Saturday, August 29, 2009

Lunch with Old Friends

Since middle school I had wanted to learn sign language. In middle school I had a friend who was deaf. Not being able to talk to her upset me.

Not being able to communicate with my friend bothered me so much I took a sign language class in junior collage. That wasn't enough. I loved sign language. I ended up getting my minor in Deaf Education at SJSU.

Today I was able to tell my friend, JC, I learned sign language and received my Deaf Ed. minor because of her. We had lunch together today. Joining us were two other friends from middle school, E and I. It was wonderful to be all together after all these years (30 years, JC made sure to tell us.) Having lunch just like when we were 11 years old, but now it's better. We are able to communicate. Talking with our hands, we were there signing away for 2 hours. If there was something we did not know how to sign JC was happy to show us the sign.

CK, O, E's daughter and I's cousin were there as well (all the same age). CK and O loved signing to JC. They had been practicing. The kids loved learning sign language from JC. She sat and taught them many animal signs. Such a wonderful afternoon!

Sometimes you don't realize how you effect other peoples lives. I hope my beautiful friend realizes how special she is and how she has effected so many lives. She helped us grow and learn. I am so thankful for knowing her in middle school. I am enjoying getting to know her better now and look forward to our next lunch.

JC signing horse

Signing the letter D

JC teaching the kids signs....this is fish

CK signing mouse

O signing mouse

signing tree





1 comment:

Jennie said...

Wow T! that is the BEST story I ever heard! How amazing after all these years you were finally able to sign to your jr. high friend! Best story ever!!!!!!!! You ROCK!!!!