It took me eighteen months to find the Starfish Project and I almost cried with relief when you were so understanding and sympathetic at our first meeting. Michael came to the course in February 1999 full of enthusiasm and determination to overcome his stammer. We were all amazed at his commitment to the technique and were impressed at how hard he worked during the course. I had to swallow the lump in my throat and wipe the tears in my eyes. As his Mother I watched his re-birth and growth into the confident cheeky young teenager you all met last Thursday.
Life is fraught for young teenagers today.
Unless you can 'run with the pack' you will be left behind. Michael is running with the pack and participating in activities that he would never have had the confidence to pursue. Grades Five and Six and honours in Group Acting. He is the spokesman for his band 'Dazed'. We have many Mother V teenager arguments as I try and mould him into a good mannered kind human being.