December update

I have been busy this half term. My speech is coming on and that makes me happy. I find my programme very dynamic in a good way. Things are adapted and updated as needed so nothing is ever boring. It’s all very flexible and pared down. I am doing a lot more actual speech and tongue exercises. I can’t express my joy enough that my grandmother is here more to keep it dynamic. There is a downside to that though as she is direct and cuts through crap and has delivered some cutting home truths to me recently. Much as I don’t want to admit it she is true when she bollocks me about my lazy communications. Here’s the thing, I really resent that I have to use a communication aid and others don’t. She is right though as I need a structure in place that supports my developing speech. Initially we had a bit of a stand off. I didn’t get anything unless I asked for it or made it myself. There was one fun Saturday when I refused to ask for or make any food. At dinner time, I was told it would be made but I could eat what I was given and if I didn’t like it then tough. Believe me I would have eaten anything but it was lovely and plentiful. Since then, it’s been less stressful and I am beginning to see the light. Although I know the ‘ins and outs’ of the Mental Capacity Act 2006. However as grandma says, with her weird humour, it will apply to her in a few years. What brave person would try that on!

I was surprised recently and it was because I made assumptions about someone Ive been emailing and messaging in America. I knew she had apraxia of speech but hadn’t realised we were alike. I’m a member of a Facebook group for young adults with dyspraxia/ apraxia. This young female sent me links to her YouTube channel as I want to set one up. When I watched one of her series of videos I was blown away by her braveness. The video topic was instructing people in putting her makeup on. It was a mixture of that and telling people about the impact of her disability. I related most to the fact that she couldn’t demonstrate live as her arms/hands shake too much and that relates to me too (nothing to do with makeup in my case though). Also she was signing and using a communication device. What blew me away was that to me when I chat to her on Facebook she is totally ‘normal’. I had such a smile on my face. I sent her a message to say how inspirational I found her. I’ve spoken to the chair of the group, who is my age and a college student, she is apraxic. She said she had never actually met another person face to face with apraxia of speech; that’s amazing.  We are obviously an elite group and should not be ignored, Next year my plan is to have a YouTube channel and mine is going to cover music, my life and struggles emotionally. We need to stand up and make people take notice.

I am enjoying all of my academic work too. The psychology is good and the English. The whole programme is great. Thanks to the team – you know who you are! There is lots of fun and laughter too, although too much of it is around bodily functions for my liking. Still it makes me laugh and otherwise it would be too intense, We also have chat and cake breaks sometimes which are motivating. I think I must try coffee. I am enjoying being a backing singer for Abba as their backing has a lot of ‘a-ha’ in it. I’m getting the rhythm and beat. There is much talk of getting a karaoke machine and I love the idea. It’s a very serious and professional team so we need lighter moments.

Christmas is coming or Hanukkah or whatever festival of light you celebrate, It’s been a busy and interesting year. The EU referendum and President Trump (how does anyone talk about him without laughing – not in our team anyway!) I think there is a worldwide revolution going on and I love the political debate. No matter what you voted, I feel this political shakeup will eventually settle into a better awareness of balance and power to the people.

I wish you a very merry Christmas or Festival and a happy and healthy 2017. May we all prosper in our endeavours.