THRIVING Melanin Family Magazine November 2018 | Page 45

OUR CONVERSATION
Q: Who is who in the house? Who keeps everyone on their toes, going and in line?
A: Shelley is definitely the leader in keeping things together with the family; she’s the
goal tracker and always our family to reach for more.  John is definitely the supporter
and greatest family cheerleader.  We are ALL motivators for each other when we need
it.  Bree, the oldest daughter, is strong, and has tenacity.  The youngest, Bethynie, is the
heart of the family; gentle, funny...crazy.  Well, both of the kids are crazy.  It's a fun,
loving, sometimes unpredictable household.  And we love it!
Q: What does everyone do?
John: UPS/Special Education Aide
Shelley: Women's Life Speaker, Author, Purpose Developer, Creator of Web-series I Hear
You
Bree: Deaf Culture Merger, Speaker, Creator of Web-series I Hear You
Bethynie: Student,  Cinematographer of I Hear You Web-series
Q: What is the “I Hear You” Web-series?
A: “I Hear You” shines a light on a much undervalued community; the Deaf.  The Deaf
Community has been overlooked, mocked, and abused. Our series explores their
struggles and triumphs, exposing the ignorance of both communities towards the
other, through the developed friendship between 5 college students; 3 Deaf, 2 hearing.
Q: What are your greatest challenges?
A: At the moment, finances.  It can be a struggle to remain happy and positive when
there are so many financial battles.  If you're not careful, anger can seep in,
disappointment and bitterness.  
Q: How do you stay close as a family?
A: Prayer, communication and setting time to be with one another.  We actually enjoy
being around each other.  So we'll, the parents, cherish that until the kids decide they
don't want us anymore. Lol
Q: Traditional Gender Roles or Nah?
A: I don't believe that we "consciously" have traditional roles, but in some cases, yes.  I,
Shelley, do most of the cooking and cleaning.  I run the household; mainly because of
my husband's work schedule.  We believe that the man is the "Head" of the family and
should be respected as so.  That does not mean that he "bosses" us around or is
disrespectful towards us, but we respect his leadership and I am happy that we have a
NOVEMBER
2018 • THRIVE | 43