Sometimes encouragement comes from the most unexpected source at the most unexpected times. This morning I gathered with friends at the graveside of a sweet man, to say goodbye. Stanley was my Sign Language instructor. He taught me everything I know about Deaf culture and communication. I confess, I have been worried about taking on the ministry without him. I can't say that I have ever felt ready for such a responsibility. I have always felt lacking in my skills as an interpreter.

After the graveside service, I stood there among the Deaf. I was smiling and nodding as they told stories about Stanley and all he had meant to them, but in my mind I was thinking, "I'm not ready. I don't think I can do this." Some one put their hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Sharon. She is a licensed interpreter, very well trained and highly qualified in ASL. She works for the state office of Communications for Deaf and Hearing Impaired. She hugged me and said, "Stanley taught you well. You're very, very good at what you do. I know he was proud of you. He trusted you to carry on this work."

As Stanley would often say when he wanted me to interpret, "It's all yours, Mrs. T."

He will be greatly missed...