It’s my privilege to have a new neighbor who has been deaf since birth.  Her parents were both deaf, as are her siblings and their spouses.  My hubby and I had the pleasure of meeting several of them at her home.  Yes, we had made an attempt to learn American Sign Language and they have been very patient with our slow attempts at communicating.  We joined in with their reunion of five family members.  It was a happy occasion full of smiles and hugs. 

The first thing that I noticed was the quiet.  It could have been a family reunion in my living room, except very few sounds were heard.  There was a peace and serenity to the gathering that only we could perceive.  They were successful people with good jobs and good families.  They saw the world as a beautiful place, enjoyed traveling and each other.  

I thought about what they were missing:  the gentle sound of the human voice, the sounds of nature, the sounds of music ranging from a single voice to a full orchestra.  I wondered just how often I stop to appreciate these marvelous blessings from God.  I take for granted the sound of my husband’s voice.  I smile at the chirping of birds (it takes a hearing aid, but I can still do it.)  The sounds of quiet music soothe me, and the harmonious blending of a full orchestra amazes me.  It’s time to praise God for these wonders that seem so commonplace in my life.

I thought about what they had:  the love of family, the joy of sharing with each other, all the wonders their eyes could see.  They had an appreciation for a “new friend” added to the family circle and I am genuinely grateful to be that new friend, a friend whose eyes and ears have been opened to the joys of life, the blessings bestowed with the unconditional love of our Almighty God.

Judy