One of my first memories as a kid was speaking joyously and fearlessly with my family and extended family. The closest memory i have after that is of me not speaking to anyone but my mother, father, and brother's. i lived selectively mute until 5th grade to most of my peers. i had learned many forms of communication that were nonverbal growing up. Looking back, i realize i  had been communicating to my surroundings  and peers nonverbally through any kind of vessel. It was my inner child that never got the chance to develop that verbal voice until i grew older.

This inner child i was communicating with is a gift to me now , it is how i process life. it is not a crutch in my eyes anymore. 

with love,

Ethan