Yes, You Can, Heather!: The Story of Heather Whitestone, Miss America 1995

Heather Whitestone is the most inspirational Miss America of all times. Her talent portion on Miss America 1995,was a ballet, performed to Sandi Patti's "Via Dolorosa." Heather literally took my breath away. This young lady was profoundly deaf from the age of 18 months, yet she performed the ballet with such passion, giving witness to her faith in Jesus Christ. The performance brought the entire audience to their feet, and left Regis Philbon, the emcee, speechless. To read Heather's life story, written by her mom, and to see how they both overcame a lifetime of obstacles and hardships, was an awesome story. My daughter and I sat on the sofa and read the book together. I would read awhile aloud, and she would read awhile. We would stop and discuss what we had just read, wipe our tears, and read some more. I highly recommend this book. You will love it and you will recommend it to others.

As a relatively new Miss America junkie, I am reading a lot on this topic. I was fortunate enough to see Heather dance at Miss A, and met her last year at a conference where she was the keynote speaker. I found her to be very passionate about her beliefs and faith in God and family, and a truly delightful person. Although this book is not always smooth reading, it is truly a description about living with, loving, and supporting your child who developed a disability. I found it a good read, and have shared it with my friends.

Okay, so I am a little biased towards this book. I actually had the most amazing experience this past summer. The company I work for brought her in as a guest speaker for our annual meeting's Christian breakfast. I have never been a Miss America fan, but her story amazed me, so I spent the $20 to see her speak. Never, in my life, has a speaker brought me to tears and laughter in just one sentence. She is such an amazing person.....absolutely amazing. After the breakfast, I stayed behind and got my picture with her! Out in the lobby they were giving out her new book and I read it on my plane ride home. I literally got sick to my stomach when I thought about all the times I told myself that "I can't do it." This book showed me that you can do whatever you want, within reason! Her mother never gave up, her family never gave up, Heather never gave up, and the schools that specialized in her hearing program never gave up. Well...since the book was written by her mother and not a professional writer, of course it will be dry and choppy at times, but it was the story and the fight that made it worth reading. Oh, and one more thing, the part that touched my heart the most is when she talks about how she learned to dance ballet as a deaf child. Wow...I get teary-eyed just thinking of it. God is such an important part of her life and you should think of that while reading it. :0)

This book showed me that everybody can over come big or small obstacles and be what you what to be. That even if you are diasbled or handicaped that you can accomplish your dreams and goals.

I find it educational and fascinating! As a hearing impaired person, I can relate to Heather's experiences through life. Her mother, Daphne Gray, is reminded of my mother, too so we all related to that ! I love the book and I think it's a very educational for new parents or parents with hearing impaired child/children!! Anybody who has a friend who is hearing impaired must read this book to understand how a hearing impaired person may go through life