NOW AND FOREVER –  

August 9, 2021 – 

6. Get good sleep

I used to go to bed at 2 or 3 a.m. and sleep till noon. Now I like going to bed at 9:30. I need my energy to do the things I have to do during the day.

7. Be open to change

I never thought I’d have four children. I’m a fiercely independent person, but my priorities completely changed.

8. Listen to your kids

When I was asked to do Dancing With the Stars, the kids were, like, “Yes, Mom!” It was the hardest work I’d ever done, and I was out of my element. But to be able to show people that deaf people can dance was really fun.

9. Persevere

It’s been a struggle with masks during the pandemic because I lip-read. Still, I’m more than happy to assist people — they just have to work with me, maybe by texting or writing or whatever it takes. I can’t just walk away from life.

10. Smile more

You should smile at people. Even if you don’t know them. Why not? It really is helpful.

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