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From: Alan Badmington (to Stefan)
Date: 04 Oct 2005
Time: 03:35:01 -0500
Remote Name: 84.65.25.184
Hi Stefan, My speech did not noticeably improve when I retired from the Police Service. As a result of my police duties, I would frequently speak to a hundred or more people a day. When I retired, I lost this important interaction. My speaking opportunities were greatly reduced. A few years later, I was involved in a road traffic accident. My social life became greatly restricted and my speech worsened. At times, I would not even answer the telephone. If I was walking in the street, I would cross the road to avoid speaking to people. I had a great deal of time to dwell upon my stutter, and I was at a particularly low ebb. The real change occurred in 2000 when my wife encouraged me to make one last effort to come to terms with the problem. I was so sceptical because all previous therapies/approaches had been unsuccessful. Some had worked for a while, but I was never able to hold onto the gains that I achieved in the safe environment of the therapy room/course/workshop. I had vowed that I would never again place myself in a situation where I might experience such heartache and disappointment. Besides, employment was no longer an issue and I did not think that I could generate the motivation. My wife's suggestion did not originate from any dissatisfaction (on her part) with my speaking ability. She has always loved me unconditionally, providing support whenever it was needed. But she knew that I felt I could have achieved more in life. I had never attained my full potential and, sometimes, had to accept second-best. She was the catalyst of the change. But, once she pointed me in the right direction, and I learned the new techiques etc, and gained access to the support network, I did not look back. The rest is history - as they say ;-) I hope this clarifies the situation. Kindest regards Alan