Linda Hoffman
c/o Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders
700-B NW Hill Street, Bend, Oregon 97701–2923

A mother's joy and gratitude upon hearing her child speak for the first time underline why the Rite's philanthropic mission to America's children is so important.

I have always known that I would gladly give any part of my body to any of my three children to keep them alive. Never did I even imagine that one would need to share a part of me moment to moment throughout every day.

Looking back, I'm unsure of when it became evident to me that my daughter Micah and I were sharing one mouth. Maybe it was noticing other children the same age as Micah using words clearly to communicate their thoughts and express their excitement at the world around them. Or the many times that strangers would stop, bend down to her level and ask her name or age, and she would continually look up to me with desperation in her eyes for help. Our problem became clearer as I noticed myself hopping at her every grunt and sound. I knew what she wanted and was able to respond quickly.

The months went by, her second birthday came and went, still no words. During her third year, we kept waiting and hoping that this would be Micah's year of speech development. Many comments were repeatedly brought to me: "Oh, it must be because you're not reading enough to her" or, "Sure, why should she be talking when she has you and a big brother who can talk for her?"

In desperation, we had Micah tested by a speech therapist in Southern California. Her test results proved what we already knew. Micah is bright, actually above her age level in some ways, yet out of 100 children her age, her ability to express herself was poorer than 99! An audiologist reported that Micah had perfect hearing. The speech therapist suggested therapy twice weekly for around $120 per week. With Micah's problem not covered by our insurance, we knew it would be incredibly difficult to keep up these payments. Yet, what price do you put on your child's development and confidence? As badly as we wanted help, this cost was beyond our means, so again the months went by as we shared the frustration of our precious Micah.

Then we moved to Bend, Oregon. There, as Micah sat in her gymnastics class one morning, the teacher wanted each of the students to say their name and their favorite flavor of ice cream. Micah sat silently, as she often did, trying to hold back the tears. I quickly walked out onto the mats as she completely broke down in embarrassment and frustration. That week I read an article about Stephanie Marz at the Scottish Rite Clinic in Bend. The article had a chart of regular speech development. My heart sank as I realized that Micah was unable to express herself as well as a child almost two years younger.

This is a journey I never thought I would take, and it truly breaks my heart daily. My dear Micah is a thoughtful girl of extremely strong character and able to understand everything said to her and around her. I ache for her as I look into her eyes and see she is locked up behind that beautiful face. I have been her communication link to the world since she made her first noise. She looks at me and tries with all her might to express what she needs or notices around her. I'm there for her, and we "talk" together daily, yet we only use one mouth. I know what she wants to say. I repeat it back to her. Then I respond. Without me, I'm afraid she'd sink into silence. It's been my goal to give her the confidence that she does have the ability to communicate. She is not alone.

Micah is now three and has begun therapy with Stephanie. With only a handful of words, really sounds, Stephanie, a speech-language pathologist at the Bend, Oregon, Scottish Rite Clinic, is beginning to build the art of communication into our little Micah. I continue to speak for two as I refuse to let her feel alone or not understood, but now I have hope that one day she will have the ability to run to me and rush through one of those run-on sentences children love.

Meeting Stephanie has been the most incredible experience. Every morning when we step into her office, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for the privilege of having this special person use her expertise to help our Micah. She is the first person to come aboard and stay with us for the long road ahead. She has given us invaluable tools with which we have been able to help Micah. Each session of therapy is filled with joy as Micah is able to let down her guard and imitate the fun sounds Stephanie makes. I have noticed Micah's joy and peace return to her personality in these past few months. Our sessions with Stephanie have given us all hope and encouragement. By watching Stephanie work with Micah, I've learned to celebrate every sound she makes, whether imitation, repetition, or creation. I now find myself using sounds with Micah as we carry on our daily routine. Stephanie has also introduced some simple sign language, and this has relieved so much tension and frustration.

The Scottish Rite clinic has provided a guide we can lean on and learn from. I will always treasure what we have been given and will never be able to thank Stephanie, the clinic, and Oregon's Scottish Rite Masons enough for reaching out to our family.