Petals

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Jason spelled with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). The topic of the lesson was Leap Year and Spring. Katlyn asked Jason, "What comes to mind when you think of the coming of spring?" Jason spelled, “Allergies. LOL. And beautiful flowers with excellent weather.”

Katlyn asked Jason another question, "How would you imagine the Roman citizens responding to the year of confusion or how would you have felt?" Jason spelled: “I would have hated the chaos of it. Need my routine.”

Then, Katlyn asked, "How would you like to write a poem about spring, possibly doing an acrostic poem with the word spring, if you are interested?" Jason spelled: “I want to do it. The word can be petals.”

Jason spelled/composed the following poem on the spot. Amazing!

P - Petunias in bloom

E - Each day brings life

T - To the earth we owe

A - A bountiful thanks

L - Lilacs fill our nostrils

S - So the beauty we can find

Katlyn asked, "How do you feel about me sharing (your thoughts) on social media?" Jason spelled: “It’s like being a published author. Please share as Jason Cogan.”

Jason had a spelling session with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). Katlyn asked him, “How do you feel about writing a submission for In Words we Trust on spiritual well-being?” Jason spelled, “I would love to. Read it to me please.”

Katlyn read Jason the submission topic guidelines: “Calling all writers and artists. It is time to collect submissions for the next issue of GTKC’s Tribe Literary Magazine In Words We Trust. We want to hear from spellers everywhere. Wellness is a huge issue that impacts all aspects of life. The importance of wellness is something that we’re hearing more and more about these days but what does that mean to you? When we cannot communicate, we cannot explain our emotions and could not ask for help in handling them but still feel things deeply. Spirituality can be an integral part of maintaining an overall health. In order to be our well selves, many of us have a spiritual life which will be discussed in this issue. Spirituality doesn’t need to be religion. It is about your sense of soulfulness and what fills your soul. Your submissions can be poems, proses or art work.” Afterwards, Jason spelled, “I think I’d like to write a poem.”

Katlyn asked if he wanted to start it now and finish tomorrow or give him some time to think about it and start it later? Jason spelled, “Now.”

Jason ended up starting the poem and finishing it the next spelling session. Here is the final version that he submitted for the magazine. It was published in the In Words We Trust Volume 5: Wellness, Issue 2: Spirituality in the Fall 2024 Edition.

The Whispers of the Universe

By: Jason

Soulfulness

A place of peace

Sometimes feeling out of reach

Uplifting spirits is what I seek

Often I get down

But family turns my frown

I seek the insights of the universe

Ancient and all seeing

A guiding light to healing

A soul healing strength

A guiding presence of wisdom

Wisdom of a beautiful diversity

Diversity is the foundation for all living beings

The universe demonstrates daily

Waiting on a worldly acceptance

The universe sends a loving embrace

Through the engulfing winds and beaming sun

It whispers that I am not alone

It whispers that I belong

That comfort fills my soul

Jason had a spelling session with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). The topic was on Impressionism. During the initial check in, Jason spelled, “I really can’t wait til Monday.” Jason was really excited to be a part of his and his family's first get together with other spellers and their families for a Labor Day bbq hosted by one of the families. GKTC has been a wonderful community and way for spellers and their families to connect!

On that same topic of the upcoming get together, Jason spelled, “I was thinking of fun things to take pictures with.” He also spelled, “Love the photo booth idea.”

During the lesson, Katlyn asked, “What are your thoughts on the style based on the examples of impressionism?" Jason spelled, “I can see the idea of capturing a moment in time. It’s like a candid photo.”

Next, Katlyn asked, “What are your thoughts on Renoir holding his first job as a child?” Jason spelled, “I don’t think kids should work but it did give him some valuable skills."

Katlyn asked, “Think of a time you were outside and would love to capture the perfect moment in time photo. Where were you, who was with you, what was the weather like? Would you want Renoir to paint the scene with dramatic lighting or Mary Cassatt to paint the scene with bright colors and sweeping brush strokes?" Jason spelled, “The blissful beach memories have prominently been on my mind. I would love Cassatt’s bright color interpretation of the joy between my Mom and I as she snapped photos of me. It was a beautiful moment between us.”

Katlyn went on to say, “Imagine this image that you have described in words. Write a poem using imagery and emotion to portray that scene." Jason spelled:

Waves of Love

Waves crashing on the shore

The sun shining and bright

The wind whispers to open the door

It commands to let in the light

The light of awesome love

The light of connection

The light to transcend above

The light of beautiful perfection

Capturing this moment in time

A freeze frame of a bond

The sparkling reflection sublime

Of my love so fond

Katlyn asked, “How do you feel about sharing it on social media?" Jason spelled, “I’d love for you to show it off with the hands up photo. Title it Waves of Love by Jason."

This memory is from Jason's family's last trip to the Netherlands in 2019. At the time, Jason appeared so happy along the water’s edge. This photo was taken before his journey to communicate with the spelling board. How fortunate to learn years later that Jason has such a fondness for the beach, sand, wind, and surf.

Jason had a spelling session with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). After composing his second song, Far Reaches (see "Songs" section), Katlyn asked Jason what he wanted to do with his last 10 minutes of the session? Jason spelled, “I am thinking a Thanksgiving poem.”

Here is the poem that Jason spontaneously spelled:

Thankful

Grateful for the chance

Expressing the positive

Acknowledging the challenge

Valuing its lessons

Understanding the sacrifice

I am thankful that my people never gave up

I am thankful for love

During the Thanksgiving dinner at their home, Geoff read Jason's poem to the family and friends gathering together. It was a very special moment.

Jason spelled with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). During the check in, Jason spelled, “I am a bit tired.”

Katlyn went on to ask Jason if he had any messages or thoughts about his upcoming appointment with his primary care doctor and the need to draw his blood to monitor his medication levels in his body? Jason spelled, “It’s important to do it. I will try to mentally prepare. It’s another good way to work on my body’s flexibility."

For context, Jason has not been able to get his blood drawn while awake. His parents have had to have it conducted while he is under for sedation dentistry by an anesthesiologist. This is not the most practical nor timely way to have his lab work done to monitor his vital organs due to his medication levels.

As it turned out, being able to preview an upcoming event with Jason and have him spell about it can really help him overcome his anxiety. A few days later, Jason sat calmly in the chair of the doctor’s office and was able to have his blood drawn! Later that day at home with Nomy, he spelled, “I am doing marvelous.” Nomy said, “I am so proud of you! How did you do it (draw blood) this morning?” Jason spelled, “No problem at all. I sat down and he was able to draw the blood.”

Back at GKTC for today’s lesson, Katlyn asked, “What would you like to work on?” Jason spelled, “Oh, I got this. I want to work on IWWT (In Words We Trust).” This is the GKTC’s Tribe's literary magazine featuring the work of neurodiverse and neurotypical writers and artists.

For the piece, Jason spelled, “A physical wellness acrostic.” This was for an upcoming issue of the literary magazine focused on physical wellbeing.

Jason spelled the following acrostic poem:

P – Protecting our bodily hosts

H – House for our spiritual soul

Y – You must prioritize you

S – Sensations of health regulate

I – Inner wellness, external fitness

C – Combine for peak health

A – Adore the gift of your body

L – Love small steps to your goal

W – Wean off toxic foods

E – Elevate your heart rate

L – Leave the bad habits behind

L – Loose yourself in nature

N – Nap if you need

E – Engulf yourself in soothing sound bowls

S – Surrender screen time

S – Sit in peaceful meditation

Katlyn asked if he had anything else to add and Jason spelled, “I really like it as is.”

Jason’s poem was published in the Summer 2025 Volume 5, Issue 3 that came out on 2 July 2025. Jason's message are wonderful words to live by!

At the end of the session, Katlyn said, “He just went rogue (i.e. didn’t answer the question but wanted to say something else).” Jason had spelled, “Dad, I want to try running a 5K.” Jason’ s parents did sign Jason up for a 5K, the run/walk Race For Communication sponsored by the International Association for Spelling as Communication (I-ASC) and Jason did compete his first 5K event on 12 April 205!

Jason had a spelling session with Katlyn at the Growing Kids Therapy Center (GKTC). Jason wanted to write a Mother’s Day poem for Nomy and spelled:

Brave, gentle, and kind 

Oh, the love we find

A soul of peace

A heart's relief

Part of the Earth

A life of rebirth

A wildflower in the meadow

Pure light in the shadow

Your love greater than the universe

A leading path you traverse

Your path of self-discovery inspires

Leading mine to transpire

Quietly l love you always

Love packed with gratitude on display

Happy Mother's Day

Love,

Jason

Jason also worked with Katlyn to design the card!