Patty Mayeux Blog

It is an all too common story, a rift grows between siblings, often after the death of a parent. When it happened in my own family more than 30 years ago, I was shocked. But we were all grieving. Years passed and the space between communications grew and so did the chasm between loved ones. They’ll get over it, I thought. It’s their loss, except there is a hole in my heart that gets patched over with daily living; activities, other family, chores and adventures, forgotten until something peels back the temporary bandaid and a wisp of sadness escapes. It helps that others have similar situations. But only in telling me I am not alone. Misery is still miserable, even in company.

I just finished reading TRUE BIZ, by Sara Nović. It is about a group of teens who attend a school for the deaf. I learned a lot about the history of prejudice, mistreatment and certainly misunderstanding about hearing impaired people. Often, the parents won’t learn sign language. Imagine growing up in a home where a conversation with your family is not possible. I recommend the book, for the story, but also for things learned. I am reminded to listen and learn and seek understanding, on both sides of the conversation. And to keep an eye out for those bugaboos that mess up even the most simple communication.