How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Then man walk over and ask about peppers. I grow hot peppers, like in Korea. First time that someone talk to me. I was so glad, have trouble talking. (8.4)
When Sae Young finally overcomes her fear of being around people and joins in the community garden, she's stoked. And when someone comes up and talks to her, our gal is totally speechless. She's so happy that she can't even talk, which is a pretty big deal for our formerly fearful friend. Maybe not being able to communicate is a good sign sometimes.
Quote #8
And then, that morning, rolling along the sidewalk, suddenly his arm came up. He wanted to stop. I obliged him at once. To our left was a lot in which a few bold pioneers had planted gardens. We remained several minutes, watching two Asian women hoeing, then continued on. Immediately, back up went his arm. I came around and looked at him. He twisted and pointed toward the garden. I turned the wheelchair and headed back. I could see his nostrils taking in the smell of the soil. We reached the lot. His arm commanded me to enter. (10.2-3)
Mr. Myles can't speak anymore after his second stroke, so he has to use his hands to communicate. But Nora is really great at figuring out what Mr. M wants, and she realizes he wants to spend more time in the garden. Did you notice all the different types of body language that Mr. Myles uses to communicate with Nora? These two have found their own way to chat without words.
Quote #9
Pantomime was often required to get over language barriers. Yet we were all subject to the same weather and pests, the same neighborhood, and the same parental emotions toward our plants. If we happened to miss two or three days, people stopped by on our return to ask about Mr. Myles' health. We, like our seeds, were now planted in the garden. (10.8)
Even though they don't speak the same language as everyone else, Nora and Mr. M still find a place in the Gibb Street garden community. Emotions are emotions in any language, folks.