Page 4 - Behind The Smile - Spring 2016

Earlier this year, Dr. Long received a letter from Jean Hennen, a former Clinic patient and longtime donor to the Clinic. Jean wanted to share with parents of current patients, in a letter, something of her experience as a child growing up in the 1940s and 50s when cleft treatment was in its infancy and attitudes to people with cleft lip/palate were di erent from today. She thought it would be helpful as they seek to nurture children like her who are born with a cleft lip/palate. We thought that Behind the Smile would be
a good audience for an edited version of Jean’s memories of her childhood and her re ections on her life’s journey across
eight decades.
I’m Okay Anyway!
It must have been a terrible shock to my parents when I arrived in the world in 1934, a not yet nished model. And what about me? Things had been cozy, safe and peaceful so far in the womb. In the disruption of the status quo did I think, “Whoa, just a minute here, could I have a bit more knitting together before following this new road to who knows where?”
Looking back now, I wonder how did my parents and I cope with this development? How
did I come to look upon my cleft palate/lip as a “blessing”? If this letter to parents is of help and if I share the things my parents did
to guide me to know that I’m dif- ferent, but “I’m Ok anyway!” then I will be grateful for the opportu- nity to do so.
The rst thing that Harry and Nell Hennen did was to accept the child that arrived, loved me in the package I came in and made any sacri ce needed to let me know that I was of value and that I could love me too. Mom and Dad always encouraged my endeavors and genuinely ac- knowledged any achievements
I accomplished. It made me feel important and good to know that they were proud of me. On the other hand they made no special allowances. They let me
A Letter from an “insider”
Page 4 ___________________________ Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic ••• Behind the Smile eMagazine ••• Spring 2016