Brandi Rarus Bücher

Four-month-old Zoe was losing her hearing, leaving her adoptive parents in anguish over their ability to raise a deaf child. Would she return to the welfare system, longing for adoptive parents, or would she fulfill a mother’s dream? Brandi Rarus lost her hearing at age six due to spinal meningitis. Despite being mainstreamed in school and thriving socially, she faced ongoing communication challenges. In college, Brandi discovered Deaf Culture, which transformed her experience; being deaf became a gateway to a vibrant new world. She later became Miss Deaf America in 1988, advocating for her community. During her reign, she met Tim, a leader in the Gallaudet uprising for a deaf president, and they married, having three hearing boys—the first non-deaf children in Tim’s family in 125 years. Although Brandi cherished her family, she felt a void, having always dreamed of having a daughter. Unbeknownst to her, Zoe was waiting just across the state line. Set against the backdrop of Deaf America, this uplifting narrative explores themes of hope, adoption, and everyday miracles.