"He is there not only when we cry out from the burden of sin but also when we cry out for any other reason." -Bruce D. Porter

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Acceptance

I don't know when it will fully hit, but I have come to the realization that Seth will not hear normally on his own. We went to Walter Reed to get another ABR done to see where Seth's hearing levels may be and to see which of the past results it would favor. He is still measuring at the severe to profound hearing levels. And as I sit back and reflect on Seth and his speech, yes, he is probably way further behind than those his age, and yes, he doesn't say as much as other's his age. So, we again were presented with the option of Cochlear Implants. We will talk to a specialist in November. She will send us to another specialist who will review what Seth can hear, and advise us what options we have for Seth. If we went with Cochlear Implants, I hate the thought of taking away any natural hearing he does have. But then again, even if it doesn't have a very favorable outcome, what's the worse that could happen? We learn sign language? That's not bad at all! In fact, I'm sure we'll start learning to sign before we do any of this.

A few months ago we had a stake meeting and during the opening song I turned to my left and noticed the whole front section was signing the opening song! (We have a deaf branch in our stake.) It brought tears to my eyes to see it, but not tears of sadness. It's hard to explain what it was, but perhaps it's only the beginning. So, get your copy of Signing Time and let's begin!

4 comments:

4Garrisons said...

Me, Gwen and Trent go on Sprout.com and learn a lot of the basic signs-it is a great site!

mrs_stailey said...

You know, Bret and I talked about learning sign language too, when Seth was born. We are totally stoked! It would be awesome for the whole family to do it, because we all know Grandpa Bill going deaf too! ;)

Marcy said...

I have a niece who was born completely deaf & has a cochlear implant in one ear. She is thriving & doing well. If you'd like, I can get you in touch with my sister in law, & you can chat with her too.

Curtis Crew said...

I love you...you inspire me so much with your faith. I love reading your blog and how positive you are. You are amazing. thanks for sharing your stories:)