Alandra's Lilacs: The Story of a Mother and Her Deaf Daughter

By Tressa Bowers

Book Overview

When, in 1968, 19-year-old Tressa Bowers took her baby daughter to an expert on deaf children, he pronounced that Alandra was "stone deaf," she most likely would never be able to talk, and she probably would not get much of an education because of her communication limitations. Tressa refused to accept this stark assessment of Alandra's prospects. Instead, she began the arduous process of starting her daughter's education. Economic need forced Tressa to move several times, and as a result, she and Alandra experienced a variety of learning environments: a pure oralist approach, which discouraged signing; Total Communication, in which the teachers spoke and signed simultaneously; a residential school for deaf children, where Signed English was employed; and a mainstream public school that relied upon interpreters. Changes at home added more demands, from Tressa's divorce to her remarriage, her long work hours, and the ongoing challenge of complete communication within their family. Through it all, Tressa and Alandra never lost sight of their love for each other, and their affection rippled through the entire family. Today, Tressa can triumphantly point to her confident, educated daughter and also speak with pride of her wonderful relationship with her deaf grandchildren. Alandra's Lilacs is a marvelous story about the resiliency and achievements of determined, loving people no matter what their circumstances might be.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1563680823
• ISBN13: 9781563680823
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Gallaudet University Press
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.54 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Alandra's Lilacs - Moving Story of a Mother and Her Deaf Daughter

Alandra's mother makes a compelling narrator for this story about raising a deaf child. Her words will make important reading for any hearing parent who has just been told that their child is deaf, and it examines some of the issues that have to be considered, including the decision to learn sign language or wait for the child to learn to speak. This last is a decision that will have consequences for the entire life of the child, and will affect the relationship between parent and child for the rest of their lives.

Awesome insight for all hearing parents of deaf children

A great read for everyone interested in the challenges facing hearing parents of deaf children. Alandra's Lilacs was engaging to read and I did not put the book down until I was finished. This book really demonstrated that deafness only creates a new way to communicate and is not a disability. EXCELLENT!!!!

A must read for any hearing parent of a deaf child.

This book is a beautiful insight into the real life trials and choices that are faced when raising a successful deaf child. A must read for all hearing parents of deaf children as well as all deaf educators.