By Madeleine Kolb
The Right Stuff is a term popularized by author Tom Wolf in his rollicking, uproarious, roller-coaster-ride of a book by the same name: a book about America’s seven original astronauts. They were men who had what it took to climb into a massive rocket loaded with explosive fuel and blast off into space. They had the Right Stuff.
In that spirit I will present awards from time to time to people with the Right Stuff. People who take on a challenge and triumph over obstacles. Or who suddenly, unexpectedly find themselves in a challenging situation and rise to the occasion quietly and competently. Those who demonstrate what a single person can accomplish if she or he has the Right Stuff.
And the second Right Stuff Award goes to Annie Glenn.
Annie has been married to John Glenn, one of the seven original astronauts since 1943. If you read The Right Stuff or saw the excellent movie of the same name, you probably remember the scene where Annie Glenn refused to speak on camera to then-Vice-President Lyndon Johnson.
Annie stuttered badly, and it made it very difficult, even impossible, to do simple, every-day things like:
- Taking a taxicab and telling the driver where she wanted to go
- Going to the store and asking a clerk where to find a particular item, and
- Making a telephone call, even calling 911 in an emergency
Annie tried various therapies over the years, but they didn’t help. Finally, Annie and John heard about a new therapy for stuttering while watching the Today show. John encouraged Annie to try it.
The new treatment completely changed her life! Annie became able to engage in conversations and speak on the phone. She also began working with the American Speech and Hearing Association to inspire other people to get help for their disabilities. The Association now gives an annual award, the “Annie,” in her name.
In this video, John and Annie Glenn talk about how her life changed as a result of the therapy. (Warning: it may bring tears to your eyes.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHCjVctuQ7g
Tags: Overcoming challenges
@Bottomless, Thank you for your comment. It’s a pleasure for me to share the story of such an inspiring person.
@Belinda, Thank you for your comment. It was only recently that I learned that Annie Glenn had undrgone the treatment which helped her so much. I knew from reading the book (which, by the way, is extremely well-written) and seeing the movie that she was terribly incapacitated by her stutter. How awful for her to be thrown into the limelight as the wife of astronaut and later Senator John Glenn. (And what a devoted couple they are.)
@Arvind, I agree that too often easy we take things, such as good health or loving relationships, for granted. The U.S. will be celebrating Thanksgiving in a few weeks–a good time to appreciate what really makes life wonderful (besides a table loaded with food).
Great story of inspiration and hope Madeleine.
It is amazing how we take for granted such common things as being able to speak clearly.
Time to be grateful for what we have:-)
Madeleine, what a great story of courage and overcoming a challenge. Another proof that it’s never too late to make a change. Thank you for posting this and the video!
Hi,
Interesting, I`ll quote it on my site later.
Bottomless