Hi Kat,
Sad that has happened to you but you are definitely taking the right steps and being very brave and pro-active about it. I recently started here and have been taking a signing classes once a week since March 7th, 2019. I am really surprise how much I've learnt already. I am not deaf however I do work with people who are and occasionally I have the chance to practice with them, which is a lot of fun. I suspect I will be spending a lot of time in the video chat rooms, perhaps I will see you there some time.
Regards,
epsilonv