My father in law cannot speak due to breathing device, but he heard my voice and wanted to talk so bad. When we first met he would write and in turn I responded. he understands English knows how to read and write and since he could only listen, I spelled each word to him and he listened as I continued to speak, spelling out each word and pronouncing each word. a hard time for all of us …however; he knew I was there, to re-assure him his daughter, so beautiful was safe and happy. His time is short on this plane of life but what a rich full life he has had, and I m blessed with being part of his life.