Greetings from The Netherlands! My name is Sjef van Lierop. I am 44 years old and I am a garbage truck driver. My hobby is playing the bass drum, and I am also the drum major for several marching bands in our area.

When I was a little boy, I stuttered a lot. I had very few friends except for the local garbage men. Every week during their pick-ups, they would shout "Hey friend!” They didn't seem to care that I stuttered and they never laughed at me. That is the main reason why I am a garbage truck driver today! It also gives me time to pursue my hobby.

When I was 25 years old, a man in our village asked me, "would you join our band to play the bass drum? You are so big and strong." So I did. They taught me how to play the bass drum. Several years later, I learned how to be a drum major. Today, I still play the bass drum and am the drum major for three marching bands, just for the fun.

Stuttering isn't a big problem for me today. I sometimes have a little trouble when meeting new people. But once they accept me, the problem is cured. 

All the members of my bands are nice and patient. They gave me the chance to prove myself. They didn`t laugh at me unless I was telling a joke about stuttering. Giving directions to 30 musicians in a marching band is no problem – we are one big happy team!

 

Posted Nov. 9, 2015