How much we take for granted:

[miabeth]

Illuminated letter Thoughts of a deaf child

My family knew that I was deaf
When I was only three,
and since then fifteen years ago
Have never signed to me.
I know when I'm around the house,
I try and use my voice,
It makes them feel more comfortable;
For me, I have no choice.
I try, communicate their way --
Uncomfortable for me.
My parents wouldn't learn to sign
Ashamed or apathy?
I never cared about the sounds of
radio and bands;
What hurts me is, I never heard
My parent's signing hands.

- Stephen J. Bellitz