Can you tell us about yourself? What are three important things we should know about you?
My name is Robin and I have been deaf since birth. I have a large family of six sisters and three of them are deaf like me. I’m a single mother of a wonderful son who is now in air force training. I was a physical therapist’s assistant and loved to work with geriatric adults and deaf elementary/secondary children and now I’m currently employed as a central supply clerk in a nursing home. Finally, I am a cancer survivor. I thank and praise the Lord when everything is good or when I need encouragement to go through a crisis.
How did you become involved with Catholic Charities? How many years have you been involved?
Back in 1986, Becky Turner, a Catholic Charities interpreter, introduced herself at my home. She explained about Catholic Charities and interpreted Mass. At the time, I admitted that I didn’t know that they could provide an interpreter for the Mass. Becky introduced me to Judy Shute who told me about Open Door Mass for disabilities, which I continue to attend whenever it is provided.
I always look forward to attending any Catholic Church where the Mass is interpreted and enjoy listening to the priest’s homily. Sunday is my special day to worship and pray. I remembered we had a group for deaf Bible study and we learned and shared. I especially remember precious Bill Thompson, a deaf guy who was wonderful at explaining verses from the bible.
How does your faith intersect with your affiliation with Catholic Charities?
Being a single mother to my son was tough, but my faith in the Lord guided me to raise my son in a Christian way. The support I received from Catholic Charities helped us through his schooling. (We often had interpreter needs.) We made it through, and I thank the Lord for Catholic Charities and the people involved who supported me. Also, sometimes, my deaf sisters would come from out of state, and we would attend an interpreted Mass together, when available. It is worthwhile to have an interpreter, because, otherwise, we will look around or read the psalm, not hearing what the priest has said to keep faith in our heart.
Finally, amazingly, is the fact that I taught a seminarian ASL signing. I prayed that one day he would be involved with signing a Mass with people who are deaf in attendance. I felt so proud. He did an awesome job.
You can read the article here! Teaching ASL, signing to anyone in classes, is so much fun. We laugh in our signs and facial expressions.
Catholic Charities is a gift for anyone who needs spirit build-up, love, faith, and courage.
Photo used with permission (Catholic Key)
