Remembering President Reagan
A Deaf Perspective
By Tom Cooney
It was sometime in 1988 when my life intercepted with President Reagan’s; Thanks to Senator Connie Mack-R of Florida. President Reagan consented to signing my Presidential Baseball, adding his name to the many others whom had signed this one baseball before him; Hoover, Eisenhower and Truman to name a few.
My sons, Tom Jr. and Ron joined me on a flight from Tampa to Miami, we were ushered to a Hotel in Miami, and The President would soon arrive to give a speech on behalf of Connie Mack.
My sons signed, their little hands moving thru the air with a grace and rhythm any father would be proud of, the Secret Service indicated for them to tell me to " Come around the table; and meet the President of the United States" We were in a private meeting room. I had goose bumps knowing I was about to meet one of the greatest men of the Twentieth Century.
In 1938, I was 3 years old, my family already knew of my Deafness; Ronald Reagan appeared in films; even though I was profoundly deaf my brother Patrick would still take me to the Movies. I would sit as quietly as I could while my Brother would watch Ronald Reagan in Brother Rat or Boy meets Girl. At that time all I knew was that I enjoyed the popcorn.
When I was growing up those whom were deaf were chastised as " DEAF and DUMB", I would often look at my brother and ask him how I could prove I was not dumb. He told me to figure it out, and off we would go to the big Screen to watch Ronald Reagan. As an adult with my two boys for my ears, it was an honor to meet President Ronald Reagan: My boys were not shy nor backward, they accepted the idea of having a deaf father with dignity, and with their assistance via Sign Language the President and I shared a wonderful conversation. For a brief moment we were just two fathers exchanging stories about our children.
President Reagan appeared to be in awe of the baseball and my story behind how the ball represented that I was not dumb only deaf. We enjoyed 20 minutes together; that day, in that private hotel room, with the President in awe of me and me in awe of him. He helped me realize in his down to earth way, that I indeed was not dumb.
President Reagan exemplified a kind gentle soul, willing to acquire a basic knowledge of my signed language. After a few signs and a few jokes shared between us, the President nodded to an aide and announced "I have to go now. " The President shook my hand and took my boys small hands into his and shook them as well, while thanking them for their assistance in our conversation.
Then with one of his Famous waves, and a flash of his smile, he walked out of our lives forever, but not our hearts.
Tom Jr. Ron and I extend our sincerest condolences to the Reagan family; this Deaf man's 20 minutes with their beloved father and husband will remain a cherished part of this American Family’s life forever.
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