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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 30 Sep 2012
Time: 16:00:04 -0500
Remote Name: 95.144.96.118
Hi Maartje, Thank you, so much, for sharing your story - I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. If the age of 30 is considered “OLD”, then I shudder to think how you would describe someone of my advanced years. :-) Many congratulations on celebrating your 30th birthday on September 1 – you have certainly achieved a great deal in those three decades. But I would like to offer a few words of reassurance to those who may not come to terms with their stuttering issues by the time they have reached that landmark. As I have discovered during the past 12 years, it’s never too late to become the person you’ve always wanted to be. We can start living our life to the full irrespective of the date that appears on our birth certificate.:-) But, as you have demonstrated, we need to take risks if we are to advance in any aspect of life - not just in relation to our speech. Unless we place ourselves in more demanding situations, we will remain ignorant of our true capabilities. In your paper, you recounted many significant dates from the past. This caused me to undertake a little reminiscing of my own. :-) I have indelible memories of spending time in the company of PWS from all corners of the globe at the 2004 World Congress in Western Australia (where I also had the privilege of being a keynote speaker). I wish you every success at next year’s event to be held in Lunteren. The unfamiliar paths that you are obliged to tread as Congress Chair will further help you to grow as a human being. I know that those who travel to the Netherlands will be guaranteed a warm welcome. While attending a stuttering conference in Europe a few years ago, I experienced some problems with my teeth. Should I ever need dental treatment when visiting the Netherlands, I’ll know where to come. :-) Thank you, once again, Maartje. Kindest regards Alan