what i heard&

what you said

words and picturesby

valerie s. johns

This book is dedicated to my parents who

tried so hard to listen but often could not hear.

Maybe they just didn’t know how.

And to my husband who hears everything.

IntrostructionsPerhaps you could read this book this way:

Sit still for a moment and listen to your breath.

Look at the person you are reading this book with. Then, take a deep breath,

and smile as you breathe out. Listen to the sounds, outside...

...listen to yourself, inside. Listen to the quiet.

Make room for silence between some of the pages, whenever you wish.

Maybe even listen to the sounds around you, between the times when the two of you are talking.

Pause sometimes to take a deep breath and then smile as you breathe out...

...or don’t do it, it’s okay either way.

“What I heard What you said Gets all mixed up in my head.”

“Once I hear what you say your meaning goes a l-o-n-g, LONG waaaaay.”

?

ow!

“You’re so BIG and I’m so small

when you're upset is when I ”fall.

“What do you mean, I ask?”

(my parent looked at me funny - like they did not understand.)

“Well, like when you say that I’m a pest!”

“I never say that you’re a pest. I say, ‘My child, you need some rest.’ I say, ‘You’re getting cranky and you need a nap.’”

“Oh. That’s what you mean? Why don’t you say it like that?”

copyright © 2009 by valerie s. johnswww.jizoandchibi.com