Re: Response to 'paper'.

From: GW
Date: 10/2/99
Time: 4:46:38 PM
Remote Name: 212.228.58.207

Comments

Hi Pete 

I understand what you mean by the "younger" teens finding it nearly impossible to avoid stuttering. In my own personal
situation, I turned completely covert and managed to put out an image of being fluent. However, as you said, in most
cases, stuttering is very obvious. I know it can be hard to tell a 12 year-old that it's perfectly OK to stutter. It's not
pleasant, but it's OK. The unfortunate thing is that peers tend to reinforce that idea and turn stuttering into a massive
problem - e.g. through bullying. 

This, as you said, is where the schools come in, and EDUCATION. I can't stress that enough... and I know you agree!
:-) I think acceptance CAN be accomplished in someone so young... but I guess it would need to be one step at a time.
Meeting other PWS is top of my list. As you mentioned, isolation makes things a thousand times worse. Then dealing
with peers and teachers... making the "atmosphere" in which we stutter a more bearable one. I suppose it's the only way
to push 'fluency' nearer the bottom of the priority list. 

But yes, we've got to take it upon ourselves to educate teachers, parents, other stutterers, and even ourselves... And here
we are in the ISAD, doing just that! By examining our pasts, we can make the future a tad better for others... and as you
said, maybe we can make that net so tight that few people will fall through it. 

Thanks for your support & your thoughts! See you in Manchester! 

-GW

comment

From: Gert Reunes chairman Belgium stutterers
Date: 10/1/99
Time: 10:07:37 AM
Remote Name: 194.78.220.70

Comments

Hi GW, Your paper shows us that you are realy far ahead to make of your stuttering your best weapon. I hope that I can
see you at the Manchester conference, because maybe there is a possible way to defend your paper at the 6th world
congress for people who stutter in 2001 (Belgium). 

Best regards, gert gert.reunes@compaqnet.be

Re: comment

From: GW
Date: 10/2/99
Time: 4:47:25 PM
Remote Name: 212.228.58.207

Comments

Hi Gert 

Thanks for your comment. Sure, I'll be at the Manchester conference all day on Saturday (BSA Annual conference in
Manchester, UK - if anyone wants to join in!) 

I would love to come to the World Congress in Belgium. I guess nothing but good can come out of it! 

Hope to see you in Manchester! 

-GW

I'm not alone

From: Judy Kuster
Date: 10/6/99
Time: 8:47:22 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.30.79

Comments

GW, 

You said the most important thing you ever discovered was that you are not alone. I know some people who are in their
20's who have never met another person they know who stutters. When and how did you discover you are not alone?
Great paper, GW! 

Judy

Re: I'm not alone

From: GW
Date: 10/7/99
Time: 9:52:27 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Judy 

Oh no.... you're going to get me started on the Scatman, aren't ya? :-) 

I didn't know anybody else who stuttered (not even anyone famous, etc.) until one day in May '95, I heard Scatman John
singing all about stuttering on the radio! I remember thinking to myself: "Hey, this guy stutters too!" and that's how it all
began, and had a domino effect... 

As the story goes, I searched for Scatman John on the internet... and of course, when you search for John, you typically
get loads of links and information to stuttering stuff, such was the effective coverage John created about his own
stuttering. 

Rather strangely, I managed to get in touch with John before any stuttering associations. I had no idea what a "stuttering
association" would be like, and it seemed very scary to the isolated 16 year-old that I was. Still, John enthusiastically
explained to me all about the BSA (British Stammering Association) etc., and other associations throughout the world
(needless to say, he's had contact with nearly every one!). He gave me a contact address for Edwin Farr - on the Board of
the BSA and ELSA (The European League of Stuttering Associations). (Big Hello to Edwin, by the way!). He in turn
gave me a contact address for the BSA, who then gave me details on self-help groups in my area, the national
conferences, and local speech therapists (such a great job they do, you see). 

So... I would advise anyone reading this to go straight to the associations - they all do a fantastic job. I have met literally
hundreds of stutterers all over the world, and of course, in Britain, as a result of the ever-increasing international ties
forged by such associations like ELSA and ISA. The Internet has become a great resorce for finding contact addresses
etc., and we can only use it to our advantage - starting with this website! :-) 

I feel it is SO important for any teen out there to understand that there's millions of people out there experiencing exactly
the same things, and sharing the same feelings. All you have to do is reach out. The great understanding and compassion
from other teens who stutter is only a mouse-click, a letter, or -aaaargh!- even a phone call away. 

I did my "reaching out" with a cry for help over 2 and a half years ago. Granted, not everyone's cry for help gets
answered by an international "popstar" ;-), but there are heaps of stuttering teens out there willing to share ideas, support,
etc. I only have to wade through my hundreds of Key-Pal responses to prove that! :-) 

GO FOR IT! You will not be let down.... 

Best, 

-GW :-) 


Re: I'm not alone

From: Mary EllenJones
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:57:47 PM
Remote Name: 205.173.47.34

Comments

As a Speech Therapist I came across a student who stutters and felt she was alone, also. Today she is a JR in high school
and even though she had speech therapy up to 7th grade, she felt alone as a 9th grader and thought she was the only one
who stuttered. I shared some videos with her on stuttering. She then realized she was not alone. Thanks for the info.

Wonderful Article

From: Lynne Shields
Date: 10/7/99
Time: 12:04:28 PM
Remote Name: 199.217.229.96

Comments

Thanks for a great article, GW. You do such a nice job of expressing how you felt and the steps you went through to
make things change for you. My favorite story is the phone-smashing incident. What a great release! Do you mind if I
borrow that one? Now I know what to do with all those phones my husband has been squirreling away in our basement. 

I'll recommend your article to my students tonight in class. Thanks, again, and best wishes. 

Lynne 

Re: Wonderful Article

From: GW
Date: 10/8/99
Time: 3:42:44 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Lynne 

Thanks so much for your compliments! 

Of course you may borrow the phone-smashing idea :-) ... have fun! (Which reminds me - a note to kids: please get
parents permission to use the phone, especially if you're going to demolish it. Thanks!). 

Seriously though, I do hope that I can reach some other teens out there. It is a great honour for me to be doing this, in the
hope that it will generate some positive impact. 

I'd be delighted if your students read the paper! I'll always try to answer ANY queries or responses.... and I don't bite
(unless asked nicely) ;-) 

Thanks again, 

-GW :-) 

Reaching Out

From: Stefan Hoffmann
Date: 10/10/99
Time: 2:50:05 AM
Remote Name: 202.112.89.162

Comments

Hi GW, this is Stefan from China. While planning a first Self-help experience for Stutterers here in Beijing, I searched
the COnference for helpful material, and I think a lot of your feelings as a stuttering teenager are common to me and to
chinese kids as well. when doing this exercise (unfortunately it will be in November only) I will try to bring this first
discussion among kids, who mostly will be talking first time only among stutterers, to the point of seeing stuttering not as
an enemy, but as an part time (and somewhat) difficult companion. You have to get to know "him", to present "her" to
other people and some day hopefully this part time guest will leave to a distant place. It is a long way to accept you are a
stutterer, but life is not only stuttering (I thought so as a teen), and we have a lot of good points in our characters because
we stutter. Thanks for your input, I will use some of your thoughts. Stefan

Re: Reaching Out

From: GW
Date: 10/10/99
Time: 3:41:03 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Stefan 

Many thanks for all your positive thoughts on the paper! It makes me very happy to hear about your participation with
kids and teens who stutter... and also, I was so pleased to hear about you introducing the concept of self-help to them. As
I mentioned before, the feeling that "I'm not alone", really helped me as I started my own self-help and acceptance. It's a
wonderful thing that you can give these kids a chance to make the same discovery. Feel free to use any of my thoughts,
etc - I can't think of a better cause! 

With kind regards and thanks, 

-GW :-)

Thank you

From: Janell Larsen
Date: 10/12/99
Time: 2:11:17 PM
Remote Name: 204.72.75.234

Comments

I would like to thank you for your openings and your thoughts. It will really help work with my students and gain
empathy. I would like to share some of your thoughts with my students, if it is OK with you? 

Re: Thank you

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:17:05 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hi Janell 

Sure - use anything you want, where you want, how you want.... and anyhoot, I can't stop you! ;-) 

That's what the paper is there for... I'm just surprised it has gotten this much response! (Ouch, my typing fingers....) :-) 

Many thanks for the compliments.... 

-GW

Wonderful!

From: Mike Hughes, Ex. Dir., Speak Easy Inc.
Date: 10/13/99
Time: 7:06:20 AM
Remote Name: 142.166.254.7

Comments

GW, 

What a wonderful, touching, and funny paper! It was very well done. So well done, in fact, that I'd like to reprint it in an
upcoming issue of "Speaking Out," Speak Easy's monthly magazine. I'm sure that our readers - young and old - will
learn from it. 

Please post your reply, or email us at info@speakeasycanada.com

Re: Wonderful!

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:20:43 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hey Mike 

Good grief.... my fame goes before me (oops, better watch that ego). I would be absolutely delighted if my paper was
included in your mag.... in fact, would you send me a copy? (Not because I'm an egotist... I want to see what good
company I'm in!). 

Please mail me offlineGW, and hopefully we'll sort something out, OK? 

God, this makes me feel good.... and thanks again! 

-A happy GW :-)

You're such a good writer!

From: Russ Hicks
Date: 10/14/99
Time: 12:53:23 AM
Remote Name: 216.119.161.250

Comments

Hey GW, 

I printed off your paper and read it in bed last night. You're such a fantastic writer! It was just like being there when you
talked about all your life experiences. 

I'm currently working with a 15-year-old girl, Sarah. I wish you two could talk. I've told her about you and she's even
read your paper. I think you two stutter quite a bit alike. She's managed to convince a lot of people she doesn't stutter,
because once she gets started, she's pretty much okay. It's getting started that's tough. And tons of avoidances and
denials, and endless mental gymnastics. Anything to hide her stuttering. And she's pretty good at it. Sound familiar? 

We were talking about Scatman John the other day, and she really needs to hear him. Especially his words. They are so
perfect... 

You said - so wonderfully - that the most important thing you've learned is that you're not alone. And she needs to know
that too. Another thing that you said that rang a loud bell is "one thing I've noticed is that stuttering can dissolve
generation gaps and forge lifelong friendships instead." So true! Just look at you and me! And we've never even met! The
same is happening with Sarah and me. It's truly amazing. This is part of the "gift of stuttering" that we've talked about so
often. I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

Again, a great paper GW! You're influencing a lot of people. Keep up the good work! 

Your buddy in Dallas, 

Russ 

Re: You're such a good writer!

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:28:21 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hey Russ! 

So great of you to get in touch with us "young 'uns".... and you're pretty darn good at it. We can learn sooooo much
from you fogies! Oops, I mean... "learned elders" of course. ;-) 

No, really - I think it's great, I really do. Sarah, if you're reading this - get in touch! (I got your offline mail by the way,
Russ - though that address is going to close soon, OK?). 

As for the Scatman stuff.... my website will be around for a tiny bit longer so perhaps Sarah should try downloading the
song from it: http://www.wonderfulworld.demon.co.uk/welcome.htm or at least, read all the lyric files in the Music
section - they're all there. :-) 

As for you, Russ my elder friend... I wonder if I'm as good at writing as you are at speaking... you Toastmaster King,
you..... ;-) 

We WILL meet - and you'll certainly know about it.... heh heh.... and Sarah, feel free to get in touch! 

Your buddy in breezy England 

-GW :-)

To GW 

From: Marta Bengtson
Date: 10/14/99
Time: 7:49:39 PM
Remote Name: 134.29.41.39

Comments

Dear GW, Hi! How are you doing today? I'm doing okay thank you! I just read your article geared more towards teens.
It was very good! It was an excellant article! I really do feel for you and can totally relate to where you are coming from. I
admitt that I have a problem with stuttering also. To some people it might not be that noticable, but I have to deal with it
everyday. In highschool, I had the hardest time trying to talk to people. I sometimes would avoid words also that I had
trouble with. That I am shy also, it didn't help. It was already hard to meet new people and with stuttering it made it
double trouble. I am a freshman in college now, and I still stutter and I probably always will. I feel that I have come to a
point in my life where I have accepted it. I have taken steps in overcoming my fear of talking in front of people also. I
decided to join the speech team this year. So far it is going very good. I want to commend you for your courage with
dealing with stuttering and to let you know that you're not alone out there. That there are a lot of other people in the world
that are struggling with the same problem. What type of career do you plan to pursue in the near future? I have thought
about either going into Speech Pathology, Special Education, or teaching english as a second language. I'm only a
freshman though, so I still have time to decide. Thank you again for your encouragment and understanding! 

Sinceraly, Marta Bengtson Mankato, Minnesota

Re: To GW GW

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:36:49 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hi Marta 

Great to hear from you! Looks like you already took the steps to acceptance by yourself - and I commend you for that....
it takes a brave human being to look at themselves and accept themselves as they are, stuttering and all. 

Belive it or not, I was also extremely shy in my high school years... I was rather silent, afraid, and alone. I took the same
steps you're taking now... and trust me, things can only get miles better the more you bring such acceptance into your
life. 

Congrats on joining the speech team... being with other people is the greatest thing - you can't beat it, eh? ;-) 

You asked about careers... well, my ideas change every day. At the moment, I'm studying what I enjoy, and vice-versa! I
have another two years at University.... so my career isn't of so much concern right now. Take your time... and when
you're ready, find what you want to do, and go for it. If stuttering isn't holding you back anymore, then there's success
out there for the taking... especially by people who overcome adversity like you and I. 

Best of luck to you.... and thanks so much for your positive comments on the paper... I was real pleased to hear about
your progress. 

Keep up the good work! 

-GW :-)

Bravery

From: Amy P./USA
Date: 10/15/99
Time: 10:58:10 PM
Remote Name: 144.96.155.195

Comments

GW, I would like to commend you on such a heartfelt article. Hopefully, other teens who stutter will read your article
and survive through those tormenting years. I am currently a graduate student in the field of speech-language pathology
and find that stuttering is fascinating. I have a teenage cousin who stutters and I feel so compelled to help her because she
has never received ongoing therapy. Once or twice she went to a therapist and that was it. She has now graduated from
high school and she seems to be handling her stuttering much better. I think the key was for her to slow down. Good luck
with future endeavors and thank you for sharing your personal feelings with us so that we can better understand those we
will, and currently are, working with in therapy. 

Re: Bravery

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:42:04 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hi Amy 

Nice to hear from an excellent speech therapist in the making! Glad to hear that your cousin is doing so well.... though
the "slow down" part is easier said than done! 

You're right.... stuttering is a baffling thing, and I would say that no one therapy would work... the only thing I learned
was that I had to feel good about my own self before I was prepared to accept ideas in therapy. 

There are some awful therapists in this world... and I know you're not going to be one of them. It's the reaching out and
acceptance that helps before someone even begins to think about fluency - and I know you agree! ;-) 

Best to you, and many thanks......... 

-GW :-)

Fluency Paper

From: Susan Olson
Date: 10/18/99
Time: 8:54:58 PM
Remote Name: 209.32.211.237

Comments

Your article gave me much more insight on what a teenager who stutters deals with daily. The idea of giving a
presentation on stuttering would be very effective. I will keep your article in mind as a reference if I have a teenager who
stutters on my caseload. Being able to talk to someone who has experienced it as you have, will be much more effective
than any therapy technique I have learned.

Re: Fluency Paper

From: GW
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 8:46:00 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.9

Comments

Hi Susan 

Thanks for letting me know what positive uses you're getting out of the paper... it's nice to know that something can be
taken from this conference and put into practise in the 'real world'. 

I know my case isn't a "typical" one (but then.... there's no such thing as an average stutterer to generalise from, is
there?!) :-)... but I hope some points may be of use to you in your work with teenagers. Feel free to use anything you
want, and I hope it helps you with any teens you come across - a presentation seems like a great idea! 

Many thanks & kind regards, 

-GW :-) 

I am glad you wrote this...

From: Lieven Grommen
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 2:30:48 PM
Remote Name: 212.190.5.45

Comments

I was very happy to read your personal history. The possibilities of actual communication will let none of us alone
anymore. You reached out and found a way. Inspiring for all of us.

Re: I am glad you wrote this...

From: GW
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 10:34:44 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hey Lieven 

Many thanks... to be able to offer inspiration means a great deal to me. 

Yes.... communication and education are the key, aren't they?! :-) Your paper was great - I enjoyed reading it. Another
inspiration in this ISAD. 

Thanks again, 

-GW :-)

Thanks

From: Robin Groves, Maryland, USA
Date: 10/19/99
Time: 9:59:50 PM
Remote Name: 63.64.219.37

Comments

Many thanks for your wonderful paper. My 10 yr old son has stuttered since 2nd grade and I printing and saving a copy
of it for inspiration as he gets a little older. Thanks again!

Re: Thanks

From: GW
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 10:37:17 AM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Robin 

I agree, wait until he's older... you don't want to corrupt a young, innocent mind with my terrible humour just yet! ;-) 

All jokes aside, I was delighted to hear that you found my paper useful. It is a great experience to reach out to people like
that. 

Thanks, and best to you and your son... 

-GW

Thanks for sharing

From: Mary AhlersÊ SLP
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 12:16:15 PM
Remote Name: 209.105.65.189

Comments

Dear GW, 

I enjoyed your article a great deal. I work with students in both the Junior High and High School settings, and know your
paper will be of great help to several of my kids. I hope you don't mind if I print it off and share it. 

You have a great sense of humor and some really neat writing skills! Thank you for sharing your story. Keep up the good
work and keep on talking! 

Re: Thanks for sharing

From: GW
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 5:44:41 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Mary 

Why thankyou.... and no, I don't mind at all if you use the paper for sharing with kids - that's exactly who it's intended
for! :-) 

As far as all the great feedback goes with regards to my sense of humour.... hey, if I couldn't laugh about stuttering and
all the mess that comes with it, I'd be one very sad individual! :-) 

Many thanks for reading the paper and your compliments.... good luck with your work with kids, and keep it up! 

Many thanks and best to you, 

-GW

Way to go

From: Brenda Harguth
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 4:56:29 PM
Remote Name: 208.149.249.68

Comments

I admire your great sense of self. Teenagers have so many difficulties to get through and it's great that you have built your
self-esteem, got past the stuttering and on with your life. You are an inspiration to teenage stutters!

Re: Way to go

From: GW
Date: 10/20/99
Time: 5:50:18 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Brenda 

Well..... self-acceptance is something that came after years of work, and I know it's possible for younger people to reach
such a thing, even in their teens. That's what I'm trying to put out.... it's all there for the taking, and all you need is belief
in yourself - not fluency, not a cure, but just yourself. 

I sincerely hope that some teens who have read my article will somehow begin that process and I also hope it has a
positive effect on them. 

As for inspiration - I'm sure I've created a lot of smashed telephones and noisy stutterers, if nothing else! :-) 

Thanks for your positive feedback, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on the paper! 

Best, 

-GW

Good GW!

From: Robert in Sweden...
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 8:10:47 AM
Remote Name: 194.16.235.33

Comments

Whery good writing, GW!! Are teens, the best stuttering yeares in your life??

Re: Good GW!

From: GW
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 5:59:59 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hey Robert! 

Haven't heard from you for a while - how's things? Nice to hear from you.... GW 

Yes.... my teenage years have been the best stuttering years so far (I couldn't compare it to stuttering in adulthood, of
course - because I'm never growing up!) :-) My teens gave me a path to follow to achieve my goals and dreams while I'm
still young.... that, I think, has set me up for the rest of my stuttering life! :-) 

See ya, 

-GW

 Support for Teens

From: Karla Becker
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 2:55:55 PM
Remote Name: 207.109.214.34

Comments

Thank you so much for your insight into the experience of stuttering for teens.I am going to share your article with my
teenaged speech students. Hopefully your positive experiences in networking with other stuttering teens will encourage
them to become more open to these types of supportive activities. 

Re: Support for Teens

From: GW
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 6:03:17 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Karla 

Thanks for the response.... I'm so glad to hear that my paper is going to reach more teens out there. If I can help even
one teen out there, then I'm happy :-) 

I hope the teens you work with find the paper useful... and I hope they get the great feeling that came over me when I
realised I'm not alone anymore. That, as I mentioned in the paper... was one of the best experiences in my teenage life,
and I hope it works for them too! 

Many thanks.... and best to you, 

-GW

you've got it together!

From: dehmc@aol.com
Date: 10/21/99
Time: 11:50:14 PM
Remote Name: 152.163.204.182

Comments

I am a graduate student in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of South Alabama. I am not a person who
stutters, but your comments gave me great insight into the mind of a teenager who stutters. You were right about how
cruel teens in their early years can be...and everyone usually has had some bad experiences. Luckily, people mature and
become more understanding of others. Those that do not are usually just ignorant, so don't worry about them just try
your hardest to do as you are already doing by promoting stuttering education. I am so pleased that you are so accepting
of your stuttering. You have now won half the battle. Best Wishes...YOU TRULY ARE AN INSPIRATION.

Re: you've got it together!

From: GW
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:18:46 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi there, 

Many thanks for your positive comments... I think it's great that SLP students can benefit from all that's going on in
during this ISAD, and I'm just pleased to be a part of it! 

It makes me feel good to know that you drew something from the article.... I completely agree with the fact that yes, kids
will grow up and -thank God - bullying tends to subside when your peers start realising how to act. I guess there are still
some instances of bullying in adulthood (e.g. at the workplace), but that's something perhaps someone else can address. 

Well, I'm glad to improve anyone's understanding... and once again, thanks for your comments! 

Best to you and your work in the future.... 

-GW

University

From: Suzanne Danforth
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 7:31:18 AM
Remote Name: 24.218.91.126

Comments

Hi GW, your article was terrific! I was wondering, it says you are at University....is it Oxford? If not, I just want you to
know I think you continue to be a great candidate. I will share your article with any teenage stutterer I meet. Thanks!

Re: University

From: GW
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:24:31 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Suzanne 

No, I'm afraid I never did get to Oxford.... as I mentioned in the paper, my teachers all thought I was set to go there...
but I let stuttering hold me back in those last couple of years in high school. 

Rather than repeat my two years of study, I went on to Lancaster University, where I'm now located. Apparently it's still
in the top ten anyway (not that statistics are my thing... I can't even say the word - ha ha). 

I'm having a ball despite all the mess of the past. I just hope others can learn from my mistakes... or at least, realise that
there is much more to life than worrying about what will happen if you stutter. 

I hope that answers your query! 

Thanks for your input.... and it's great that you might show the paper to other teens... as I always say, "That's what it's
there for!" 

Kind regards, 

-GW

Great Article!!!

From: Sarah
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 9:51:09 AM
Remote Name: 152.163.204.201

Comments

GW, 

Hi GW! I really enjoyed your article! You did a fantastic job! Well, my name is Sarah and I am a 15 year old who
stutters. You've probably heard about me from Russ' post. 

When I read your article I found that I could REALLY relate to everything you said. I've been stuttering for about 7 years
now, but it was only 3 months ago when I started to come out of the closet and actually do something about my
stuttering. I was constantly hiding it by substituting words, avoided situations, and many more things. And when I say
"do something about my stuttering" I mean that I have started reading and researching and finding out as much stuff as I
can about stuttering. 

I found the Stuttering Homepage and read SO many things on it, and I have even met people on line who stutter. AND I
met Russ and his wife at the fair and we had an awesome time! Now I don't feel alone! I realize now that I'm not the only
one who stutters! 

Thanks for writing that incredible article about teen stuttering, because it has really helped me to understand that I'm not
alone and I don't have to keep my stuttering hidden in the closet! 

Sincerely, Sarah 

Re: Great Article!!!

From: GW
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:33:38 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hey Sarah 

Great to hear from you! Yes, I did get both emails from you and Russ.... I'll get back to you as soon as I can, OK?
Things are a little hectic around here... and this paper is really getting a reception I never imagined! So I'll also get back to
you via usual email as soon as I can! 

Well, thanks so much for all your comments. Russ is a great guy... good friend of mine - and guess what - we've never
even met! I'm so glad you could relate to my paper... that's what I set out to do. You know the feeling as well as I do -
when you realise that there's someone out there going through exactly the same things... it's great. 

I was soooooo pleased to hear about your "acceptance", and the fact that you're no longer relying on substitution etc. It
was also nice to hear about you educating yourself on stuttering (yes, this website is a great place to start - but I bet you
haven't read it all yet! It's HUGE, isn't it?) 

So.... keep your stuttering out there, and keep yourself free to do what you like, and get what you want out of life. I
think you're off to a fantastic start. Give yourself a pat on the back! 

Bye for now.... and thanks again! 

-GW :-)

TEENS

From: Celeste Ruebl
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 3:26:12 PM
Remote Name: 209.224.21.194

Comments

GW, Thanks so much for your article. It was great!! My stuttering clients have generally been elementary school age but
I will print your article amd keep it for possible later reference. I especially appreciate and admire your honesty. I look
forward to reading more from you. 

Re: TEENS

From: GW
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:36:41 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Celeste 

Thanks for your post.... good to hear that the paper will have an impact on other kids - that's great. :-) 

As for hearing more from me.... my typing fingers are going to drop off at the end of this conference! I think I need time
to recover.... ;-) 

Well, thanks again.... and if I'm going to do any more writing, then I certainly hope you'll be doing more reading! 

Best, 

-GW :-)

teens stuttering

From: Eric Petersen
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:25:30 PM
Remote Name: 205.173.47.34

Comments

I read your article and I related to everything that you had said. Thank you for your insight and your article was a great
help.

Re: teens stuttering

From: GW
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 4:39:02 PM
Remote Name: 148.88.17.28

Comments

Hi Eric 

Many thanks for your comment.... it's great to hear that people are appreciating the paper! :-) 

I hope I can continue to reach other people and relate to others out there like yourself. It certainly makes a difference in my
life. 

Thanks & best to you, 

-GW 


TEENS

From: Mary Ellen Jones
Date: 10/22/99
Time: 5:08:16 PM
Remote Name: 205.173.47.34

Comments

I think your article is great GW. We need more teens who stutter to come forward and comment about stuttering and to
help each other to know they are not alone. Thanks for the great article that I will share with the teens that see me for
speech therapy.