Love...

...as seen over the weekend. A sign language interpreter friend of mine got married. It was held in the church (the only church that I know of in this country that has a section for the deaf with SLIs on hand to interpret). Quite a large number of deaf people turned up. I went along with my long-time friend and her beau.
My eardrums almost got blasted out because the loudspeakers were right close to the 'special' section. The disadvantage of wearing hearing-aids bore heavily at that time. I refused to feel sorry for myself as the others in the same section appeared to be having a good time! I had fun too as I was chuffed not to be the only person who doesn't close her eyes during prayers! I won't bore you with details of how in the past I had dozed off and embarrassed myself in keeping my eyes closed long after prayers have been offered in the name of being 'politically correct' and how I have been judged and castigated at for refusing to close my eyes or not saying 'Amen' to prayers (that I don't even hear nor understand!).
So at this particular wedding (where 2 other couples got married at the same time), I engaged my people-watching antenna and focused it right at the section that I was sitting at. I sat next to a deaf widow (who has 3 children; her deaf husband having died of kidney failure last year). She graciously acknowledged my note of sympathy. It was neither the time nor place to pester her with further questions. I also noted the presence of a few deaf couples. The atmosphere in the section was cheery and I was inundated with requests to keep up with my interactive sessions (on health and other subjects) with them.
The reception once again showed the contained reasonable behavior of the deaf- no pushing or unnecessary aggressive behavior usually seen with 'normal' people. The drama and dance troupe provided entertainment. Quite an interesting group. I had seen one of the lady dancers earlier on strapped with a baby whom I thought was hers only to be told that it was actually her grandchild! She looked really young.
I also got to meet the widow of the groom's deceased deaf brother. The groom became a sign language interpreter in his honor and happens to be widely popular in the deaf community in this city and the heavy attendance during his wedding was a testament to that fact.
I had a nice time having a 'satter' (read natter) and I am glad to say that I acquired more ASL 'socab' (read vocab) on Saturday. And I have to get busy on continuing my projects as promised.

Here is to wishing my friend, Tim and his lovely bride a really happy journey ahead!!