Sunday, June 4, 2000

'Big Sister' bond lasts for life

Eighteen-year-old LeAnn Avalos has never heard the words "I love you" from her big sister, Naomi Foster.
   Born deaf, Avalos has only seen Foster express such sentiments in sign language.
   But Avalos has no need for words. Every ounce of encouragement that Foster gives her, every generous gesture seals the ties that have bound the two over the last decade.
   Although Foster, a flight attendant, now lives in Florida, neither time nor distance have undermined the sisterly connection they forged in 1991 when the two were paired as a Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Corpus Christi program match.
   "Naomi is so important in my life and has been a real encouragement to me all these years," Avalos communicated through sign language.
   Lifelong bond
   Those words, said Avalos' mother, Lydia Mendiola, are not said out of courtesy, either. One need only consider her daughter's accomplishments to understand all the ways in which Foster has positively influenced her daughter over the years.
   When Avalos was a 12-year-old Hamlin Middle School student, Foster took her on her first tour of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., a school of higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students.
   When Avalos was named third runner-up in last year's Miss Deaf of America pageant, Foster was in the audience cheering her on. Three years ago, Avalos served as a bridesmaid in Foster's wedding.
   Last week, Foster made a special trip here to see Avalos, who has been accepted into Gallaudet University, graduate with honors from Ray High School. When one isn't traveling to see the other in Texas or Florida, they keep in touch via e-mail, oftentimes sending instant messages back and forth late into the night.
   All grown up
   Being a part of Avalos' graduation celebration has fulfilled a promise Foster made shortly after befriending her little sister. She now looks forward to seeing Avalos graduate from college and get married, Foster said.
   Meanwhile, Avalos' and Foster's mothers both marvel at how a chance meeting turned into a lifelong relationship for their daughters.
   "It's incredible thinking how just a short time ago, LeAnn was this shy, young middle school student, and now she's this incredible young woman," said Foster's mother, Rose Gungi.
   "She's like a daughter to me," Mendiola said of Foster. "Seeing both of them blossom is just awesome."
  
 

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