“My wife and I have actually started using the cards when we are having trouble communicating. It helps us slow down
and think about what we are really trying to say. I never realized I was a poor listener until I had your class. I have started
to not always think about what I want to say next when people are trying to talk to me and I have started to be a better listener.
I also have a better understanding of why I get angry and realize it is because I don’t understand or am confused so
I don’t focus on the anger, but focus on what I don’t understand and it helps me listen and think more about how
I treat others when I am mad at them.” H. Bishop, Northwest Service Academy
“I
only wish that something like this would have come around for me when I was still raising my children. I was not a listener
at all and I regret so much how I deprived my children of an approachable mother that they loved so unconditionally. You have
no idea how much it hurts me today, especially since I can’t make it up to one of them. [writer’s son took his
life at 17] I’m still learning to try to forgive myself. I ask God all the time to tell my son how sorry I am and that
I always loved him with all my heart even though I didn’t express it by listening as well as I should have to all the
things he wanted to share with me. It’s very painful to live with so much regret. Well, I should stop there. Thanks
for your listening ear.” name withheld
