2008 MANY STORIES ONE VOICE ONLINE COLLECTION

Joe Hemphill, Age 64, United States

Click HERE to download the story in Microsoft Word format.  

My name is Joe Hemphill.  I am 64 years old and I was born with cerebral palsy.  At first I composed my stories on an electric typewriter and then later on a computer.  I studied writing at several local colleges.  I am a member of the Board of Directors  of United Cerebral Palsy of Central California.  I can usually be found at a local coffee shop where at times someone reads my latest poetry or essays.  I use a stick in my left hand to push in the keys on my computer keyboard through a plastic template with holes in it.  I have very limited use of my hands and this way of typing allows me complete access to my computer.  I use my speech device in a

similar manner, hitting one key/space at a time with my finger.  The computer has opened up the world of books and newspapers to me.  In addition to making the writing process much quicker and easier, it provides access for submitting letters and articles to newspapers and online newsletters and websites.  My voice can be heard in many places now.

 

 

Jimmy and the Talking Machine

By

Joe Hemphill

 

Jimmy, who couldn’t speak clearly or walk, was very sad because he didn’t have anyway to play with the other kids in the neighborhood.  Jimmy thought that it would be fun to watch the other kids ride by on their bikes while he played gas station.  The other kids could stop for gas.  But his mom and dad always said no. “They won’t understand you.”  His parents were afraid the other kids would make fun of him. 

Then, one day, Jimmy’s mom and dad learned about a machine that could talk for him.  It could have messages recorded into it by his parents.  All he had to do was hit a button and it would repeat what they had said.  They brought it home for Jimmy.  His dad recorded “Hello, my name is Jimmy.”  Jimmy tried pushing the button.  It repeated what his dad had sad.  Jimmy was excited and wanted his dad to record more things.

Jimmy’s dad recorded more messages such as, “Fill it up?” and “Cash or credit?”  Jimmy’s mom said to add, “Drive safely.” 

At first, Jimmy could not remember which button was for what message.  So his mom made a small picture for each button and highlighted some buttons with different colors.  Jimmy studied the pictures and colors for a long time. 

On Saturday, Jimmy’s mom and dad took him and his machine out to the front yard.  Jimmy really didn’t know whether the idea was going to work.  But he wanted to try it.  He wanted so much to have some friends.  His dad put the garden hose in Jimmy’s right hand.  His parents went back into the house.  They knew they had done all they could.  It was up to Jimmy now. 

Jimmy waited for someone to ride by on his bike.  Bobby rode by on his red bike.  Jimmy pushed a button that said, “Get your gas here.”  Bobby rode right past.  Jimmy thought it was a dumb idea after all.  But in a few minute, Bobby came back. 

“How much a gallon?”

Jimmy pushed the button with a green “3” on it, replying “three dollars.”

Bobby said, “Make it two gallons. Hey, that sure is a nice talking machine.”

“Thank you.”   Jimmy’s talking machine said when he pushed the button with the smiley face on it.   While Jimmy was filling up Bobby’s tank, four more kids on bikes pulled up for gas.  Jimmy pushed a button that had a hand on it, saying, “I will be right with you.”

After that, each time around the block, one of the kids would stop to get gas.  And Jimmy would fill their bike up.  When the tank was full, Jimmy would push the button with a picture of a wheel on it.  The talking machine would say, "You're ready to roll.”

Jimmy spent most afternoons at his gas station.  With help from his talking machine, he made many friends in the neighborhood.