Delanna Limbawan
I am currently a 4th grade teacher in Pasco County who grew up in Clearwater FL. As I'm creating a list of "remarkable people" for our February projects on diversity, my memories shift to the summers that I spent with Tom. As I immediately looked him up online to see about reuniting, I am disheartened to learn of his passing. I've bragged about Tom for over decade, and lovingly recall our interactions when I worked with TEAMeffort Missions.
Tom studied my expressions each summer day, and was the first to recognize my grumpiness. He was also the first to say 'I love you', especially when I needed it most.
While I often tried to communicate by finger spelling every word, I quickly learned that Tom communicated faster and "tuned in" more effectively than any individual withOUT hearing loss. I will miss him dearly, yet forever treasure how he taught me to listen... to hear the heart of every individual, and accept them for simply being God's child.
Tom--"I love you from the bottom of my heart." ---Delanna (the "ballerina girl)
