Mom Funk,

Thank you for raising me the way you did, in two worlds, two languages, Mom… in the Deaf World and the Hearing World.  You allowed me to be me.  I will never forget the words you used when I once asked 20 years ago why you made the decision to expose me to ASL from the time you found out I was Deaf at 6 months old. You said: 

“I decided to raise you as a normal child and sign.”  

You did not wrap me up in a bubble while I was growing up.  You allowed me to experience life as it was. You surrounded me with Deaf adult role models.  You taught me determination, and to fight for what is right and necessary.  You modeled a love of reading.  You taught me to love and laugh.   Above all, you taught me to love me just as I am.  

Grandma Schantz,

You inspired me as a teacher.  When my Deaf School was closed for holidays and your school was still open, you took me as a small child to your classroom.  I remember discovering to my delight at the age of 4 or 5 the rich selection of children books in your classroom shelves.  I remember sitting for hours devouring your books.  I also watched you teach the elementary-aged Hearing children throughout those days.  Those were wonderful days. 

I remember vividly your sitting with me at the age of 3 or 4 on your living room couch facing the large bay window and reading Nursery Rhymes. You gestured to help me understand the word “tumbling down”.  Throughout my childhood, you took the time to talk with me for hours and share pearls of wisdom via paper and pen.  You never once corrected my grammar…NOT ONCE. You taught me to make crafts.  Between you and Mom, you both taught me to be a whiz at Scrabble from an early age!

Today, I am a teacher, because of you, Grandma and Mom. 

Mom Potma, 

Thank you for your son and lovingly raising him to be a strong and good husband.  Thank you for instilling in him strong family values and work ethics.  Thank you for the support you gave with my children, especially during the first year of my twins’ lives (even to the point of moving from 2 hours away to a town only 10 minutes away!).  Thank you for exposing our children to Dutch culture, language and food (especially boterkoek!) Also, thank you for being there for us whenever needed.  

Grandma Funk, Great-Grandma Schantz and Oma,

Our sons love you very much and that is why they all joined me in making this picture for you three.  

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!