35 Responses

  1. Lili
    Lili at |

    Cody, you are such an inspiration to me for so many reasons. More than you’ll ever know. ❤️

    Reply
  2. AnnAlaskan
    AnnAlaskan at |

    Thank you for this insight into both you & Timmy. Besides writing … art & music are languages that speak. I know you & Timmy use both with such finesse & preciseness. I prefer the written word … As you can ponder it .. savoir it .. reflect on exactly what was the intention … The basic reason for the words.I find I can live fine without conversation. In fact … After a long time of no communication … always worry if I can even carry on a conversation. I was silent as a kid … always just observing & have a tendency to revert back to silence. So I make myself be social. Today people are in too big of a rush to hear the silence … to wait for the thoughts to be translated to structure & voice. Just like they have no time for new speakers of English to process from their native language to the tricky rules/no rules of English & try to pronounce the words. Thoughts should never be rushed or ignored. They are the gifts of the person to you. Hopefully … One day … we can listen & wait for an answer. Thank you for the great post. Love to you & Timmy from Alaska

    Reply
  3. Carol
    Carol at |

    Thank you Cody for sharing this with us. Many of us take so much for granted, my self included, that we give little thought to the things we can do that others can not. The ability to speak comes so easy to us that we never give any thought to how hard it must be for those who ‘s words are locked within them unable to be heard and what one goes through because of this. Something for us all to think about.

    Reply
  4. bethtrue25
    bethtrue25 at |

    Thanks for sharing, Cody. I have such admiration for you and Timmy, you don’t even know how much. <3

    Reply
  5. Mel Leach
    Mel Leach at |

    This is an amazing post. I hope you realize how many people you help by doing all the things you do. Thank you!

    Reply
  6. sandym
    sandym at |

    Cody, one of the many things I adore about you is how you take the time to talk to me and to explain things I don’t know or fully understand. This is no exception. Thank you. My heart hurts at the thought that you feel humiliation for something that is out of your control.
    Being a true friend means that one accepts you for who you are, limitations and all. I hope you are able to surround yourself with those types of friends and loved ones. You deserve that and so much more. You and Timmy both deserve that. I hope you and Timmy know that you are my heroes and that Iove you both.

    Reply
  7. camkenwrites
    camkenwrites at |

    HUGS Cody! I’d sit and read and write with you! Love you <3

    Reply
  8. Aniko
    Aniko at |

    Cody, you and Timmy are true lights in this world. The courage you both show is amazing.

    It completely boggles me that so many people don’t take the time to communicate with those who have speech issues. Really, what would it cost them to take a moment to read a few sentences or wait for someone who speaks a little slower to finish what they are saying? Nothing. Especially when what it does cost them not to is immeasurable in comparison. It could be something as simple, yet wonderful, as the gift of friendship or it could possibly save a life.

    Reply
  9. Jules Lovestoread Bowersox
    Jules Lovestoread Bowersox at |

    Fantastic post, Cody. You are a joy to ‘talk’ to. I’m thankful every day that I have had the privilege, and wish that everyone were as patient and understanding as they should be.

    Reply
  10. ladygodivamagic
    ladygodivamagic at |

    Oh Cody, my heart is with you, and with Timmy. I hope that I am one of those people who will be patient without appearing impatient. A smile goes a long way, doesn’t it. Thank you for the enlightenment into this condition.

    Reply
  11. Michael J Bowler
    Michael J Bowler at |

    Amazing post, Cody – clear and articulate as always, but also filled with strength and hope and the affirmation that even something as difficult as the inability to speak has not held, and will not hold, you back from any and all achievements. You’re inspiring.

    Reply
  12. diannehartsock
    diannehartsock at |

    Ah Cody! No words, just…hugs. You and Timmy are doing so much to make this a better world, and I’m a better person for knowing you. <3

    Reply
  13. Allison
    Allison at |

    Thank you for this personal and moving post. I had not heard of these types of challenges before, it makes me want to know more. Thank you and thank you to Timmy as well, being willing to share your experiences is brave and appreciated. It will make me slow down when I run into someone that is having difficulty communicating so you’ve both already made a difference!

    Reply
    1. Cody Kennedy
      Cody Kennedy at |

      Thank you for your kind remarks, Allison! They mean a lot to us!

      Reply
  14. Anna Lund
    Anna Lund at |

    You are both inspiring, Cody and Timmy. Not only are you probably the gentlest people I have ever encountered, but you are also the two most articulate and amazing. I admire you so much.

    I already left a message on Timmy’s post, and I’m doing his challenge tomorrow. (Tonight is Mr Anna’s birthday dinner out, so tomorrow).

    You two make such a difference in my life—indeed, in everybody’s life, seeing the comments here and on Timmy’s post! You touch us. You reach that special place inside, and you make us WANT to be better, to do better.

    And I think you ARE making us better. I think everyone can agree that interacting with you two has made a huge difference in our lives.

    Thank you, both, for existing and for teaching us. And thank you especially for the immense patience for showing us how it is for you, for showing us what we can do.

    Meeting you (with pens and note books in hand!) would be both a joy and a privilege. And I would slow myself down and wait for your magic words.
    Because I have learned by now that every, single one is either uplifting or fun—or full of learning and good teachings.
    Ily both.

    Reply
    1. Cody Kennedy
      Cody Kennedy at |

      Thank you so very much for your lovely remarks, sweet Anna. WE are so very lucky to have you as our friend. <3

      Reply
  15. Deeze
    Deeze at |

    Like Dianne I have no words, just happy feelings that I get to know both you and Timmy. You make such a difference in this world <3

    Reply
    1. Cody Kennedy
      Cody Kennedy at |

      Awww, our Deeze, thank you! We don’t have the ability to change anything, unfortunately. But we do have the ability to share our experiences in hopes that we can add a little more hope to the world. Always know that we would be nothing without good friends like you. <3

      Reply
  16. sukifleet
    sukifleet at |

    This is such a beautiful and moving post, Cody. Thank you for writing it.
    Suki^^

    Reply
    1. Cody Kennedy
      Cody Kennedy at |

      Suki, thank you so much for stopping by, reading it, and commenting! It means the world to us! <3

      Reply
  17. Carole Zangari
    Carole Zangari at |

    Thanks for sharing your story and letting us peek into the reality of communicating without speech. We try to support those who have this struggle at our blog and love finding people who are willing to share their experiences so that the rest of us begin to understand what it is really like. Thank you!

    Reply
    1. Cody Kennedy
      Cody Kennedy at |

      Thank you so much, Carole. We work hard to bring awareness to others and hope that we can, in some small way, help everyone. Thank you for reading our post and for commenting. It means a lot to us!

      Reply
  18. Meg Amor
    Meg Amor at |

    Aloha Cody and Timmy…

    You guys just blow me away. You’re both so incredibly articulate, bright and interesting. You have the most gorgeous energy.
    And so willing to share yourselves and your experiences which must be incredibly frustrating and lonely at times. You have both really touched my soul this weekend. The love and care that is there. I can’t articulate what I want to say to you both. You guys are amazing!! A light in the darkness for so many people.
    It’s been a great honor learning more about your both. Thank you for the gift of you. Aloha and care… big smiles Meg 😉 3

    Reply

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