…We sat in some lawn chairs under the leaves of a large maple tree and talked…

…Then Brent shifted a little in his chair. He leaned forward with his arms on his knees, cocked his head to the side and looked sweetly at me through his long bangs. He told me he had been thinking about me, non-stop, since we met, and that he had written something he would like me to read. My heart crept to my throat in anticipation as he handed me what was to be the first love letter of hundreds more to come…

…This may sound crazy, but I’m falling in love with you!

Photo by: Suheilah Waeli

…It all happened so quickly — the curious uplifting, the incredulous wonder, the sudden inexplicable joy! I guess when the “real thing” happens, there is no doubt. What was happening, was happening to both of us. We had fallen in love!

Read more...

ASL - Sign Language, Family, Hearing Loss, Late-Deaf, Love, Meaning, My Story, Support | 1 Comment »

Photo by: Matt Jacoby

We could have stayed there basking in the sun by the Swimming Hole forever. Time stood still for us… I didn’t want this incredible dream to end….

…I watched Brent clamor up the hill to catch up with his family. Once they reached the top of the hill where they had parked their car, they all turned to wave goodbye. Brent was the last one to get into the car, still gazing down at me. I waved once more, feeling that I was witnessing fate in progress. I knew with the utmost certainty that our paths would cross again.

Read more...

Family, Love, My Story | 1 Comment »

Photo by: “Jimmy”

…The Indian Grave was marked by a large weathered, granite stone hidden back on the far side of the creek, high up on a hill…

…Both of my younger cousins led the way. They had been to The Indian Grave hundreds of times before. Fresno Dome campground was not a new place to them. It was home away from home. Brent and I flirted along the way as Shelly glanced back and giggled at us continuously…

…From a distance, I watched Brent talk to my cousins about the mountain place they knew so well. Brent looked so natural and comfortable with the younger kids, and they adored him. He seemed to fit right in. Every now and then, I would look over my shoulder and catch Brent gazing back at me, which made me smile and blush. I was overwhelmed with joy and falling deeply in love!

Read more...

Family, Love, My Story | No Comments »