ASL

It stands for American Sign Language.

When our son was small he would literally start crying over the regular A, B, C,… alphabet.

At the time he was attending our local homeschool co-op and had become so adverse to learning he could no longer handle the classroom.

Since I had my own class, 3-5th grade, I just brought in Jason’s desk and he became my homeschooler.

After I learned the triggers for him, I was able to teach him how to handle working at his desk.

Then, God helped me find or make him things he could do while sitting quietly.

Math turned out to be something he enjoyed.

As well as Art.

The alphabet was still a problem.

Just placing a few letters on his desk could mean the end of his self composure.

About this time, a lady from the area heard about our son and offered to help.

“I’d like to teach you and your son ASL. I think it could really help him to learn to communicate and I’m happy to do it for free.”

What a gift!!

Of course I said yes and we got together.

It was slow at first.

However, ASL was the key to teaching our son the alphabet.

It was also something for him to use when words escaped him.

Unfortunately, we didn’t keep it in practice as he gained ability to both speak and read.

But God knew we would use it again.

One of the side effects of my asthma has been the inability to talk.

It varies from sounding like I have a terrible cold to nothing.

I remember the first time it happened. I started to sign what I wanted to say without even thinking.

Praise God! He had already prepared our family.

Both Anne and Bell had learned some ASL when the same lady taught a free class not long after her class with Jase and me.

Our oldest girl began going to a Bible study for the deaf her Freshman year of college so she actually knows more than any of us.

All of this has been such a blessing to me when I can not speak.

Infact, we all want to learn even more.

Anne and I have been trying to use it in our everyday conversations.

For me, it’s about being able to express myself and being open to God’s opportunities.

I had no idea He was going to use this small knowledge to help me.

But experience has taught me, He’s bigger than I can possibly imagine.

While He’s helping me, He may open a door for me to help someone else.

Until then, I am praising God for His blessings, including teaching our family ASL.

James 1:17 KJV — Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.