No Words Needed was inspired by a conversation with a friend whose daughter teaches first grade. She told me that every year, she has at least one deaf student in her class. She shared the challenges these students face—not just the deaf child, but also the teacher and the other students learning how to communicate and connect.
Her stories deeply resonated with me, as I’ve struggled with hearing issues for most of my life. As a child, I had repeated ear infections, some of which caused my eardrums to rupture. Later, as an adult living in Alaska, I was hit in the ear with a football causing another rupture, and then it happened again during a flight to Texas. On top of all that, I was eventually diagnosed with Ménière’s disease, which brings additional hearing loss and balance issues.
Even with hearing aids, I often rely on smiles and nods more than words, especially in group conversations. And yet, I’m constantly inspired by the deaf community and the beautiful, creative ways they navigate the world with strength, connection, and grace.
No Words Needed is my way of honoring that. It’s a story born from both personal experience and deep admiration and a reminder that understanding, love, and communication don’t always require sound.
