Susan
Hayes
Copyright 2000
I want you all to know that I think I'm finally out of my shell. For many years I've kept to myself and I had no friends and my life was just miserable and I knew I was heading for a lonely world, but over a year ago, in May I think it was I finally gave in and joined the SayWhatClub that my aunt Forest Ann wanted me to join.
At first I was scared and didn't know just how I was going to take getting along talking to other deaf and HOH people like myself. Heck, I didn't know how to act because I was never allowed to be around deaf people, or even let anyone know I was deaf.
There were several times I wanted to back out and just leave the SayWhatClub and people here would say, "No, Susan. Just give us a try," and then later we all started talking about going to a convention.
Now I knew there was no way I could do that. No way. I've never been able to do anything like that in my life and it scared me to even think about it.
One day my friends here in the SayWhatClub finally talked me into it. I'd change my mind and try to back out. I just want you to all know, in the year I've grown and learned so much with you all and then actually going to a convention! I really can't believe I did it all in a little over a year's time because I was in real bad shape before I even started in this club and going to a convention -- I never dreamed I was going to make it.
Two years ago I know I would have never been able to do any of the above, but with the support and encouragement from my friends and some of my family members I'm very happy to say, "I did it!" and now I can't wait til the next one in Chicago. I have more self esteem than I've ever had and I don't even take half the drugs the my doctors had me on for years.
Anyways, I just wanted to share that with you and remember: Never say you can't do it till you try it. I did and made it and I'm very happy with my SWC family.
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