During some of the most difficult times of my life, someone showed up once a week. I knew the knock on the door would come. They would walk into the classroom and ask for me. I didn't want them to come, to be singled out, to be made fun off or to be different from the other kids. But I was.

All those years of help from the speech therapists set me free from the outward expression of my different way of speaking. The inward feeling of ridicule and rejection was left untouched for years. 

A few weeks ago, I was serving teachers of our local school. All of the teachers had been through a difficult training that morning and you could see the weight and depth of emotion they have for their students.  As I mingled, expressing my gratitude for what they do for our children, I met a young woman who is a speech therapist. We talked about what she does and how it impacts the lives of the children. I realized that in my 7 plus years of therapy, I never, not once, thought of them in a positive light. I waited for the knock with dread. Thinking that they were the cause of the laughter and rejection. I cannot tell you if it was a woman or a man who came to get me. I don't even know their name. I never saw them. I only saw me.

That afternoon, I looked this woman in the eyes and shared my story. Where I started and where I am today because of  many someones who did what she does. I thanked her for the work she does. For the lifelong impact she is making in a child's life.  I told her not to get discouraged because the children do not understand the difference she is making. We both had tears rolling down our faces. Hers, the encouragement to keep helping. Mine, cleansing from deep in my soul.

I went to bless those who take care of our children every day. I came away with a blessing far greater than I gave.

Thank you. Two words we need to use every day.

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