Kendra Joyce’s mother, Kara Joyce, has stuttered her entire life. Of course that only makes her more special in Kendra’s eyes. “My mom has always been a beautiful singer and has written some beautiful songs in her lifetime,” Kendra tells us.

“I want to do something very special for her 50th birthday this year, which falls on Valentine’s Day, appropriately enough as she is so loved!” So Kendra reached out to the Stuttering Foundation again to help spread the love. See page 15 of the Fall 2014 Newsletter for Kendra’s special senior high school project “Speak Your Beauty Inspires Generous Lessons.”

“My mom wrote a song she calls Sing the Words to Me and it is about her growing up with a stutter. My mom has gotten a lot of healing from her song and I know that so many others could relate to this song and find healing as well.” Kendra continues, “My mom is a very special person and would jump at the chance to help others who stutter. I know there would be no greater gift to my mom than giving her the opportunity to reach out to others who stutter through her song.”

We know that PWS do not when they sing (see page 4 of the Summer 2009 Newsletter for more information about this in “Stuttering and Singing”). And while there is no research data to support it, anecdotal reports and general observations give cause to note that many PWS seem to have a gift for the written word. What isn’t fluent verbally appears artistically on the page. And Kara Joyce not only writes beautiful lyrics, she is blessed with a beautiful voice.

We are pleased to wish her Happy Birthday and help Kendra honor her by sharing with others with the hope of making a difference.

Click here to listen to the song Sing the Words to Me

 

Sing the Words to Me

music and lyrics by Kara Joyce

When I was just a kid, my teachers thought I was kind of slow,

cuz i couldn't say the words as fast as other kids at school.

As I got older, the problem just got bolder and when it got the very worst,

I'd think about the words my grandma said.  And she said,

 

Sing, sing your words to me. It sounds much nicer can't ya see.

When your tummy starts a fluttering and you start a stuttering,

just sing. Sing your words right out, let them shine all about,

just sing, sing your words to me.

 

I always worried about mom and dad. I didn't want to make them sad,

so I'd hide all the hurt and pain way down deep inside.

when they'd come to tuck me in, I'd smile with one of those silly grins,

and go to sleep to the words my grandma said. And she said,

 

Sing, sing your words to me. It sounds much nicer can't ya see.

When your tummy starts a fluttering and you start a stuttering,

just sing. Sing your words right out, let them shine all about,

just sing, sing your words to me.

 

I count my blessings every day. For I can see and I can hear,

I can walk and give a cheer and now it seems so clear.

The Lord's making me use my talents, cuz when I sing the words come out,

just like my grandma always said. And she said,

 

Sing, sing your words to me. It sounds much nicer can't ya see.

When your tummy starts a fluttering and you start a stuttering,

just sing. Sing your words right out, let them shine all about,

just sing, sing your words to me.

 

Kendra, 20, is a sophmore at Montana State University studying kinesiology, and also a proud member of the MSU Rodeo Team. Kara is an practicing esthetician and a full time student at the University of Montana pursuing a double major in psychology and creative writing. Her daughter tells us she puts all the kids to shame earning straight A’s last semester carrying 19 credit hours!

We thank them both for their continued support of the Stuttering Foundation and the stuttering community. Kendra told us that the foundation and the community “…truly hold a special place in our hearts and we love to give back in any way possible.” Kendra keeps telling us how “amazing” her mom is, but we think they are both pretty amazing!

Posted Feb. 1, 2016