Thankyou Letters
Dear Shirley,My letter is long overdue and my apologies for not writing sooner. I will begin by stating that your friend, Joan , must have been very special and ALS has certainly found a friend in you. The hours that you have put in over the years is highly commendable and must be rewarding to you.
Do you remember the first time that we met? I was unsure about this computer and I could still talk a little. You always think that you sound better than you do because I can hear my words in my head just as clearly as you do but I can't utter one intelligible word. When I tried to talk, Al will say, "Do you really know what you just said?" I laugh because of course I do but I cry because he doesn't. I remember Al's question "You mean every time Gail wants to talk I have to wheel her up to the computer?" And I you, told him, "It depends on how badly she wants to talk!" Well I didn't want to talk, then!
I fooled with the computer for a few days and found it difficult. It sat for three weeks but I felt guilty. Then I saw a video on Stephen Hawkin "A Brief History of Time. " When I saw my new computer in the video and how fast he was using it, I was inspired! I realized how it could be done and if he could do it, then I could do it! I rose to the challenge!
I now sit at my computer an average of 35 hours per week! I absolutely love it. I can't utter one intelligible word so I find great solace in knowing that I have some way to communicate. Without my computer I would probably go crazy because I have the insatiable desire to be understood. My field was clinical psychology so talking was my thing. I loved speaking on the telephone and I was spokesman for a large family.
What do I do on my computer besides communicate with family? I run my household from shopping lists to planning for vacations and holidays. I teach English to my nurse who is from Poland. I write letters, poems and articles. I am writing a book. I have so much in the memory and I have added over one thousand vocabulary words. I have freedom and creativity with this computer. I use it to converse with my family and guests. I even call family and friends and play happy birthday! I'm having fun.
If you ever wonder what good you were doing just read my letter over and over and over again! I couldn't live without you Shirley.
Love and peace to you
Gail