The Silent Treatment

I was fortunate enough to spend a day with a group of very special people during my holiday vacation last week.  

As you know, Chris and I flew back to his home to visit his family.  What I didn't tell you is that Chris' parents are both deaf and mute.  At the beginning, especially during the first few times I spent time with his parents, it was very difficult to understand what was going on. Both Chris and his younger brother are 'fluent' in sign language.  So, whenever we sit together for dinners or whatever, there will be these hand movements everywhere.  And to someone (like me) who's new to this, it was quite overwhelming at the time.

But with time, I became comfortable with the whole environment.  I managed to learn few hand signs and have got used to the format of the language.  So even though I may not be able to talk to them, but most of time, I can understand when they talk to me.  And that's already half the battle.

So, on New Year's Day, Chris and I spent the day with his parents' friends, all of them are deaf and mute.  We went to see a flower exhibition and an 3D art exhibition.  I've met some their friends before, maybe once or twice, when they came over to the house for a visit.  But this time, it was different in the sense that I paid more attention to them.  I really tried to observe them, their behavior, their emotions....and I feel very very fortunate that I had this opportunity to see their world, get a glimpse, so to speak.

Chris said, "You know, they are very simple people.  They won't compare who gets more or less.  They are just very nice to everyone." 

I said, "Why don't they compare?  They are just like normal people like us.  Don't they mind?"

Chris replied: "Yeah, that's makes them even better than normal people."

It is true.  At the beginning, I have to admit I felt somewhat repulsive that I couldn't spent time with Chris alone on New Year's Day.  But at the end of the day, I realize I was the one who was so narrowed-minded.  Not to sound too cliche, but they really opened me up to a new world. 

A new perspective....which is not bad for the first day of 2013 at all.

Thanks a lot!