October Daily #15~Post you favorite word and describe it in photos. I love the word(s) Origami Owl and now read on to find out why!
As I already stated here on more then one occasion many people think my girls are twins even though they aren’t and are indeed 16 months apart. Even though they look so very much alike, they do have differences, such as Emma writes with her right hand and Lily with her left hand.
Emma is Right Handed and Lily is Left Handed…
I would never think twice as a difference like this, except my grandmother, as a child was, left handed, but as an adult when I was born was right handed. How can that be?
Well, back when she was a kid, they didn’t believe in people writing with their left hands and thought this was some sort of evil in Catholic school. She had her left hand tied behind her back as a little girl and was forced to write with her right hand.
This was traumatic to say the least and she began to stutter. She couldn’t have been more then 5 or 6 years old, but was treated miserably by the school and her teacher with this.
My Grandmother On Her Wedding Day~Thankfully She Overcame Her Stuttering By This Point
It took a wonderful high school speech teacher to help my grandmother overcome her stuttering. I heard this story so many time over the years and remember when I had Emma, she kept telling me she hoped she wasn’t left handed, because she still upsetting it was for her as a young girl. If she knew Lily was left handed, I am sure she would have been beside herself with some sort of worry. Thankfully, Lily will be taught how to write and not have the same thing happen to her. God help anyone that would try this, because as a mother I probably would have my claws come out on this.
But I digress, you may remember awhile back that I had a guest post and giveaway from Jenny Adams with Origami Owl.
Well, she is back today to talk all about National Stuttering Day, how Origami Owl has pitched in to help with this cause and also offering more awesome jewelry, as well as another fabulous giveaway.
So now without further ado, I hand Jenny over my blog for a cause as I mentioned near and dear to my heart, too!
Can you imagine not being able to say your own name? Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or “disfluencies,” in a person’s speech. Stuttering is commonly misunderstood. There is no exact known cause, and no known cure(common to many beliefs). It is no ones fault, not caused by being nervous or any emotional disorders. Sometimes speech therapy can help them communicate more effectively, and sometimes it can’t at all.
This month is special to our family, not because of the upcoming Halloween holiday, but because on October 22nd we will celebrate the International Stuttering Awareness Day!! You see, my daughter Jada, is a person who stutters. Jada started stuttering when she was 7, which in the Stuttering world is not very common. Most people start at the age of 3 or 4. For many years we struggled as her speech progressively got worse,until her speech therapist at her elementary school eventually referred us to the University of Central Florida Communication Disorders Clinic. There we met a wonderful women named Dr. Charlotte Harvey who would soon introduce us to the National Stuttering Association.
Jenny and Jada
The National Stuttering Association, ran by an angel named Tammy Flores, would soon turn our world upside down. Dr. Harvey informed us that the NSA’s Annual conference was coming up and we should do whatever we could to attend. Thanks to the amazing financial contributors to the NSA, Jada and I were able to go for a very minimal fee. We didn’t know what to expect but after our first workshop we knew life would never be the same. Tears rolling down my face, I soon discovered that I was NOT alone in this journey. There was a room full of parents who would give anything to not have there child suffer with this speech disorder. Meanwhile, Jada was in her own workshop filled with children her age who stuttered just like her. By the end of this conference we had discovered that Jada’s stuttering wasn’t going anywhere. It was a part of her, but we definitely weren’t going to let it define her.
Again this year we were able to attend the NSA Annual Conference, thanks in part to the scholarship fund they provide. Without generous donations, our family, among many others, would not be able to attend this life changing event. We were able to spend 5 days with friends that have turned into family!
So this month I give back the only way I can, by advertising about Stuttering and giving back to the Association that means so much to our family. To help, just in time for the holidays, please consider a purchase at www.jennyadams.origamiowl.com. 100% of the proceeds will go to the National Stuttering Association. Please select “Janine’s NSA Jewelry Bar” during check out to ensure the NSA receives all the proceeds. I thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
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If you stutter, or know someone who does, you are NOT alone! More information can be found a westutter.org
Jada’s video can be viewed here now:
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Niki says
My brother didn't stutter but had a lot of issues with his speech when he was very young and had to go to speech therapy numerous times a week, so although it's not the same, I can relate and I think this is a great day to recognize these kids! I'm glad your grandmother ended up with such a wonderful and helpful teacher, that really must have been traumatic to have her hand tied behind her back like that.
Janine Huldie says
Niki, thank you for sharing about your brother and I do agree about recognizing these kids. My husband's sister also had speech issues as a child and I couldn't even imagine, but I am so glad there are services out there to help. So it was my pleasure to share this here today 🙂
NuggetOnABudget says
I never knew that Lily was left handed! I guess that it is a genetic thing, since your grandmother also was left handed. I can't believe that people used to do that to kids to make them write with their "right" hand. So sad. But it is a good story to tie into the Origami Owl and celebrating National Stuttering Month. My aunt is a speech therapist and so I've learned a lot on this topic from her. We can be happy that our kids do not need speech therapy, but it's always nice to help out those who do have disabilities like this. Thanks for sharing Janine, and I entered the giveaway, too 🙂 I'd love to win the $25 to put towards a locket. I'd fill my locket with things to describe my family 🙂 xoxo!
My recent post it's okay #10.
Janine Huldie says
I love what you would fill your locket with and think it sounds absolutely perfect. And I still can't believe they did this to my grandmother after all these years. I just picture her sitting in school and being a scared little girl. I seriously would go gunning for anyone who tried to do this to Lily being she is left handed. Back then, I guess it was different, but still so not right. And I knew when Jenny approached me to join her again (we had definitely said we were going to do another giveaway) for this particular cause, I knew I had to and very happy to be able to share about this here today!! 🙂 xoxo!
marykatbpcsc45 says
Thank you bringing this association and cause to light. I really enjoyed reading about it and I love Origami Owl too.
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Janine Huldie says
This was truly my pleasure Mary and a cause as I said near and dear to my own heart, because of my own grandmother. And I too love Origami Owl, so happy to be able to bring another giveaway and offer to my readers!! 🙂
flemily says
I have heard of stories similar to what happened with your grandmother who was born a leftie but forced to become a rightie…thankfully our society has progressed in that area. You are promoting a great cause here too!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks for saying the Emily and I really am so glad we don't do that hand tying thing anymore to left handed kids, because I get so upset even thinking about it now.
Billybuc says
Janine, the nuns tried to stop me from writing lefthanded until my dad went to school with me and told them with no doubt that I could write with any damn hand that I wanted. LOL I'll never forget that scene.
Thanks for a great story and have a wonderful day.
Janine Huldie says
Good for your dad, Bill! My great-grandmother was an immigrant from Italy and I don't think she realized at this point what they were doing to my grandmother, but my aunt who was only a few years younger was also left handed, when she started school my great-grandmother went up to the school to make sure this would not be done to her, because of hat my grandmother endured from this. They told her that they didn't do this anymore, but still she was adamant that this was not to be done again to any of her other children now!
tamaralikecamera says
Scarlet is left-handed!! Usually she and Emma are practically twins, but this is a Lily thing I guess! It runs in both families, but I'm worthless with my left hand.
This is a beautiful cause – my brother used to stutter terribly. I wish I knew what exactly made it stop but he hasn't stuttered since before middle school. He's now a father of a near there-year-old.
Janine Huldie says
Wow, for once Scarlet and Emma are different on something, but fear not she always has Lily! But seriously, it totally runs in both families here too with both my grandmother and Kevin, too. Just so glad though that your brother is Ok now, but sounds to me like sometimes you just don't know why this could happen and all the more reason why I am so glad that there are places out there to help like this one 🙂
Karly KIm says
I used to stutter when I was a kid. Great post!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Karly for sharing that here and my pleasure in posting this today! 🙂
Rosey says
Oh my gosh how sad to think of your grandmother being treated so awfully bad. Don't you just want to go back in time and hug her!!!
I didn't know there was a national stuttering month, how great of you to have a guest post that shares it!! Very nice, and it's wonderful that the NSA helped contribute financially for Jada to go there, they seem to be a wonderfully warm company that helps in more ways than one. 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
I know Rosey and seriously wish I could have hugged her and then given that teacher a piece of my mind. I honestly didn't know this until Jenny approached me and knew I had to be a part of this. Really so happy all they have done for Jada and other youngsters, too!! 🙂
Jenny says
Thanks Rosey. May is actually Stuttering Awareness Week, and October 22nd is International Stuttering Awareness Day. We are so awesome we get to celebrate twice! haha. The NSA is an amazing organization and I am so happy to share them with you all. One day you may know someone that needs their help and hopefully you will remember our story! 🙂
anothercleanslate says
I'm so glad the schools aren't like this anymore! Thank goodness for your grandma's caring teacher. Thanks for the giveaway!
Janine Huldie says
You and me both Kate and my pleasure for the giveaway, too!! 🙂
Christina Morley says
I loved the little video. It almost made me cry when Jada spoke. I didn't know that it was National Stuttering month and it's kind of interesting that last week I scheduled my eldest daughter to see a speech therapist. Her 2nd appt. is tomorrow. She doesn't stutter, but she struggles with some letter sounds, mainly the "r." There was a time in her life when she needed her best friend to translate everything she said to their circle of friends. Her best friend could understand her, but not the other girls. When she was little, she went to a speech therapist and "graduated" from the exercises. As she learned to read, it helped her to see how to pronounce words, and as she grew older, her speech improved. Her new speech therapist (who just met her) was quite happy with her speech, but she did pick up on the "r" being a problem and is giving her exercises to help. Thanks for sharing and blessings to Jada!
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Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure to share and never knew this about your daughter. Thank you so much for sharing with me today and just so glad she did get better with practice, s well as getting help with the letter "r" now, too. Thanks Christina so very much and hoping that your daughter will be saying those "r's" better now with the help of her new speech therapist!! 🙂
Jenny Adams says
I am glad you enjoyed our story Christina! My daughter can relate with the need to have her best friend translate. She still continues to do this in tough situations. I wish your family the best of luck as you all begin your journey (again) with speech therapy.
dianeroark says
Janine,
Your story about your grandmother touched my heart. I had no idea how left handed children use to be treated. My youngest child who is 11 is left handed. She is also so different, in a great way, from all of us. She is creative, love the arts, and loves to draw.
I also enjoyed learning about your daughter Jada. She is also very talented and amazing!!
Blessings, Diane Roark http://www.recipesforourdailybread.com
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Janine Huldie says
Diane, your youngest sounds like my husband. He is left handed and completely creative and artistic and always has been. I know crazy though how they treated those who wrote with their left hand. Was just so happy to share this here with you today!! 🙂
One TIPsy Chick says
My mother is left-handed and as a child, she was forced to stay in at recess to practice right-handed writing. So awful. My grandparents didn't do anything about it though. Back then, there weren't many parents, especially immigrants, that would speak up about anything at school. My grandfather was ambidextrous, so I guess he thought it wasn't far-fectched that she could learn to be right handed.
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Janine Huldie says
You are so right about this that as immigrants my great-grandparents didn't want to stir things up and they truly didn't realize what this would do to my grandmother, but like I said in another comment this all changed for my aunt two years later when she was starting to learn to write and was also left handed. My great-grandmtther was adamant that this wouldn't happen again. Seriously so sorry that this happened to your mom too though. 🙁
Rachel says
I used to stutter when I was little. When I'm nervous, it comes back, even as an adult!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks so much Rachel for sharing that and I will say when I get nervous I talk too much!
Kristi Campbell says
I've heard about other traumatic stories from people who, years ago, were forced to write with their right hands. I'm glad your grandmother was able to overcome it – what a sad story (with a happy ending though). My son doesn't stutter but he has very huge difficulties with speech as you know. I think all awareness to any speech issue helps everybody who struggles in one way or another. Thanks for sharing, Janine!
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Janine Huldie says
Kristi, I really get so upset still when I think about what happened to my grandmother, but I must admit she talked beautifully as an adult and always told the story with so much heart and class. God bless her for what she did go through and always being so positive about it, too. And I do know of the speech issues that Tucker has from all you have shared and I totally agree that any and all awareness does help so much and makes a huge difference, too! 🙂
stephanie2006 says
That's so funny, our Lily is a leftie, too, just like her Daddy.. And the weirdest thing: Violet is a confused rightie, because she sees people doing things with their left hand all day long, she thinks she has to use her left hand, too. We make sure to support Lily as much as we can, and make sure she's a proud leftie 😉
Thank you so much for sharing Jada's story. My cousin stuttered as a child due to emotional stress. He sometimes still starts today, when he's in a tense situation, but he's doing fine most of the time. I'm glad that Jada is so supported!
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Janine Huldie says
Lily used to try to emulate Emma with using her right hand, but she couldn't deny being left handed. And I do totally support Lily and she colors or writes now, try my best in helping her hold if she needs. And again my pleasure sharing here today, too!! 🙂
Jenny Adams says
Thanks Stephanie! She is definitely supported. We both are highly supported by the National Stuttering Association which is why I am giving back all of my proceeds of jewelry sales to them this month!
notinjersey says
Zachary is a leftie, as is my dad. so interesting, and sad that it led to stuttering for your grandma!
Janine Huldie says
Dara, I know it is interesting to see who is left handed and who isn't in our family, but never would have imagined that changing my grandmother's writing hand would have had the effect on her if I didn't know it.
The Dose of Reality says
What a wonderful organization to learn about! Thank you for writing this post, Janine!! My 10 year old daughter and I LOVED the video. We've been talking about it for 5 minutes! What a beautiful girl and what a great way to increase awareness about stuttering and what it is and isn't!!! (And I'd love to win some beautiful jewelry!!) –Lisa
Janine Huldie says
Lisa, this really was my pleasure and so glad you and your 10 year old enjoyed the video. And I wish you tons of luck on winning here now, too!! 🙂
Jenny Adams says
Thank you Lisa! I am so glad you and your daughter enjoyed Jada's video. She is not thrilled all the time about advocating for her stuttering but I think it's so important for others to know the facts about stuttering as much as possible! Good luck with the giveaway!!
Katherines Corner says
I had a good friend in school who stuttered, he was such a lovely boy. I am so saddened by your Grandmothers experience. I have heard similar stories in the past. I don't know much about Oragami Owl but I think it is wonderful they are helping to increase awareness. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I hope you listed in on my win it page xo
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Janine Huldie says
Going to list it right now on your page and thank you for sharing about your friend. I must be honest and tell you again it was totally my pleasure to share my grandmother's story, Jada's story, as well as the giveaway, too!! 🙂 xoxo!
writingpaddad says
My son is left handed and I can't imagine him being treated like that! Wow! Great cause and great giveaway! The Missus LOVES Origami Owl!
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Justin and hope you entered for the missus!! 🙂
Sandy Ramsey says
The story about your grandmother is so sad. Bless her heart! At least the world has changed enough you won't have to worry about that with Lily! This is really a great cause you are bringing to light. I don't personally know anyone who stutters but I can imagine the frustration they feel. Your friend Jenny and her daughter are absolutely beautiful. I'll be sure to take a look…I love Origami Owl! Thanks again for another great post!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Sandy and totally my pleasure. I knew when Jenny mentioned this that I would love to share the cause here and their story, too!! 🙂
Jenny says
Thank you Sandy! I am glad you enjoyed our story. Definitely take a look and let me know if I can help you in any way. I truly appreciate it
lizzy allan says
It's so hard to understand how teachers could have been so cruel in the past as to force little children to write with their right hand if that wasn't what was natural for them. My heart breaks thinking about the humiliation they must have suffered. Jada is such a beautiful, courageous and inspirational ambassador for all young people who stutter. I love how she made her video and the words at the end. I love how she shows people that she lives life to the absolutely maximum and that stuttering does not define who she is. Her beautiful soul shines through in this video.
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Janine Huldie says
I know Lizzi and still can't believe they did this to kids back in the day. And thank you for all your kind words about Jada and really couldn't agree more, Lizzy!! 🙂
lsdavidson says
What a great post! I'm so glad that you found support! I am a Speech Therapist and did a placement while in grad school at a stuttering clinic. It was so challenging to see these beautiful kids struggle with their speech. I now work with head injury and occasionally, a head injury can result in stuttering too and it is so difficult for people to deal with. People just tell them to "slow down" or "stop being so nervous". It can be frustrating to hear that. Thanks for increasing awareness!
melanie says
I just started hearing alot about Origami Owl! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
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Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and thanks for stopping by. Good luck 🙂
Katherines Corner says
Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop! ♥
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and thank you Katie for hosting again!! 🙂
Laura says
I'm left handed, I'm so grateful the schools are not like they were in their treatment!
My grandfather was also left handed and when he tried to use it he would get his hand smacked, he ended up writing quite well with both hands but I don't think I would have managed as well.
Thank you for this giveaway, I absolutely love Origami Owl!
Janine Huldie says
Laura, I am so sorry that they did that to your grandfather and can’t imagine if I had to be treated like that go I would have reacted either. And my pleasure with the giveaway!! 🙂
Nellie says
Great giveaway for such a great cause!! I love wedding pic of your grandparents and the ice cream pic of Lily and Emma! Thank you for sharing this story. I knew a few kids in high school that stuttered and the kids were so mean to them.
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Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure Nellie and I knew kids with speech issues back when I was in school and then as a teacher, too. And just couldn't help, but want to share this cause with all here for that reason and so much more!
gigigirl says
That story about your grandmother is a family classic. It was a cruel thing to do but she did overcome it. She was a tough lady! We have a few lefties in the family and, fortunately, times have changed. This was a lovely tribute to Adele. And so good to know there is an organization where young people like Jada can make connections with others who stutter. xxoo
Janine Huldie says
Aunt Gloria, I was so proud to be able to share a bit more of my grandmother's story here and will not let her life die with her. I truly want my girls to know her and remember her, too. So, this was so my pleasure that I could share alongside Jada's wonderful and uplifting story, too! xoxo 🙂
cgacad says
first of all, your daughters don't look alike at all. they have totally different facial features. maybe i could see people mistaking them for twins if they were the same height, but otherwise it just doesn't make sense.
i'm so glad you're bringing awareness to stuttering. there is someone at my work who is a manager who stutters badly. it has taught me a lot about patience and understanding that we all have our skills and deficiencies. i think it's important for people to understand that stuttering isn't a problem that simply can be corrected, that it is managed and that people go on to have successful lives and careers as stutterers. thank you janine!
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Catherine. I am seriously just used the question and people thinking this that it is second nature for me to answer, "No, they are 16 months part." I literally get asked at least once a day by someone and just roll with it now. And thank you for writing about your experience with your co-worked and stuttering. I truly couldn't agree more that patience does really help from all I do here on this. Thanks again, Catherine!! 🙂
massholemommy says
One of my brothers in law was born a leftie and forced by all this brothers and sisters (my husband was one of them) to become a rightie.
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Janine Huldie says
I know on Kevin's side, all but his one sister is a leftie and I believe his dad, too!!
Maureen says
I love the large chocolate living locket!
Maureen
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Janine Huldie says
Oh so pretty and great choice. Good luck!! 🙂