Patron Stories: Don & Gerry

Xavier Society for the Blind has been a part of our lives since we were children in grade school. My husband Don and I used the Propers at Mass for many years. We also received The Baltimore Catechism, which I still have, to help us learn the Catholic faith just like our sighted peers in the Catholic schools. Don and I attended the Indiana School for the Blind, and we both graduated from Purdue University, where I sang in the University choir and Don was active in the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on campus. We were also active in the Newman Club while at Purdue University.

We raised seven children and now have eleven grandchildren. In addition to raising our children, I provided child care in the home for 30 years and Don completed 41.5 years with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services in providing services to the blind and visually impaired. Don is legally blind but after we were married he got glasses that enabled him to read print. But because I’m totally blind, I use XSB’s services a lot more. I have a Bible in braille which enables me to participate in a Bible study group. I read a lot of books XSB provides in braille, even proofreading some, and I get the Catholic calendar each year. I also sing in our church choir at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and also as a cantor. Don has been a greeter at church for many years and served as chairman of its finance committee for almost 20 years.

We have had a busy and happy life and at age 81, still active in church and other groups such as ACB. In October, we celebrated our 57th wedding anniversary and XSB is still an important part of our lives. Thank you for being there for us.