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! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!119!5.0!Laurie.Wilson Internet: Laurie.Wilson@p0.f5.n119.z1.fidonet.org