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YOUR CART

FINALLY

By Brett Schaffran
At 34 I spoke my first word. I am a speller, and my name is Brett Schaffran.  All my life there was the desire to speak:  but my mouth doesn’t listen to my brain. For a long time I believed I might one day be able to, but when I realized  that would never happen, I despaired. Almost all of us are seen by the world as incapable. But given the right supports, we are very capable indeed.

My life has changed so much in the past year. Feelings of joy are now the norm for me, rather than the exception. My dream of talking has come true…and I want to finally be heard.

Picture

7/29/2024 8 Comments

Finally

I am currently the oldest student at M2H. At the time of writing this I am 35, and didn’t start to talk until I was 34. I spent eternity, it felt like, in silence. Knowing I would never be talking was an agony no one can understand unless they were also nonspeaking. I lived in terror and loneliness. Would I die without saying a word? Would no one ever know that I was trapped in this body?  Please understand that my parents are the most amazing people on earth and created program after program for the person they believed me to be. 


For all my life doing and thinking at the same time was impossible. But then along came Judy, and everything changed.  Knowing I can talk now means that the sun finally rises each day. Finally my parents are meeting me. Finally I can become someone real.

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8 Comments
Donna Woolston Smith
7/29/2024 09:17:27 pm

Wow, Brett! So very very Happy for you.

Reply
Tobey
7/30/2024 10:43:02 am

Darling Brett, we have known you and loved you as silent and now as speaking; it was always clear who you are. We didn’t need to hear the words to know how bright and thoughtful you are. You radiated awareness, astuteness, and desire to be understood. Watching your parents adore you and Josh push you to see how far you could go has been an amazing past. But the present is now and your future is brilliant. With tears in our eyes and chills through our body reading, this honest offering, mark and I simply say again we love you and respect you so very, very much.

Reply
Jim Cutie
7/30/2024 11:01:32 am

Brett, Beautiful writing. But I’m not surprised since I’ve been enjoying your insights each week in poetry class for the past few months. I’m the old grey haired guy who listens intently as you and your colleagues discuss poetry with Judy each Thursday. And 35 is not old. ( I know old). You have many wonderful sun rises ahead! See you Thursday. Jim (aka Joss’ dad)

Reply
Suzanne McAndrews
7/31/2024 05:04:58 pm

Your words are so beautiful!! So happy for you, Brett. May miracles abound !!

Reply
Jim Cutie
8/26/2024 06:35:49 pm

Brett,

Another great blog post. I am old enough to remember the Jets Super Bowl win- With quarterback Joe Namath! Keep writing. I’m a big fan… of yours.

See you soon.

Jim

Reply
Rob Clarfeld
8/27/2024 05:06:43 pm

Dear Brett,
Thank you for sharing. You are proof that miracles happen. Now we need one for the Jets!
Love,
Uncle Robbycat

Reply
Leah Porta
9/7/2024 10:56:17 am

The absolute joy I feel for you and your family "finally" being able to talk brings tears to my eyes. I hope our son will one day be able to also express his thoughts, to be seen and heard just as you are now. Bravo for never giving up!

Reply
Steven Rosen
9/9/2024 01:24:51 pm

Hooray, Brett! So proud of you and thrilled for you and the whole family. Keep up the great work!

Love, Cousin Steven

Reply



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