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How Helen Keller Learned To Speak

Creator: Sarah Fuller (author)
Date: 1892
Publication: American Annals of the Deaf
Source: Available at selected libraries

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She left Boston on the seventeenth of June to go to her home in Alabama. As this letter, which I received from her in October, tells me of her use of speech, it may be of interest to you:

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TUSCUMBIA, ALABAMA, Oct. 20, 1890.

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MY DEAR MISS FULLER: Oh, no! I have not forgotten you, dear friend! I have thought of you every day, and I love you more than ever. I will tell you why I have not written before. After I came home I was sick for awhile, and the doctor said I must be very quiet and not get tired or I would be very ill. We all went away to a beautiful mountain where it was cool and pleasant, and I did nothing but play, and ride my dear donkey. You must know I had a lovely time climbing the steep paths and gathering the pretty wild flowers. Lioness, my great faithful mastiff, always went with us. When we were tired and sat down on a fallen tree to rest, she would roll in the leaves or lie quietly at our feet. Sometimes the rain came down in torrents, then we stayed in the house and amused ourselves. Mildred and our little cousin, Louise Adams, were very happy together. I used to swing them in the hammock, and have fun with them. They could understand all that I said to them, and sometimes I could tell what they said by feeling of their lips. Are you not delighted because I can speak so well? My dog comes bounding to me when I call her, and all of my friends know what I say if I speak distinctly. I have learned a great deal about my loving heavenly, and the dear Christ. I am very very happy. God wants us to be happy. I think He wanted you to teach me how to speak because He knew how much I wished to speak like other people. He did not want his child to be dumb, and when I go to him He will let his angels teach me to sing. I wonder if your beautiful new school is finished. You must give my dear love to all the children and the teachers. I hope they have not forgotten Helen. When I see you, I shall much, very much, to tell you. I am studying every day, and learning all I can about plants, and numbers, and the beautiful world our Father has given us. I am so glad that we shall live always, because there are so many wonderful things to learn about. Teacher sends love, and little sister sends a kiss. Lovingly, your little friend,

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HELEN A. KELLER.

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