A Dear Ivan: It is true Gordon's speech was slurred by the second thalomotomy for the left side. We were warned. He did well with Speech therapy , but one does need to practice. If there is a light side: I asked him to sing for me, so after "do-re-me.." he regaled me with the Star Spangled Banner and Don't Cry For Me, Argentina! I'm writing as fast as I can so he will stop! He can sing still, has a nice baritone voice.