Signs of Love

By Sister Sue Hodgson

“Hi, Stori.”

“I love you, Stori.”

“Stori, you’re so pretty.”

Everyone wants to talk with Stori B. And Stori talks with everyone. In many ways she is a typical three-year-old. But there is one big difference—Stori is totally deaf. She uses her hands to speak in sign language. She is the only deaf person in her ward, so almost everyone is learning sign language.

Stori has taught the Primary children that talking with their hands is fun. She’s always willing to talk with anyone, even if they know only a few words of sign language. Kaylie learned the letters of the deaf alphabet and can say “I love you.” Joseph learned some sign language words in school, and he enjoys practicing with Stori. The entire Primary is learning to sign the song “I Will Follow God’s Plan.” Stori likes watching them sing to her.

Stori is a good missionary. Several children who are not members of the Church eagerly attend Church activities, and they always run to “talk” with Stori. One friend studies language books so she can practice with her. Stori loves her new friends and helps them feel the joy of coming to Church.

Stori talks with everyone, young and old. There is a special bond between Stori and the young women of the ward. Sarah says that Stori has taught her a lot of sign language words such as Moroni and angel. When Sarah makes a mistake, Stori lovingly corrects her. Sarah says Stori is easy to talk to. “It’s fun.”

And what is everyone’s favorite thing to say? “I love you!”

Stori B., age 3, Missouri