Page 275 - The Story of My Lif

THEM: DOOR, OPEN, SHUT, GIVE, GO, COME, and a great many more.

P.S.—I didn’t finish my letter in time to get it posted last night; so I shall add a
line. Helen got up this morning like a radiant fairy. She has flitted from object to
object, asking the name of everything and kissing me for very gladness. Last
night when I got in bed, she stole into my arms of her own accord and kissed me
for the first time, and I thought my heart would burst, so full was it of joy.

April 10, 1887.

I see an improvement in Helen day to day, almost from hour to hour. Everything
must have a name now. Wherever we go, she asks eagerly for the names of
things she has not learned at home. She is anxious for her friends to spell, and
eager to teach the letters to every one she meets. She drops the signs and
pantomime she used before, as soon as she has words to supply their place, and
the acquirement of a new word affords her the liveliest pleasure. And we notice
that her face grows more expressive each day.

I HAVE DECIDED NOT TO TRY TO HAVE REGULAR LESSONS FOR THE

PRESENT. I AM GOING TO TREAT HELEN EXACTLY LIKE A TWO-
YEAR-OLD

CHILD. IT OCCURRED TO ME THE OTHER DAY THAT IT IS ABSURD
TO

REQUIRE A CHILD TO COME TO A CERTAIN PLACE AT A CERTAIN
TIME AND

RECITE CERTAIN LESSONS, WHEN HE HAS NOT YET ACQUIRED A
WORKING