Page 74 - The Exceptional Harley Fetterman

JUDY K JOHNSON

When others hearing this conversation asked for confirmation
about who was going to win the next competition, both answered
loudly together.
“Me!”

Merlyn had also had her share of obstacles to overcome. By the
age of two, after several cornea transplants, Merlyn was blind. That's
when she started learning Braille (she never learned the English
alphabet). She started specialized school at the age of one. She wasn't
initially interested in reading books using Braille. But by the time she
was four, she'd read her first book, “Froggy's First Kiss,” cover to
cover. She'd giggle when asked about “Froggy”. Merlyn's parents
helped her use books that included both Braille and the alphabet.
Soon she was reading up to twelve books a day. She had a wide range
of interests, especially biography and history. She was also known to
read the “Harvard Health Letter” about medical issues. Aside from
being Braille whizzes, Harley and Merlyn were typical kids.
In 2012, Harley excelled at the Texas Regional Braille Challenge
(now the Central Texas Regional Braille Challenge) and headed on to
Los Angeles as a National Finalist in the Braille Challenge. Family
members traveled along to support Harley and enjoyed public
sessions of the Braille Challenge including the opening and awards
ceremonies.

Figure 25: Opening ceremony.

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