A funny thing happened in the grocery line...

Almost since I can remember, I've known sign language. Ok, so since 1981, I've known sign language. I was always interested, and my second grade Sunday School teacher also taught at the School for the Deaf. She would teach us signs from time to time, and made sure we knew the sign alphabet. We sang " Jesus Loves Me" both in English and Sign in our cherub choir. It wasn't long into the school year when she brought a friend with her. I remember clearly her speaking and signing at the same time. " This is J.... He's one of my students, and he's deaf. If you want to talk with J, you have to learn the signs to speak with him." We all knew the sign for " Hi" and he introduced himself showing us his name sign. (Most, if not all, deaf people adopt a name sign which is usually a combination of one of their traits or something they like to do, combined with the first letter of their first name.) J gave us all name signs, with the help of his mentor. That was the beginning of a very long relationship with J, and a wonderful journey learning Sign Language.

Through college, I continued taking classes, and spent time with my friends majoring in ( at that time) deaf education and speech development. We even declared " Deaf days" so we could practice, and understand more fully how the deaf world worked.  I started working at the Disney Store, and used my skills more every day. It seems the word spread around the community that there was a person who knew Sign language working at the store.

Since then, I haven't had anyone to talk with, in Sign, that is. Until this week. I was in line at the grocery store, and noticed the cashier pointing, shaking her head, and looking for something to write with. I looked at the lady in front of me, and was surprised to see she was ... signing! Her husband left and later came back. I asked her if I could interpret for her, and she said no, she understood what the cashier was saying. After introductions, her husband returned with his purchase, and she signed to him " she signs". He turned around, and introduced himself. I didn't realize I remembered so much! We talked for 10 minutes, exchanging information, and me helping them finish their transaction.

I was amazed at my communication abilities, and very pleased I'd made new friends. I went home thrilled. I've been more than happy with that experience since then. Maybe, just maybe, all that time I spent learning another language won't go to waste! I can't wait to see my new friends again!