https://youtu.be/EaYmuRix3OE
Reflections from an Old Hand
The Story Goes On COLUMN
“If you’re deaf, why do you have ears?”
“I
f you’re deaf, why do you have ears?”
Phil Giambaresi Former CSD, LCSW (Retired) California I was born in 1950 to parents who have been Deaf since their birth. I have a younger brother who is also a hearing child. The influence from my mother's deaf family and my interest in being the family interpreter led to a career of being a certified interpreter. I received a BA in Psychology. At the age of 34, I earned my Master's in Social Work, specializing in mental health of the Deaf. After living in NYC for over 30 years, I moved to California and am now retired.
That was my young little brother’s question to our mom long ago. She was washing dishes while he tugged at her dress, looked up to her and asked his innocent question. Mom smiled and said, “Well, God made me like this, and if I didn’t have ears people would stare at me.” Her answer was made as simply as she could say it, and my brother nodded and walked away. He came back to her a few minutes later and said, “So your ears are broken? That’s OK. You can always use your ears for earrings.” The theme of this Fall 2020 issue of VIEWS is “Education.” Growing up with deaf parents was certainly an education. It was the 1950’s and the times were very different. As two little hearing boys with deaf parents, there was a feeling that our parents
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VIEWS Issue 37 • Volume 4
