PASSING THE TORCH

Starting a business was tantamount to birthing a baby, and raising that child has been a true labor of love. There are simply times when the needs of others are more important than your own. Attending to those needs requires commitment, dedication, time, energy, focused attention, hard work, and sleepless nights. For decades, I have held the torch tightly, with a fierce grip, heading toward the goal of providing communication access, without fail, to the Deaf Community, whenever needed. Being on call 24/7/365 is truly a marathon—exhausting and deeply satisfying in equal measure.

It is extremely difficult for me to abdicate responsibility because I have what is commonly referred to in my professional realm as “Deaf Heart.” I care. Deeply. That is not something you can turn off or walk away from. Nevertheless, the time has come to pass the torch—and I take solace in knowing I can relinquish it into the capable hands of Megan Burke.

Megan has been working diligently, with her receiving arm extended, for the past eight years. On June 30, 2023, I handed her the torch. Well-trained, she took it and ran with it. Megan is now the proud owner of VisCom, and I have been assisting her as we both transition into the next chapter of our lives.

I would like to sincerely thank my esteemed colleagues, my valued customers, and most importantly my beloved members of the Deaf Community, who have made my career possible and given consequence to my life’s work. Thank you all for the opportunity to serve you. It has been an honor and a privilege. I am filled with gratitude as I cross the finish line of my work with VisCom, knowing that I’ve won the race. VisCom will continue to serve you for many years to come.

I started my career with this quote and I’ll end it with the same:

I slept and dreamed
that life was joy.
I awoke and saw
that life was service.
I acted, and behold,
service was joy.

– Rabindranath Tagore

With joy and gratitude,
Charlene.