I see the courage in their lives every day that they have to step out in a world that is unwelcoming enough for the hearing. It must be daunting at times for them. Then I see the Tonys of the world and courage takes on new meaning. I don't know what Tonys "syndrome" is called. There are many conditions among the deaf that result in multiple problems. I don't care what it is named. I only see that it has resulted in a remarkable young man who finds joy and laughter in every day he lives, even when he is dying.
My son is his branch president but long before the caring for Tony came with the calling, the caring had already begun as a friend. Now he will be called to preside over a funeral too soon. Tony laughs and jokes with everyone about whether they are coming to his funeral. I'm sure there will be many because of the way he has touched this world. My son, stopped to see him at the hospital on the way to his last deer hunt. Tony bugged him about always looking for the "big one". This year, he took a "smaller" one to honor his friend. Maybe Tony will be helping him find the "big" one sometime in the future.
All the Tonys, the Dales and Teresas, the Robs and Davids with their positive attitudes, their crooked smiles, their hugs and their tears whether calling me mom or friend have caused some pain for me but in the long run, they have caused so much more joy and admiration. Joy for having them as friends and admiration for all they have suffered with strength and grace. Their tears and laughter will always be with me because they have become threads in the fabric that is my life.
Thanks guys for adding sparkling threads to my tapestry. You have made my life so much more rich!
