Before moving there several years ago - maybe more than several now - Hedy worked in the California School for the Deaf's Outreach Department and was the person who gave me my first tour of the school and a year later gave my daughter Miranda, her mother Brenda and hergrandmother Barbara their tour.
Hedy was a wonderful first impression of CSDF and was helpful getting us settled when we made the decision to move from Toronto, Ontario to the Bay Area. So it was quite appropriate to see her in the audience last Friday, though she had come for a retirement party for a couple of long time CSDF teachers and friends, not the graduation. It was just a lucky coincidence.
In her email of yesterday, Hedy wrote how she still vividly recalls 4-year-old Miranda and the early years at CSDF and how amazing it was to see"this poised lovely young Lady standing in front of me." She was "thrilled" that Miranda waved to her after coming down off the stage following her speech. Honestly, I was thrilled to see my daughter make repeated trips to the podium on the stage. I wish I could take credit for her accomplishments, but it was all her own initiative.
Here I am showing Miranda that I'm wearing the tie she gave me for Christmas at her graduation ceremony. The blue and golden colors of the tie are the same colors of her future university. She responded, "You're ready for Gallaudet!" I didn't think of it then, but I can say now, "And so are you, my dear!"
So with Father's Day tomorrow, I can tell you I feel very, very lucky to have two great kids who have handled life's challenges pretty well and will continue to face them without giving up. This is the best gift any Dad could ever want, knowing his kids are good people and can do it without him.
Congratulations to Miranda for a job well done! She is so lucky to have you as a parent! With her achievement, she will be able to inspire more people and encourage kids with hearing impairment to continue schooling and communicating. And you, sir, will inspire other parents to keep up their support for their kids despite their shortcomings.
ReplyDelete[Rebecca Kavel]