In 1973, long before newborn hearing screenings became standard practice, my mother had an inkling that my hearing was not quite right. Despite her concerns, the pediatrician dismissed her worries, insisting everything was normal. But my mother didn’t give up. Her determination led to a diagnosis of profound hearing loss when I was just 14 months old, a moment that validated her instincts.
At that time, my parents were clueless about deafness. Should they focus on teaching me sign language or speech? They ultimately chose to prioritize verbal communication, believing that while I could learn sign later, mastering spoken language early was crucial for my independence. This decision was undoubtedly challenging, but it set the stage for my long-term success.
My mother took an extended leave from her teaching position—years longer than she anticipated—after my sister was born with deafness three years later. She diligently drove me to daily speech and language therapy sessions. Utilizing her teaching skills, she transformed our home into a classroom. For her, parenting was not just about love; it was about lessons. If I wanted a cookie, I was required to utter a sound, even if it was just the word “cook.”
Once I entered school, my mother filled countless notebooks with correspondence to my teachers, sharing her concerns and updates. While communication was more labor-intensive back then, I now cherish the tangible records of our journey—everything from the triumph of a successful potty training session to the sorrow of losing my paternal grandmother.
Thanks to my mother’s unyielding perseverance, I was able to be mainstreamed into the public school system, continuing my speech therapy all the way through high school. My sister and I were exposed to various experiences and learned the importance of advocating for ourselves. I eventually graduated from college and pursued a graduate degree, getting married and raising a family of my own. Every time I face a challenge with my children, I draw strength from my mother’s journey.
The word perseverance hardly encapsulates the depth of my mother’s sacrifices. It’s her unwavering support that allows me to voice my gratitude today.
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In summary, my mother’s lessons on determination and advocacy have shaped my journey through hearing loss and beyond. Her sacrifices have empowered me to navigate my life with confidence, and I continue to honor her legacy as I raise my own children.
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