Stuttering is a transformative experience. All people go through at least one transformation in their lives (e.g., puberty). But I suspect that most people have at least one more (transition from adolescence into adulthood). For those of us who stutter part of those transitions deals with how we think about and react to our stuttering. And for some of us who stutter I really believe there is a transformation unique to stuttering--that might involve embracing the identity as "stutterer." I don't know if everyone goes through this stuttering transformation. Maybe not everyone should--some people may not want to embrace the identity of "stutterer." I think I have. I don't actually remember when I finished "transforming." One day I came to the realization that I embraced my inner stutterer, and I rather liked him. (not to say I never get frustrated or annoyed -- good god that still happens). But, if offered a magic pill that would take away my stutter, I'd have to think twice. Which is a remarkable change in thinking from where I was 10 even 5 years ago. In short: stuttering helped me learn to love me and not the idyllic version of me.