Speech
can be a
   Lifesaver

The following is a true story from the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a poignant example of how important it is for a young child to be able to communicate.
	This bright, four-year old child (who we will call M) has been in the Omaha clinic for a number of months being treated for articulation difficulties. In early October, while his father was away for the week hunting, M and his mother were home alone. One evening that week, M's mother, who is a diabetic, had an insulin reaction and fell unconscious. M went to the phone, dialed 911, and asked the operator to send an ambulance for his mother. He went on to tell the operator that his mother was having an insulin reaction and needed help. He then gave the operator his address. By the time the rescue squad arrived, his mother's blood sugar was dangerously low.
	Because M was able to communicate effectively and called 911, it is quite possible that he saved his mother's life. This is a very unusual circumstance, but, it is one more example of what the Scottish Rite Centers are doing for the children of this country. Episodes like this make all Masons proud of the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program.     s