B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l

304 Kathleen T., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.8, 1/60, ISO 200, Macro Lens, 11-20-09

Speak clearly if you speak at all; Carve every word before you let it fall.

~~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Finding your footing with your words is as powerful and meaningful as first walking. Understanding your path is forever changed because you opened up your journey by learning the coordination of the step.

So is your future guided by the language you speak and choice of words you use. Tonight we played a spontaneous game, "Spelling Bee" with a boy who has learned through much effort how to speak and communicate. He is 12, has autism and was the host to a game show for all in the room.

Understanding his pronunciation was a slight task, but marveling at his genius with the spelling was inspiring. Feeling his joy with each and every word was a reminder to us all the importance of our language, which is all too often taken for granted and its value under appreciated for the gift of communication it brings. Thank you to Matthew for allowing us to remember the power of a word and how to spell the gosh darn thing!