How A Deaf Child Inspired Newton Community
Yes, it’s true. A deaf child inspired Newton.
Get ready to feel good. REALLY good.
This moment I saw this amazing story out of Newton, Massachusetts, I had to share it. It begins the same way most interesting, memorable and heartfelt stories begins. It begins with people, just like you and me. Because at the end of the day, we truly need each other. Sure, sometimes, it’s great to have some alone time, me time, to read a book, take a walk, look at a sunset. Yes, sometimes, we annoy each other, at work, at home, driving somewhere, buying something, on the phone, and at our desktop. But (Ok I’ll use this again) at the end of the day, none of us want to be alone. We need each other, to share our life’s ups and downs. Our loved ones, our friends and our community, makes the good moments great, and the hard moments, easier. Insert the community of Newton.
Meet Samantha
Glenda and Raphi Savitz, are a loving couple living in Newton, raising little Samantha, a three year old that has stolen the heart of the community. A few years ago, Glenda’s neighbors, like any good neighbors, began to check and look after Glenda when she became pregnant with little Samantha. But as you’re about to read, the love didn’t stop after Samantha was born.
About a week after Samantha was born, Glenda and Raphis’ life changed for ever. They discovered that Samantha was born deaf. Of course, Glenda and Raphi immediately learned sign language so they could communicate with Samantha. What happened next is astonishing.
The Neighborhood Comes Together
During the neighborhood walks with Samantha, Mom and Dad, neighbors took notice to the sign language being used to communicate to the little girl they got to know, and love.
Upon seeing Glenda and Raphi signing with little Samantha, four women that lived nearby, didn’t want to be left out. They signed up for an adult education course in ASL so they could learn the language. It gets better. As time went on more, and more neighbors heard about this amazing symbol of love, and signed up for the sign language course.
How did this deaf child inspire Newton? From the original four women, it grew to FORTY people in the community that learned how to use sign language, to be there for little Samantha!
Glenda and Raphi were concerned that being deaf, Samantha would grow up feeling isolated. That feeling is gone, thanks to the love of the community. Today, Samantha is six and is most likely, talking up a storm, with forty friends.
I may need to learn sign language. This story touched my so much. A deaf child inspired Newton, and me. I’m speechless.
This story was reported on CBS back in 2019, and most recently was shared on The Kelly Clarkson Show last June.