his shows, which were great as usual. We also met up for dinner. In 2023 Mr. Diamond was the recipient of the magic world’s highest honor, The Milbourne Christopher Lifetime Achievement Award. I thought the magic world’s highest honor was having me on stage.