It’s really endearing to me that the last post was about the Jaycees, and here I am after months for posting, talking about the Jaycees again.

It was that meeting, that speech I did in April that launched me into the most surreal weekend while accepting my award. It is truly an honor. I’m more than rocked about it, I’m still in complete shock.

When I arrived to the convention, we were invited to the Presidential Suite. I was a bit intimidated, and for those that know me, I don’t get intimidated often. After finally feeling at ease, it was time for dinner and awards.

After looking at the program, I became quite nervous. The other honored individuals are doing some amazing things. While all of them are wonderful, I was being honored the same night that the Mayor of La Crosse and the NFL player Aaron Kampman, both could not be in attendance. It was really shocking to me. The keynote was both gripping, chilling and poignant. Since it was on September 12th, the keynote recounted the events of 9-11, which made me even more spooked.

Here I will share parts of the program in which they thought I was deserving for this presitgious award.

Lisa Callsen was raised in a unique environment that most young people have not. As a child of two Deaf parents, she had to learn to be confident and careful to explain clearly about their lifestyle. Communicating with professions like doctors, lawyers, accountants, and school personnel, in a way and with content no young person has experience to understand, she was the bridge between two worlds.

Lisa is currently working on her speaking career which stems from a lifelong “explanation” of her world. When learning that her parents were Deaf for more than thirty years, the questions have been the same.  In her speaking engagements she offers a story about the abilities of Deaf people, while communicating some of the “ah ha” moments in a very seldom discussed culture. By incorporating a general overview of the complex Americans with Disabilities Act, she hopes that her audience gains an understanding of the world she lives in. Besides her speaking activities, she is also working to open an intimate theatre to encourage others to share their stories, including her unique one woman show on her life with Deaf parents.

Also included is my acceptance speech. Everything I had planned to say, went out the window.  I led into the speech with thanking them for this award for many reasons, one of which they still think I’m young, that pulled in the first laugh. Fortunately we captured the interpreter for the speech.