Many people ask Mike (my husband) before they ask me, how I became Deaf.  It's a simple story, and one that everyone always asks about.  When I was younger, I had meningitis, and the effects of having that made me Deaf.

    I spent most of my younger years with other Deaf kids at the Wisconsin State School for the Deaf (WSD) in Wisconsin, and that's where I learned sign language, and spent most of my younger life.  I graduated from WSD in 1990 and went to college where I met Mike, and have been living in St. Louis ever since Mike graduated College in 1992 in Wisconsin and we moved.

    Mike was an Interpreter for 8 years in St. Louis and helped many Deaf people in the St. Louis area.  Now he makes websites and designs for people for companies all over and he is much happier.  I now work at WALMART in the General Merchandise Department, and have for 8 years!  Yay!

    Growing up Deaf is something that is hard for me to explain tell people about because you aren't Deaf, but I can tell you that I have a different life than most people.  I had a dog named "Molly" who helped me live my life until recently.  She was my service dog, and did things like tell me when people are knocking on our door and when the post man comes.  She also was able to tell me if there is a fire, or if the phone rang.  She was a pretty dog and was a Shetland Sheep dog.  In February of 2003, she was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer, and we had to put her down on March 1st.  It was very sad, and we miss her a lot.  Please be sure to also check out the pictures of Molly Dog that I have online.  We miss her very much, and know that she is in heaven, probably playing with my Daddy. :)

    I also, unlike a lot of people think, can't read lips very well.  Something to remember when talking to Deaf people is that if they can't hear you, talking louder doesn't mean that you're helping them.  I like it when people write things down for me or are able to take the time to explain things that they are trying to tell me.  Yelling what I can't read on your lips doesn't mean that I can suddenly hear and understand you. :)

    I plan to have an animated picture here to show you different signs in the future.  Visit back soon and learn sign language with me, Gloria!