Among the Stars

ANG WAKAS

"For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." - Vincent Van Gogh

"Thank you so much, Rayana!"

Habol namin ang aming mga hininga matapos naming magperform sa isang malaking event para sa Deaf Community in the Philippines. Rayana has become one of the biggest advocate for the deaf community. We performed our new comeback song and the people danced with us. Because our song has all the sign language in it.

As an advocate, it is our duty and responsibility to fight for their rights and make them feel included in our society. Deaf people should feel safe and positive as they interact with us. They should be protected from harm and judgment.

Seeing all these wonderful people around me, I remember my parents. I wish they knew how proud I am because they loved me.

"Everyone, Ayah has some words she wanted to share with us."

Itinapat na sa akin ang camera. I wanted to sign as I talk to them. So, I didn't get the mic.

"Hello, guys. How are you?"

I know some people know that I sign, but some were shock. There are children at the front who reacted when I signed. And it makes my heart happy.

"I am Ayah from Rayana. I wanted to talk to you directly, so I will be using our language."

I heaved a sigh to suppress my cries. Just by seeing these people warms my heart and fills it with gratitude. It gives me a purpose.

"I wanna share my story with you today, so please bear with me."

"I grew up with exceptional parents. My father was mute and my mother....had a traumatic mutism. So, I grew up learning sign language."

"My parents gave me the ideal life, but the people around us made it difficult. Because they couldn't accept us." hindi ko na napigilan ang pag-iyak ko. Lalo nang makita ang mga magulang ng mga deaf children sa harapan ko. They started crying too.

"They would often judge my parents' ability to raise me properly. They underestimated their capability to work. And most of all, they looked down on them just because they couldn't speak their language."

"I used to think being deaf or mute is a disability. But when I started learning how to become an advocate, I learned that deaf people don't see themselves as people with disabilities. Rather, they see themselves as part of the diversity of people. And they even have their own language."

"A lot of people might think being deaf hinders a person's ability to reach its own potential. But don't listen to them. Because you can do more, and you can become more than what they think of you. And there's nothing wrong with being exceptional. It just means you are unique in your own beautiful way."

"Know that in this world, your battles are our battles too. We are here as your friend, and we can be your voice to tell you the beauty in this world; the beauty within you. Know that you are allowed to have dreams, to have knowledge, and to live a normal life. So just keep on shining in your own field. You are special because you are...you."

People around me shook their hands as their means of clapping. Sa sign language, when you wanted to clap for something, you shake your hands. And that's what they did.

"That's a very heartfelt message, Ayah. Thank you so much for being one of us, and for fighting and advocating for our community."

I had so many recollections of people mocking and underestimating my parents. But they have proven that not being able to speak doesn't mean they are entirely helpless. Many deaf or mute people are suffering from these kinds of judgement, especially in the working community.