People Keep Asking so Here's the Answer

People often ask "Why are you learning ASL?" For a long time I couldn't give an answer because I couldn't remember what started my dream to learn. Dewey has a better memory than I do (is that why I married a YOUNGER man?) He reminded me that I first decided to learn because of Tess Lake!

Tess, a beautiful Deaf woman, came to our church. My friend, Christy, was her interpreter. I wanted to talk to Tess so I asked her and Christy to teach me. That was the beginning of a wonderful adventure! Tess and Christy taught me a few basics and encouraged me to take a class. (The mistake I made calling Christy a bad name can't be written in a blog that I want kept G-rated!)

Thus began the search! Classes were not easy to find but I was determined. I went to a bookstore to find a basic sign-language book that Tess recommended. I noticed a woman buying five copies of a sign-language book. Having a rare moment of insightfulness, I thought, "She must be a teacher! Who else would buy five copies of the same book??" Swallowing my usual fear of talking to strangers (yes I got over that fear. Now I talk to everyone. But I digress!) I asked, "Are you a teacher?" "YES I teach at my Church." She promised to call the next time she offered a class. Six months later I got a call. "Hi this is Dee Dee. You won't remember me but ..." I interrupted, "Of course I remember you! When is the next class???"

My efforts to learn took me to different community colleges where I repeated the second-year level five times. I was frustrated not being able to make more progress.

I had a dream of going to Gallaudet University to take their summer immersion program. That dream presented several problems ... Money, hot humid weather, Money, work, Money ... but I didn't let the dream die over such mundane matters!

I found a similar class at Sacramento State University. With a lot of help from family, friends, co-workers, and my bosses, the dream came true! The course was two-weeks long, covering level two the first week and level three second week. I have never been so exhausted in my life, but I was joyous because my dream was coming true!

I returned home and my Deaf friends said I made obvious improvement in my signing skills. "PAH" (That's "Finally" in ASL).

I still search for classes but mostly associate with friends. I go to an ASL club every week, an ASL coffee chat once a month, and attend Deaf church once a month. I have made so many wonderful friends in the Deaf community: patient Deaf friends, and other ASL students who are as eager as I am to learn.

Now you know! ... p.s. if you ever see Tess Lake, please ask her to contact me. I can communicate with her now!!