Miss-Delectable
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Jackson Sun - www.jacksonsun.com - Jackson, TN
Jerry Payne didn't bill himself as Santa Claus. "We told the children Santa was sick, and sent his nephew," said teacher Amy Flint on Monday.
But as Payne, dressed in a Santa hat and red sweatshirt, and the students of the West Tennessee School for the Deaf communicated with sign language, and their expressions, the bond was unmistakable.
And Christmas became just a bit brighter as the youngsters enjoyed the first of two holiday events this week at the East Jackson school.
"It was a happy time for me," Payne said in sign language, with Flint translating for hearing visitors. "I know that when I signed with the kids, it made them feel comfortable and happy."
It did plenty for him this holiday season as well.
Payne, who is divorced, has moved back to the area to be closer to his aging parents, who live in Humboldt. They are deaf.
Payne's three children - Krystina, 15, Nathan, 13, and Monica, 10 - still live in Lincoln, Neb. The older two are also deaf.
"When I was with the kids today, it was like my children were close to me again," he said.
Payne is secretary of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf's Jackson chapter, which helped put on the party along with the Jackson Center for Independent Living.
Kristi Lindsey, an assistant principal, said the day is important on several levels for her students.
"It's a party that's all about them, and it's all on their level. It's important for them to have that kind of feeling," she said.
Jane Mathis of Jackson, who is chapter president, said she has been attending parties at the school for many years. She marveled at the new gym and therapy center that will be completed by the end of the school year.
''It's good to see how far this facility has grown,'' she said. ''And it's good to see how much progress the children are making."
She now has 12-year-old twin grandsons, one of whom is deaf and autistic.
"I was able to teach Jack to sign, and what I know, and I know that helps him be better," she said.
After the party, some of the older students at this school, for children ages 2 to 13, were busy burning off energy on the playground.
Blanche Young, a 12-year-old from Jackson who has some hearing and is able to play the violin, liked the teddy bear she received.
She and Justin Adams, a 12-year-old residential student from Memphis, signed that they really liked the pizza. Adams had both the "Let it snow" dogtags he'd received with his gifts around his neck.
Tyler Williamson, a 10-year-old who is able to speak and read lips, says he likes the Christmas lights, and knows there is more giving to come. Friends of the school give presents to each of the youngsters after their holiday program, which is set for today.
Emily Bowlan, 12, of Memphis, couldn't wait to get back home, signing that "my mom has trees all over the house."
Whether the words are signed or said, the feelings don't change.
"I always had a happy Christmas," Jane Mathis said.
Jerry Payne didn't bill himself as Santa Claus. "We told the children Santa was sick, and sent his nephew," said teacher Amy Flint on Monday.
But as Payne, dressed in a Santa hat and red sweatshirt, and the students of the West Tennessee School for the Deaf communicated with sign language, and their expressions, the bond was unmistakable.
And Christmas became just a bit brighter as the youngsters enjoyed the first of two holiday events this week at the East Jackson school.
"It was a happy time for me," Payne said in sign language, with Flint translating for hearing visitors. "I know that when I signed with the kids, it made them feel comfortable and happy."
It did plenty for him this holiday season as well.
Payne, who is divorced, has moved back to the area to be closer to his aging parents, who live in Humboldt. They are deaf.
Payne's three children - Krystina, 15, Nathan, 13, and Monica, 10 - still live in Lincoln, Neb. The older two are also deaf.
"When I was with the kids today, it was like my children were close to me again," he said.
Payne is secretary of the Tennessee Association of the Deaf's Jackson chapter, which helped put on the party along with the Jackson Center for Independent Living.
Kristi Lindsey, an assistant principal, said the day is important on several levels for her students.
"It's a party that's all about them, and it's all on their level. It's important for them to have that kind of feeling," she said.
Jane Mathis of Jackson, who is chapter president, said she has been attending parties at the school for many years. She marveled at the new gym and therapy center that will be completed by the end of the school year.
''It's good to see how far this facility has grown,'' she said. ''And it's good to see how much progress the children are making."
She now has 12-year-old twin grandsons, one of whom is deaf and autistic.
"I was able to teach Jack to sign, and what I know, and I know that helps him be better," she said.
After the party, some of the older students at this school, for children ages 2 to 13, were busy burning off energy on the playground.
Blanche Young, a 12-year-old from Jackson who has some hearing and is able to play the violin, liked the teddy bear she received.
She and Justin Adams, a 12-year-old residential student from Memphis, signed that they really liked the pizza. Adams had both the "Let it snow" dogtags he'd received with his gifts around his neck.
Tyler Williamson, a 10-year-old who is able to speak and read lips, says he likes the Christmas lights, and knows there is more giving to come. Friends of the school give presents to each of the youngsters after their holiday program, which is set for today.
Emily Bowlan, 12, of Memphis, couldn't wait to get back home, signing that "my mom has trees all over the house."
Whether the words are signed or said, the feelings don't change.
"I always had a happy Christmas," Jane Mathis said.