What miracle happens at the water pump?

For about a month, Annie Sullivan has been patiently trying to teach Helen the rudiments of language, but so far with little in the way of success. It's deeply frustrating for both of them, but Annie persists, trying different ways to communicate something of the outside world to Helen. One day, Annie has a sudden flash of inspiration. She's out walking with Helen when they come across a water-pump. Annie holds Helen's hand under the gushing water. As she does so, she signs the word W-A-T-E-R into Helen's palm. At that moment, Helen's whole face lights up. For the first time, she's been able to establish a connection between an object in the outside world and what was spelled out on her hand. Annie has finally helped Helen to acquire the gift of language. A true miracle, indeed.