Page 215 - The Story of My Lif

It gives me great pleasure to hear how much is being done for the deaf-blind.
The more I learn of them, the more kindness I find.

Why, only a little while ago people thought it quite impossible to teach the deaf-
blind anything; but no sooner was it proved possible than hundreds of kind,
sympathetic hearts were fired with the desire to help them, and now we see how
many of those poor, unfortunate persons are being taught to see the beauty and

reality of life. Love always finds its way to an imprisoned soul, and leads it out
into the world of freedom and intelligence!

As to the two-handed alphabet, I think it is much easier for those who have sight
than the manual alphabet; for most of the letters look like the large capitals in
books; but I think when it comes to teaching a deaf-blind person to spell, the

manual alphabet is much more convenient, and less conspicuous….

TO MRS. LAURENCE HUTTON

12 Newbury Street, Boston,

March 5, 1899.

…I am now sure that I shall be ready for my examinations in June. There is but
one cloud in my sky at present; but that is one which casts a dark shadow over
my life, and makes me very anxious at times. My teacher’s eyes are no better:
indeed, I think they grow more troublesome, though she is very brave and
patient, and will not give up. But it is most distressing to me to feel that she is
sacrificing her sight for me. I feel as if I ought to give up the idea of going to
college altogether: for not all the knowledge in the world could make me happy,
if obtained at such a cost. I do wish, Mrs. Hutton, you would try to persuade
Teacher to take a rest, and have her eyes treated. She will not listen to me.

I have just had some pictures taken, and if they are good, I would like to send