I came home for Christmas that year. My parents thought it'd be my last Christmas so they made everything perfect for me. I got lots of attention and lots of gifts. My uncle gave me a doll for Christmas. I knew it was a doll and cuddled it. In fact, I have a picture of me in my wheelchair (I couldn't hold my head up- I looked just like Terri with my head cocked to the side) holding the doll.

I had a picture board to communicate which I brought home with me that Christmas. I had been pointing to pictures of things that I wanted: a blanket, a doll, mom and dad, etc. I also had pictures of the alphabet. One day my mom wanted to make me lunch. She gave me several options for lunch: none of which included a peanut butter sandwich. After grunting and pointing to the letters, I got my peanut butter sandwich!

I was walking by the time I was discharged from the hospital but I was still mute and vomiting. My brother had just gotten a bunk bed and I wanted to sleep in the top bunk that night. Because I was vomiting, he wouldn't let me. I stomped, grunted and threw things to show my anger. I got so mad that I screamed "No"! Mom was so surprised that she had me talk again and again. Then I had to call everyone we knew. That night I finally got to sleep in that top bunk.

Maybe doctors know what Terri is capable of understanding. Her parents say that she recognizes them: I recognized my parents. Maybe Terri could indicate what she wants if she had a picture board. I don't know for certain and no one knows because it (to the best of my knowledge) has not been tried. And she may never get a chance to show the world what she does understand. God help the society that has such little value for human life.

-andrea *****