I have an interesting story of life to share with you.  When you first meet me you likely do not see anything noticeable other than a very tall man with glasses.  Wondering yet what else is so unique? 

When my mother was pregnant with me, I was exposed to German measles, and that altered some of my development. But you may wonder, how does a baby in the womb get such a disease? Let me share. 

In the town of Meridian, Mississippi, my mother was in her third tri-mister of pregnancy and a little boy next door neighbor came over for a visit and exposed her to the German measles.  She immediately called her mother to see if she had the disease as a child.  Unfortunately, she was never exposed and immediately contacted her doctor. The doctor suggested a vaccination to prevent German measles and did it work, however there was little understanding as to how her child yet in the womb would be affected. 

A gust of wind slammed baby’s door and Jeffrey did not even flinch.  My mother noticed and slammed the door herself.  There was still no reaction.  I was diagnosed as suffering from a severe hearing loss and learning disability.  As a child, the outlook was not too bright for me. 

A year later, we lost our dog. My parents and I were in the car looking for a dog, Spooky.  I am sitting in the backseat with tears in my eyes helping my parents.  My Mother screamed at my Dad, he slammed the brake and she said, “Did you hear this?”  I spoke my first words out loud, “Here Pooky, Here Pooky” leaving out the first letter of my dog’s name, S.  That day gave my parents so much hope. 

In 1962, after Rounds of Doctors’ visits in Memphis, Birmingham, Jackson, and New Orleans, my mother found a start up school, DuBard School for Language Disorders, on the campus of University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS.  In 1963, old enough (Okay, you can do the math guess my age now) at the age of four and half I started my first day of school.  At 5 years old, my vocabulary was limited to 12 words.  I was very lucky to have a mother very dedicated and determined that I would live a normal life like you and the rest of the world.  She was the first mother ever to sit in  the class and watch every day how they worked with kids learn to speak and read lips.  Every day after school, she worked with me.  The majority of parents did not do those two things above.  Lucky me!  Thanks to Mom! 

Six years later, I transitioned to Public School beginning in the Third Grade.  Six weeks later, Teachers suggested rounds of testing and suggested I move up to Fourth Grade.  From there, I went on to Hinds Community College with AA degree in General Business and Belhaven College with BBA degree in Management. From College cheerleader, class favorite to ballroom dance instructor, I accomplished a wide range of talents and accomplishments.

I owe so much to Mom (her name is Kitty) as you see her picture below. She was all of the above, mother, mentor, and best friend.  She had a lifetime project, that being she dedicated herself to her son, Jeffrey.  I whispered to her ear, you were the best Mom ever before she emerged in Heaven October 8, 2007.

My Mom & Heroine of the story of my life!

http://www.nashhhville.org

http://www.earfoundation.org

Business Networking:

http://www.nashvillesertomaclub.org

www.eastnashville.org

 As someone who has dealt with the challenges of hearing impairment my entire life, I understand some of the unique needs people with hearing loss have.   If you or someone you love is hearing impaired and looking to buy or sell a home, I would love to help them in that process. Even if that means just assuring them that what they've perhaps already been told is in fact what is right and good.