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A living nightmare, Tewksbury housed children with insane, healthy with contagious. The food was always bad, often rotten. At night, The rats were in charge.
Anne insisted that she and Jim be together. A wish that was honored until Jim died suddenly in night. Anne was all alone now. Afraid but sure she could do better.
Her chance for escape came when an investigative committee came to tour Tewksbury facility in response to rumors of ill treatment and misconduct.
This committee was led by Frank Sanborn. Anne knew that Sanborn could get her out of Tewksbury, if she could just get his attention.
Anne followed investigators from room to room trying to discern which of them was Sanborn. When committee ended their tour and was about to leave, Anne still had not identified Sanborn.
Anne literally jumped in head first. She dove into midst of entire committee. grabbing hold of skirt hems and pant legs, she pleaded - "I don't belong here! I want to go to school!".
Anne’s plea did get Sanborn’s attention. He helped her get out of Tewksbury and into school. 6 years later at age of 20, Anne graduated from Perkins School for blind as valedictorian of her class. She even received surgery to correct her eyesight.
This could be end of a happy story, but Anne’s successes extend far beyond her own life. Anne’s habit of jumping in head first was about to help someone else.
Anne received a call requesting that she become private teacher to a difficult student. She had become quite an innovative educational theorist. Now it was time to exercise her theory’s in real life.
When Anne arrived at home of her new student, she saw that she did have an incredible challenge before her. As usual, Anne dove in. Working with her new student day and night she was able to pierce darkness and break through silence that had held her pupil captive.
The teacher, Annie Sullivan was able to finally reach through and communicate with her student, Helen Keller.
When it is time for you to reach for your dreams, close your eyes, take a deep breath... and jump in head first.
Steve Brummet is a communication expert, writer and speaker who works with all types of organizations to increase understanding of communication styles.
Better communication can help you and your organization reduce stress and increase productivity. For more information on one of our workshops, please feel free to call or write.
http://communicationspeaker.com mailto:steve@stevebrummet.com 972-548-6048 214-578-4172