Them

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.

1/21/2025 0 Comments

Today I wrote a poem to those nonspeakers still trapped within their minds. Many of my friends from school are still stuck in traditional daycare and group homes, and I know they will never get out. Not a day goes by when I don’t think of them. It hurts my heart thinking of those who can’t talk…and never will.

What life they will lead is torture. They will spend their days in daycare programs that are mind-numbing, being talked to as if they are vegetables. They will have no one ever know who they really are. They will have no opportunities to learn. They will never be able to accomplish anything, and any dreams they had for their lives will never come true.

I am going to keep wishing that they get to come here someday. That way my heart won’t ache every day.