When I entered the world in 1973—long before newborn hearing tests became standard—my mom had an inkling something was off with my hearing. Despite her concerns, the pediatrician dismissed her worries, insisting I was perfectly fine. But my mom didn’t back down; her determination was unshakeable. It all paid off when I was diagnosed with significant hearing loss at just 14 months old.
At that time, my parents were navigating uncharted territory. Should they focus on teaching me to sign or work on my speech? They ultimately decided that learning to speak would be more challenging to pick up later. They wanted to equip me with the best foundation for independence, even if it meant taking the tougher path.
My mom stepped away from her teaching career—what was supposed to be a temporary break became years of dedication when my sister was born deaf three years later. Every day, she drove me to speech and language therapy, using her teaching skills to help me learn at home as well. There wasn’t much time for her to kick back and enjoy motherhood; for her, every moment was an opportunity for a lesson. If I wanted a cookie, I had to make a sound, even if it was just a cute little “coco.”
When I started school, my mom filled countless notebooks with messages to my teachers, sharing updates, concerns, and lessons. Remember, this was pre-email, so it was a labor of love! Those notebooks now serve as a tangible record of my journey, capturing everything from proud milestones to some surprising moments, like the time I learned to use the potty.
Thanks to my mom’s relentless efforts, I was integrated into the public school system and continued with speech therapy through high school. My sister and I were encouraged to explore everything life offered while learning to advocate for ourselves. I eventually went on to college, graduate school, got married, and started a family. Now, when I face challenges with my own kids, I draw strength from my mother’s experiences.
Describing my mom’s dedication as just perseverance doesn’t quite capture it all. It’s because of her unwavering support that I can proudly say, “Thank you.”
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Summary
In a heartfelt narrative, the author reflects on the lessons learned from her mother’s unwavering support amid her hearing loss journey. Through determination and creativity, her mother paved the way for her independence, proving that perseverance is key to overcoming challenges.