Hearing Your Silence

Hearing Your Silence
by Donald Robin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

We don't understand when we hear your silence

We can't see behind your frustrated eyes when you plead for our attention

We are unable to feel your awkwardness when you try to speak and the wrong sounds emerge

We cannot be inside you to will your tongue to move when it struggles to find the roof of your mouth

We don't understand the fear that consumes you when you are on the playground when you should be having fun

We are not privy to your brain that creates a world of words only to have your muscles stop their meaning

We do not hear your mind communicating freely only to have us look quizzically and ask for repetition

We cannot sense your joy at moments of clarity only to have it rapidly disappear again and again

We do know who you are when you look into our eyes

We can hold you tightly when your fists clench and tears fill your vision

We will struggle with you each day and night when you practice your speech sounds with great deliberation

We are proud of your trying when we might just give up

We share with you your pain when your mouth is tired and slow

You know that we will love you when you are little and when you grow

You know that we will be there for you when all seems dark and cold

You know that you are special and what you want to say

You know you are our children and who you are each day

You know your world is full and how to find the way

You know we hear your silence

You know, we hear your silence

You know we hear your silence

(July, 2004 on the occasion of the First National Apraxia-KIDS Parent Conference)