Laurie.Wilson@p0.f5.n119.z1.fidonet.org (Laurie Wilson) (08/10/90)
Index Number: 9652
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi Everybody!
Well, I am back from a fantastic vacation (SHHH convention and
Florida). The convention was wonderful, especially because of meeting
great people from the BBS world! Ann, Frank, Wayne, and Jack made
the occassion very special for my two daughters and me. The girls
just loved them. And kept telling me that they wanted to go back
again next year this time in denver. Believe me, we will go! we all
certainly enjoyed meeting and getting to know those special poeple
at the convention.
Know something? I realized how I was pretty comfortable at SHHH
convention because the attendies were in many ways like me. Raised
in oral envinronment and know little sign language. Even tho, I am
more deaf than most there, I felt right belong to this group! What
a wonderful feeling!
Unfortunately, because of our late arrival there, I didn't get to
attend most of the workshops that I'd want to see. However, I did
see one which was the demonstration of hearing dogs. Those little
dogs were so professionals! I mean, they knew what they were doing-
--the difference between working for their masters and being just
dogs. I was pretty impressed! I love the part where a little dog
(a cross between poodle and terrier) jumps on its master's chest and
licks her face to wake up when the alarm rang.
The dinner party at the end of convention was, well, interesting.
The food was great, despite, my youngest daughter making a big fuss
out of it. It was the southern food. She made so much fuss about
the food, that the waiter offerred to run out and get her some
hamburgers from McDonalds. Ha, ha! It was pretty amusing.
Ahhh, one thing that was totally new experience for me. It was about
attempting to communicate with one of the bbs fellas. Frank, Ann,
and I were just relaxing on one hot muggy night in the hotel. When
Frank and I tried to communicate without some success, Ann had to
interpret for us! Ann is profoundly deaf, and so am I. But she speaks
very well and reads lips far better than I do. So, the point is Ann
is the first deaf person in my life who interprets for me! That was
the most unusual experience for me! And amusing, too! It is pretty
unusual to see a deaf person as an interpreter between a hearing person
and a deaf person who usually can get by without an interpreter, but
at that time, Frank and I were stuck with non communication ways.
Frank couldnt read lips nor know any sign language. My voice was too
soft, and I couldnt read his lips since I wasnt used to his mouth
movements. Blessed Ann saw our predicatement and rescued us! Anyway,
we laughed about ourselves and the picture we presented.
Well, all I can say is that I am very glad that we did go to the
convention because meeting those people just made our vacation just
extra memorable special! Hey, guys, it was great meeting you! And
I am looking forward to seeing you all again next year!
Love, Laurie
P.S. it is great to be back home here!
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