For my husband Scott, whose extraordinary love, patience, and wisdom not only helped me write this book, but whose remarkable support and sense of humor has kept me afloat and brought joy and laughter to our first twenty-five years of marriage. No words can describe how wonderful it is to have you in my life.

For Daniel, Jeremy, and Marty, my most incredible three sons. Your astounding talent, exquisite wit, and enduring kindness make me the proudest mother in the world and never cease to amaze me.

For the deaf and hard of hearing community, who have allowed me, a hearing person, to share in the beauty and warmth of your culture.