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From: Russ Hicks
Date: 10/9/02
Time: 5:49:56 PM
Remote Name: 12.237.31.119
Thank you for your kind words, Ann Marie.
Is stuttering REALLY a gift? It certainly all depends on how you look at it. When Christopher Reeve fell off his horse and became paralyzed for life, was that a gift? Apparently he thinks so. Certainly he wouldn't have planned his own life that way! But that quirky turn of event changed him from being a two bit actor who played Superman (whoopee) to an inspiration for LOTS of people. He CHOSE to turn his disability into an inspiration. He didn't just lay there and feel sorry for himself - which would have been SOOO easy for him to do! It's been said life is not about what happens to you, but how you choose to react to it. I like that idea...
Some people wonder how it feels to be "different." I was watching TV just this morning and saw an interview with Heather Whitestone, the first deaf Miss America. I had the privilege of actually meeting her one day and talking with her for quite a while. She is undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I have ever met in my life - and probably one of the nicest. It was all I could do to keep standing up, my knees were so weak from her charm. She definitely speaks as a deaf person speaks, with that typical "accent" of one who is very hard of hearing. But she is extremely understandable and her "accent" makes her so memorable and utterly charming. If she spoke like a typical person from Kansas City, she would have been just another beauty queen, attractive and nice, but somewhat forgettable. But because of her speech - which I absolutely love - she is head over heels more attractive and wonderful than your typical beauty queen. Is she different? Yes! .... Thank heavens! <smile>
Christopher Reeve and Heather Whitestone are not your typical people. They stand out as bright stars in the sky. They are truly my heroes!
If I have contributed to you becoming a better speech therapist, I'm very honored. Thank YOU for dedicating YOUR life and YOUR career to MY cause. What more can I possibly ask from you? You too are my hero!
Best wishes,
Russ