It is such a privilege to talk with you about this quiet powerhouse in my life. For many years, I went with her to speech therapy in Winnipeg every Friday. It must have been frightening for her as she faced these sessions alone. I was asked by the therapist to watch behind the mirror glass as she struggled with each of the sounds as the therapist demonstrated and had her repeat the sounds. I sat in darkness so she couldn't see me behind the mirror. Often I thought she would be discouraged afterwards because the sounds as far as I could tell really didn't come all that well, but she never was. She was always without even one exception cheerful and confident. Often I could not understand her, but Cindy and you and the Baby Rabbit convinced her that in reality the reason I could not understand her was that I couldn't hear well. That seemed to satisfy her.
Week after week went by and months turned into years and we were still going every Friday afternoon. Not only did she not become discouraged, she became more confident and cheerful. It is one of the sweetest blessings of my life to have been the one to take her those many weeks and months and watch her quiet confidence. I have watched as this person has conquered a challenge much larger than any I have ever known. And all of this has left its mark--sort of like a shield of armour --that protects her from the nasty little (and big) messes in life. There is nothing that is impossible for this one. Everything grows and develops and into something useful and valuable as effort is spent to better one's self. She is my hero of faith and works and triumph.
I believe the most inspiring event I have ever known was when she won the speech contest at Keewatin School. I still cannot speak of it. The triumph of that event moved a mountain in my mind and in my life. I will never forget it--even if I may never be able to speak of it.
And you want one word. What would that be? For me, it would have to be "faithful".
-Daddy
-Daddy
