In 2011, Annie and John celebrated 68 years of marriage. Annie recently turned 92 and John was 90. They knew each other since they were toddlers sharing a playpen.
In New Concord, Ohio, where they grew up Annie’s and John’s parents were friends. The children played whenever the families got together.
In their teens, Annie and John became high school sweethearts. John was a three-sport varsity athlete, greatly admired and respected. Annie was a bright, caring and talented young lady.
Like her father, Annie was plagued with stuttering. Her stuttering was so severe it was considered an 85% disability.
Eighty-five percent of the time she could not speak her words. A talented organist, Annie gave up a Julliard music scholarship because she was too scared to speak.
John relates how going to the store for a stutterer is a tremendously difficult and frustrating experience. Especially when you can’t find what you want and won’t ask the clerk because you are too embarrassed of your stutter.
The telephone is another stumbling block for a stutterer. Most stutterers just won’t call anybody. Annie couldn’t just pick up the phone and call a friend to chat or even 911.
When John went away on extended business trips, he always made sure there was a neighbor available in case there was an emergency since Annie would probably not be able to use the phone.
More times than they can remember Annie tried seeing experts, reading studies and continual prayers to overcome her disability. In 1973, she contacted speech pathologist, Dr. Ron Webster, in Roanoke, Virginia.
Dr. Webster worked with Annie 11 hours a day for three straight weeks. At the end of the training, 53 year-old Annie finally conquered her handicap.
While Annie might have to rehearse for days before a speech, she could finally give one without stuttering.
A hero in his own right, February 20, 2012 marked the 50 anniversary of John’s heroic feat. On February 20, 1962, former United States Marine Corps pilot and astronaut John Glenn was the first American to orbit the Earth and the third American in space.
After retiring from NASA, John entered politics representing Ohio in the United States Senate from 1974 to 1999.
John considers his wife, Annie, his hero. He wrote this about unknown heroes like Annie,
Annie served as inspiration for large numbers of people to get help for their disabilities. Through the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA), she would meet with people to tell her story and how she stuck with her treatment.
ASHA was so impressed with Annie’s accomplishments they now give an award in her name. The Annie honors people who overcome great communication difficulties and achieve distinction by helping others.
The first year Annie presented the “Annie” to actor James Earl Jones. Since 1987, Annie Glenn presented the “Annie” to individuals who know what it’s like living with a communication disorder.
Past recipients have included Julie Andrews, Bob and Lee Woodruff, Mick Fleetwood, and Jane Seymour. In 2009, Vice-President Joe Biden received an “Annie.”
Please watch Annie describe her amazing life in the following video and share this post with your friends using the social media buttons below. Thank you.
Annie lost the love of her life, John on December 8, 2016.
It’s a nice example to overcome one’s obstacle or disability. The never-say-die attitude of these brave men and women will always serve as an inspiration for generations to come. So, will power which actually drives you to hit the bull’s eye.
Hey Charlie I’m glad you found the post inspirational. I really appreciated reading about Annie Glenn.
Gerardo