You kinda think you’ll have it all together by the time you’re 20. The only problem with that philosophy is that if you don’t, you’ll feel like a failure.
Okay, maybe not a failure-failure, but a kinda failure. It will like like you’ve accomplished nothing.
I’m Shae Hartford, and I am deaf. Deaf. 10 years ago, my mom and I were in a car crash, and ever since then, I haven’t been able to hear what was going on around me. They said it was temporary, but since it’s been 11 years...I’m thinking it’s pretty permanent.
It’s not been easy - I’ve taken both extensive sign language classes and lip-reading classes. Both of which I mastered in about 2 years. Both of which I am fluent in now - making communicating easier.
But it doesn’t change the fact that I’ve gone absolutely nowhere in my life so far. I graduated high school, and then got a job at the local supermarket. I got fired about a week later because I couldn’t pay attention to both the items and the customers.
Excuuuseeee me for not being able to hear. It’s not like I chose to be like this.
And then there’s the fact that my twin brother, Cash (named after Johnny, of course - he was BOUND to be a singer), is not only successful but also just got signed at a record label in Houston, TX. Which means my family has decided to move to a small town about an hour from Houston so that we can be close to him.
I am a Philly girl, so leaving here will be so hard for me. I am used to being close to EVERYTHING - walking to Target and the mall - and where we’re moving, everything is about half an hour away.
What am I going to do?
Stop back for to read more of my little sad story - I will share my joys - yes, there are some joys - and sorrows of being deaf, and also of moving!
~Shae
