I had the privilege and honor to see THE KING’S SPEECH for the second time with my family.  I saw it the first time among many of the stuttering community at the premiere. I loved it then but focused more on Colin Firth and his stammering as they call it in England.  I also wanted to see it with my family who has lived with my stuttering journey.  I especially wanted to witness their reactions.  My daughters are 16 and 12.  They are my support system and my rock, as is my husband.   I think they understand stuttering better than most people I know.  They have not only supported me but encouraged me to keep talking and helping others who stutter.  They get upset when others finish my sentence or ask me if I forgot my name.  This doesn’t happen too much anymore, but the aftermath of these events exist, as most of us know. 

When the movie first started, I focused on Bertie’s fear.  The agony in his eyes was evident. I looked over and saw my daughters with their hands clasped close to their mouth and knees up by their chest waiting for his words to come out. We could all feel his struggle.

As the movie continued, I watched the bond Bertie and Lionel gradually formed.  The need for Lionel to dig deep beyond the mechanics was brilliant in that time period.  How did he know? How did Lionel know the greatness this man had that was buried in him and covered by fear?  He didn’t have credentials behind him, just some limited experiences.  He instinctively knew he had to get into his patient’s sole and see what makes them tick. 

I think back to the few SLPs who helped me and encouraged  me to work and improve.  They all had to work on more than motorics.  I have learned to do the same and didn’t truly realize it until I saw this film.

When children come in and tell me they practiced and are more fluent, several questions start forming in my mind.  After I tell them how truly wonderful I think they are and brave.  I ask them who they were talking with?  Do they still have fears? If yes, why?  What is stopping you?  What are your goals?  How do you feel about your speech?  It is a gradual process -one which requires the patience of very special speech pathologists!  These children and adults are delicate gifts in our hands and need to filled with confidence and strength.  Yes, we have to teach them the skills and they have to want it, but we can help them figure it out along the way.  We have to dig deep and stare into their eyes to see their soles.  Thank you all for reading-and thank you all for allowing me to be your speech pathologist this past year! I considered it a gift in my life!!!!

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