A Loss for Words - Short Essay

I really enjoyed reading A Loss for Words: the Story of Deafness in a Family. I found the book to be a pleasurable and extremely fast read. Lou Ann Walker definitely has an impacting touch on anyone who reads her story. This story highlights the challenges of being different. Her parents being deaf really caused a strain on her lifestyle. Also, the reactions of others affected her tremendously. Lou Ann really opens the eyes of those who do not understand deafness. How the deaf community functions and how it is really a whole other world. I found Lou Ann really put her heart into this story. She really exposed herself; and, at the same time, did so with humor. It was evident that Lou Ann loved her parents but her relationship with them because of their handicap is altered from the norm relationship of a daughter and her parents. This is where the strength in their family lies.
There is a true sadness that Lou Ann points out in her book. While she loves her parents and there is that child parent bond, she will never be able to be part of their world, their culture. She also had to grow up much faster than her peers because she took on the role of interpreting for her parents while growing up. In essence, this is a loss of childhood. Another reason this story is a bit sad is that Lou Ann never really seemed to understand her place in the world. She was quiet and reserved outside of her home because she did not learn any other way to be. I found the insight into a whole new culture fascinating. I appreciate Lou Ann’s honesty of growing up in two completely different worlds. I feel she opened her family to me and I find that quite