Johnny Belinda

My mother watched this movie when it came out. She decided that her next child would be Johnny or Belinda. Guess which child got the name?!
When I was about 13 years old, it came on The Late Show. Mama got me stay up and watch it with her so I could see where my name came from. I was not that interested in it at that time and was sleepy. Later, I wished I had watched it more closely. Then, in the 80's my sister taped it for me and sent it to me for me to watch. It is a good show. In the 80's or so, they made another one which is also good, but the original is the best, I believe. It is out on DVD now. Maybe I will order it one day!
Johnny Belinda
Johnny Belinda (1982 TV movie) [VHS]
 This one is with Richard Thomas in the 80s.

Sign Language

36 years ago, when I first started learning sign language, it was not well known as it is today. Actually, they were trying to phase it out for the other methods of teaching deaf people to learn. I was told not to bother. But, I had to learn it! It was just part of me, I suppose, even before I learned it. Besides, my mom named me after the deaf character in the story Johnny Belinda. :)
Well, when I learned, then I started working with deaf children. I found that only a few of the parents knew sign lanuage and could communicate with their children. They would call me when they had a problem for me to interpret for them with their child. Though I was glad to help, it broke my heart that they were not encouraged to learn sign language so they could have that bond.
I am glad it is more promoted today so deaf children can learn sooner and they with their parents can learn together.

Through Your Child's Eyes: American Sign Language [Subtitled]