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Well, now that I have your attention - I’m talking about awareness a bit closer to home. It’s not on a big soapbox, it’s just one person to another. To me this post serves as a good lesson to be reminded of from time to time.
The world is made up of so many interesting and unique things to learn about. This stems from very intriguing people. There is a professional for every imaginable product, activity, or way of life. For years I tried to get hubby Carl to try new things. Actually on one of our very first dates, I wanted to eat Calamari, but he was totally against ordering it…so, I mumbled to the waiter to bring it. Since Carl is Deaf and had no idea that I ordered it, he was quite surprised. He tried it and now 10 years later he orders it whenever he can!
It’s about exploring, listening and tuning in to our environments. After years of asking Carl to try dance lessons, I finally got him to commit to a class with me. He did excellent, in fact - I’m the one that had difficulty with the Waltz steps, Carl grasped them almost instantly. See Dancing is Hard Work
My oldest daughter had a recital - this was professional! She was a little Eskimo - isn’t she cute!

Jean Wolfmeyer is a dynamic teacher, she’s turned out several professionals from our small little town. It doesn’t even compare to the other schools in the area. The recital was 4 hours! I knew I’d enjoy it, it had been my first time seeing her production. I was a bit concerned with Carl, not being able to hear the music, especially for 4 hours, I thought he might become quite bored. As the show got underway, each dance was beautiful, Carl and I would make eye contact and nod as to say “well-done”. At intermission, my husband and I were talking about the show and he shares how totally impressed and professional the gig is. Huh? Is this the same guy that wouldn’t dance with me for years… then I thought about it. Having taken the dance class gave him some idea of how difficult it is to dance. He had become aware resulting in having more appreciation for the art of dance. He also could see the distinct improvement in our daughter. (Jean is really amazing)!
Having had to field numerous Deaf related questions my entire life, I really don’t mind answering those trying to explore our culture of Deafness. I encourage their questions so that they can learn and share with others. So the moral of the story kids - open your emotions, feelings and curousity to the world around you. Explore and learn - without prejudice. Be a sponge and learn something new. Whether it be calamari, dancing or anything that you come into contact with today!

June 17th, 2008 at 5:57 am
I loved this post - it reminded me of what Helen Keller used to say:
“Life is a daring adventure or nothing.”
So true, so true. And what amazing discoveries people like your hubby can make when giving something like calamari or dancing a try!
June 19th, 2008 at 11:56 am
what a great post and how important it is to remember to get out of our comfort zones because that is really the only way to get acquainted with and perhaps master new things.
pass the sushi!
June 23rd, 2008 at 9:59 am
Sean,
So funny, I tried to get Carl into a sushi place, didn’t work. Little steps before throwing all our fears into the wind!