Raised In Silence: Lessons on Listening, Love, and Loud Family Dinners From a Child of Deaf Adults

What if your first language wasn't spoken, but signed?

Welcome to the vivid, rarely seen world of growing up as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). With humor, heart, and unflinching honesty, see the bridge of two cultures: the Deaf world of her parents and the hearing world outside their door. From interpreting medical diagnoses before she could spell "mortgage," to building a thriving career as a top-producing real estate professional, Maria's journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. Her life motto, "Just Try, " echoes through every page, offering readers the courage to step into discomfort, embrace resilience, and connect across differences.

Inside this book, you will discover:

• Stories that will make you laugh, cry, and think; from childhood antics in a signing household to the heartbreak of interpreting her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis.
• A living guide to Deaf culture and ASL, filled with insights, respectful communication tips, and ways to foster true inclusion.
• Universal lessons in love and identity, showing how humor, empathy, and pride transcend language, culture, and who you love.
• Business and leadership wisdom drawn from Maria's success in real estate and advocacy, proving that listening deeply is the foundation of trust and growth.
• Reflection prompts and motivational takeaways designed to help you put empathy into action in your own life and work.

Warm, wise, and wildly relatable, This book is a cultural guide, a motivational handbook, and a business playbook, all rooted in an extraordinary story, that celebrates diversity, and the power of authentic connection. Are you ready to see the world through new eyes, bridge divides with courage, and discover what can happen when you Just Try. Begin your journey toward deeper connection, inclusive leadership, and a more compassionate world.

The ideal reader for this book is:

• CODAs and members of the Deaf community. People who will see their own experiences reflected in Maria's story or gain insight into the unique dynamic of growing up in a signing household.
• Children of immigrants or bi-cultural families. Anyone who's had to bridge two worlds, two cultures, or two languages will connect with the themes of identity, belonging, and resilience.
• Professionals seeking inclusive leadership inspiration, especially in fields like business, education, and healthcare, where empathy and communication are essential.
• Readers who love memoirs about resilience and who appreciate heartfelt, identity-driven storytelling.
• The LGBTQ+ community and DEI allies. Individuals interested in intersectional stories that celebrate inclusion, belonging, and authenticity across multiple identities.
• For book clubs and discussion groups. The built-in reflection prompts make it perfect for guided discussions about empathy, connection, and breaking down barriers.

A Child of Deaf Adults Story of Family, Resilience, Inclusion, and the Power of Just Trying