A Bond Beyond Words
I have so many favorite memories with Lisha, but one of the most recent still makes me smile every time I think of it. I wasn’t wearing a hat like I usually do, and she kept looking at me, clearly amused. Then she signed “BALD” and “HAT”—and burst into laughter. I couldn’t help but laugh right along with her. I love the sound of her laugh, even when it’s at my expense. Especially when it’s at my expense. It means she’s comfortable, she’s present, and she’s enjoying herself. That’s what matters.
Our bond took time to build. We had to learn each other’s languages—not just in ASL, but emotionally, behaviorally, and spiritually. Now, she knows that I think of her as my little sister. She knows I’m not going anywhere. That I’ll never give up on her.
Sometimes she walks up to me just to give me a hug. Not because she wants something. Not as a trade. Just because. When that happens, I know it’s not about what I can give her—it’s about who I am to her. I think she’s found comfort in me. And that, to me, is everything.
If I had to describe Lisha in three words?
Precious. Smart. Crafty.
She is all of those things—and so much more. Watching her grow and connect through her own voice, in her own way, has been one of the greatest honors of my life.