Rounding the Bases: Drew's Stuttering Victory

Drew loved playing baseball and chatting with his friends. But when he spoke, sometimes his words got stuck. It made him feel sad at the baseball field when others didn't understand him. Drew was often known as the "Mayor" down at the baseball fields. Always visiting the snack stand and running around. Everyone smiled when they saw him and wanted to talk to him. Unfortunately, the words did not always flow out easily, and people often walked away laughing.

At school, everyone talked easily, and Drew often felt left out, playing by himself. He tried to speak up during class, but the words wouldn't come out right. His teacher, Mrs. R, noticed his struggle and immediately wanted to help. She introduced Drew to Ms. W., who would work with him on his speech several times a week.

In speech class, Drew practiced breathing and saying words slowly. But it was hard, and sometimes he felt like giving up. "I just want to talk like everyone else," Drew told Ms. W. She nodded and encouraged him to keep trying, even when he was frustrated. At such a young age, Drew was determined to improve.

Then, something unexpected happened: COVID hit, and Drew couldn't go to school. He missed his speech classes and his friends. Drew tried practicing at home and virtually, but it wasn't the same. "I just can't do it!" Drew cried. "No one understands me," he sighed to his brother, Braeden. Braeden hugged him tightly and whispered, " You got this, bud! I will help you practice every day."

Even after finally going back to school, Drew still felt left out. Some of the older kids made fun of him, which hurt his feelings. "Why can't I just talk like everyone else?" Drew wondered as he walked the hallways, listening to other students talk so smoothly. In that moment, Drew realized he couldn't give up now. He was determined to work harder than ever to make sure his voice would be smooth and everyone would be able to understand him.

One day, Drew was able to make the morning announcements at school. He was so nervous his hands shook. But as he spoke, he remembered all his strategies and took a deep breath. He said each word clearly, and cheers erupted from his friends and classmates. Drew couldn't believe it; he had done it!

From that day on, Drew's confidence grew and grew. Eventually, he began to announce at baseball games, just like he always dreamed. His friends and family recognized his voice and cheered him on every time. "You did it! You're a pro at this", Braeden shouted up to the booth with pride after hitting a home run. Drew's legacy of being the "Mayor" at school and the ball fields continued.

After years of hard work, Drew graduated from speech classes with Ms. W. at school. He still had moments when he stuttered, which was okay. He had learned to be patient with himself. "Guys, I am going to stutter sometimes, just be patient with me," Drew told his friends. They all nodded, understanding that everyone has struggles to overcome.

Drew's journey taught him that everyone has different challenges and journeys. He learned to be kind and patient, both with himself and others. And because of this, he made many friends who appreciated him just as he was. "Thank you for always being there for me", Drew said to Braeden, his family, and friends. They smiled, knowing they all played an important role throughout his stuttering journey.

In the end, Drew's heart was full of joy and gratitude. He knew he could face any challenge with the help of his family and friends. Drew's journey of overcoming his stutter taught him to love himself and others more deeply. "I'm ready for any curveball thrown my way!" Drew exclaimed with a bright smile.