Signs of Learning

[Carmelo]

I am so proud of myself.

Where I work, we have a person working for us who is deaf, or hearing disabled for you P.C.er's, and I have taken it upon myself to learn sign language so that I may communicate with him. I think, on my part, that it would be a nice gesture to let him know that I care (even though I, in no way, wish to glorify myself...just want to let him know that somebody cares).

What prompted me to do this was a comment one of the females made a couple of nights ago. She said she thought he was a little cute, but how would they communicate. It obviously never dawned on her to write it down or ask to learn. Then a couple of other workers chimed in with the usual smartass comments of 'You'd probably have to tie a notebook to your neck to talk to him' or 'Just use the universal sign for sex'. Well, I thought that was downright cruel. Here this guy is actually working for a living (and he seems to be quite young) and not trying to live off our taxes, and here they are making fun of him just because he's deaf. Now, I'm not going to go telling him what all they say, but I'll bet that they will begin to watch what they say when I'm around.

Still, I have that warm, fuzzy feeling for wanting to learn without having any ulterior motives. I just think it would be nice for him to have a friend at work.

[Yvonne Belisle]

The odds are he knows and is hurt by it. Most deaf people I know are very very good at lip reading. So if any of it is said where he can see thier mouths moving he "heard" them. I think learning that is a wonderful thing and will most likely mean a lot to him. That and the feeling you get from reaching out to another human is great. Learning is never wasted and I will be getting the Spanish cd done sometime this week for you.

[Litha]

as well you should be Carmelo :)

what a lovely gesture and interesting idea!
sometimes people are mean as a way to verbalize their own fears about another persons physical situation, but ridiculing someone's deficit is unproductive and hurtful.
You seem to come up with a fab solution, kudos!

[Celtic_Angel]

I think that is incredible Carmelo!!! :D That is most definately something to be proud of yourself for!

Yes, he probably does know what it is that others say about him. :( Most of the "different" people in this world, often some of the MOST gifted, have this "sixth sense" when in comes to stuff like that. That knowledge will make your gift of compassion to him all the more meaningful. Keep up the awesome work and may others benifit from your example.

[Red Dragon]

This just proves my point that you and your lady are too big an asset to let you leave us! I'm glad you're staying my friend :D

[Amora]

I heard something the other day that I thought was very interesting and fits well for this story. A friend of mine read a book someone had written after he had died and come back to life. One of the things he said happened to him was that he was able to feel the pain his actions or words caused to others. I'm not sure if that's anything you believe in but I think it makes sense to me. I know I'll watch what I say and try not to be as vain as I know I sometimes can be. I believe it will come back to those inconsiderate jerks who are making fun of that guy. But I also believe you will be rewarded for your efforts to befriend him. As you should be!!