Happy Mother's Day, Mom/Grandma and Oma!
Posted by ShelMay 10
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!
8 comments
Comment by Troy on May 10, 2009 at 10:02 pm
WOW!! Very touching. I am one of the children in the picture.
LOL
I LOVE YOU OMA POTMA, GRANDMA FUNK AND GREAT GRANDMA SCHANTZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T(name edited): a proud CODA
Comment by deafcdn on May 11, 2009 at 1:32 am
Thank you Shelley. That is beautiful! I love you and the 6 boys in your life.
Mom P.
Comment by Don G. on May 11, 2009 at 2:58 am
Nice sentiments, Shel! Would be nice if more parents would follow your mom’s and grandma’s model.
Comment by deafcdn on May 11, 2009 at 3:01 am
Agreed, Don.
I’m quite fortunate to have such an enlightened mother and grandmother.
Comment by Li-Li's Mom on May 11, 2009 at 4:12 am
Very beautiful Shel – the words, the sentiments, and your whole family, generation after generation!
Comment by drmzz on May 11, 2009 at 4:40 am
Sweet. A very empowering testimony of how attitudes can either promote or hinder a Deaf child’s life development. Thanks to them, you made it! That many sons, OMG! Smiles and hand waves.
Comment by deafcdn on May 11, 2009 at 4:50 am
Generations of teachers, you mean?
(My mom almost became a teacher herself, but opted out.) I’m the only Deaf in my side of the family. My husband is Deaf as well. My kids are all KODAs. I have such a terrific family, and wouldn’t trade my folks in for anything in the world.
Thanks for your kind words, Li-Li’s Mom.
Shel
Comment by deafcdn on May 11, 2009 at 4:53 am
Yep. That many boys. My husband lost the recipe for girls, alas.
Seriously, though, you’re correct that attitudes can impact a Deaf child’s development. You and I have seen the effects of both positive empowering attitudes and disabling attitudes on children… not only the Deaf ones, but also children in general.
Shel