These are not my last words to my Grandfather, but they are some.

I decided last minute to sign the speech at my Grandfather’s celebration of life.

I worked on the speech for months, but the translation isn’t as smooth in sign language.

Felt right.

My grandfather and I both struggled to communicate and connect in our hearing families. We both have a complicated relationship to English…to access.

Feels vulnerable to share this moment.
But as always, it feels real.

I wonder what might resonate with some of you.

To the endless cycles of love and loss.

I love you, always, Grandpa.