Every now and then Lucy will ask me questions about Bethany. Questions like, “Mummy, why doesn’t Bethany talk?” or “will Bethany ever talk?” I have to answer carefully. I used to say, “I don’t know”, because communication progress seemed so stagnant. These days, I say, “she does talk.” Bethany says some words. When or whether she will ever be able to manage a meaningful conversation I don’t know, but this year we have seen such a lot of progress.

Since we moved house last November, Bethany has regular interaction with her cousins, Aunt, and Uncle. She has also settled extremely well into her class at special school. Her attention and interactions have grown phenomenally. She has begun to repeat individual words here and there. I still haven’t heard the word “mama” since December 2020 but she has words that she says frequently and others that are occasional.

There is a song on YouTube about manners. It uses the words, “Here you are,” “Thank you,” “You’re welcome.” Bethany can now use the first two phrases in correct context when she wants to. Thank you sounds like “ank you,” but we know what she’s trying to say and it is wonderful to hear it.

Cat. Dog. Sheep. Pig. Car. Duck.

Words are wonderful aren’t they.

In June, Bethany hadn’t been feeling well. We knew because she was grouchy and lethargic and off her food. Then one morning she tugged at her ear, and spoke.

“Ear. Owie.”

Pure magic. My daughter was able to tell me what was wrong. We got her to the doctor and got the medicine she needed. Aren’t words wonderful?

One summer evening, the girls had eaten and left the table. John and I were eating dessert. Bethany came back to the table and sat down. My husband spoke; “Bethany, what do you want?”

“Cake.”

This was the first time Bethany has ever answered a question.

John fetched her some cake, although she had already had some chocolate for her dessert.

Yes, my child. You can have some cake. You can have all the cake.

It’s wonderful to hear a one year old say their first words. It’s wonderful to hear a two year old say their first words. It’s wonderful when a toddler starts to speak in sentences.

But when your child who is five years old, and who has five words in her vocabulary, finally starts to add to that vocabulary, and says those words in correct context and in answer to questions; that is extremely wonderful.

May we never overlook the wonder of words. Words are communication. Communication is a gift. A gift to be appreciated. A gift to thank God for.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1v17 (ESV)