In 1973, long before newborn hearing screenings became standard, my mother had a gut feeling that something was amiss with my hearing. Despite her concerns, the pediatrician dismissed her worries, assuring her that I was healthy. However, my mother’s determination led to a significant revelation when I was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss at the age of 14 months.
With no prior knowledge of deafness, my parents faced a crucial decision: should they teach me sign language or focus on spoken communication? Ultimately, they chose to prioritize speech, believing it would offer me greater independence. This decision required navigating a challenging path, but they believed it would yield the most beneficial outcome in the long run.
To support my development, my mother took an extended leave from her teaching career—this commitment stretched even longer than anticipated when my sister was born deaf three years later. She dedicated herself to driving me to daily speech and language therapy sessions, and her background in education proved invaluable as she worked with me at home. For her, parenting was an active learning experience. For instance, if I wanted a cookie, I was required to vocalize my desire, even if it was simply a sound like “coco.”
Once I entered school, my mother filled countless notebooks with correspondence to my teachers, discussing my progress and addressing any concerns. This pre-digital age communication was demanding, yet these notebooks became a cherished record of my journey, capturing everything from milestones to personal family events.
Thanks to my mother’s relentless advocacy, I was able to integrate into the mainstream public school system and continue my speech therapy all the way through high school. Both my sister and I were encouraged to explore our interests and become our own advocates. I eventually pursued higher education, got married, and started a family. Today, I reflect on my mother’s experiences as I navigate the challenges of parenthood.
My mother’s resilience and unwavering support go far beyond mere perseverance; it is her dedication that empowers me to express my gratitude today.
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In summary, my mother’s instinct and determination paved the way for my success in overcoming hearing loss. Her teachings of resilience continue to guide me as I face new challenges in my parenting journey.