Josh Seal and Bryan MacFarlane reveled in their Wednesday night outings at Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston, playing on a cornhole team that was all their own.
For their nine-member team, part of a competitive cornhole league hosted by the bar, the weekly matches were a rare and treasured chance to socialize with other deaf adults.
On Wednesday evening, not long after gathering with their team, Mr. Seal and Mr. McFarlane were among those fatally shot by a rampaging gunman.
“Some of them were really passionate about the competition, but really, it was just an opportunity for deaf folks to hang out together, apart from the hearing world,” said Mr. Seal’s wife, Elizabeth Seal, who is also deaf and signed through an interpreter.
“To be together and communicate with your people in your language — it is priceless.”
Persons:
Josh Seal, Bryan MacFarlane reveled, Seal, McFarlane, ”, Seal’s, Elizabeth Seal
Locations:
Lewiston