Photo by: “The Sage”

We saved December 23rd to ourselves so that we could exchange gifts privately and spend time alone together outside of our traditional holiday family gatherings. Little did I know the surprise Brent had for me up his sleeve. It took me a minute to recognize.

Photo by: Byron Realey

“Merry Christmas, L-a-R-o-n-d-a,” Brent said using sign language and finger-spelling. “I love you.”

“Merry Christmas to you too,” I signed in return, and then it hit me! “Brent! You’re signing! How wonderful!” …

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ASL - Sign Language, Deaf, Family, Hearing Loss, Humor, Late-Deaf, Love, Meaning, My Story, Support | No Comments »

In late August, as the dog days of summer waned and the dandelions roots grew fat, it came time for Brent to return to his college up in the Pacific Northwest. Sadly, even though our families’ homes were only 5 miles apart, we both lived and attended colleges in separate states.

…We would soon begin a long distance relationship that spanned 3 ½ years…

…Like a treasure chest filled with gold, almost every love letter we have ever written to one another lies piled in a box, sealed with mailing tape, and stored in the top of our closet…

Photo by: “Angela”

…Time and distance did not keep us apart.

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Deaf, Grief, Hearing Loss, Late-Deaf, Love, My Story, Support | No Comments »