I continued to wonder in the months ahead if my hearing would ever return, but the ENTs (ear, nose & throat doctors), and the audiologists painted a pretty grim picture. Many tears followed that first year after losing my hearing, and I wrapped myself in my own arms often as I grieved.
I had to face my own truth: The talented vocalist and musician I had been was gone. I could no longer be that person.
Some time passed, and one day I picked up a book of poetry given to me by my grandmother. As I sat there reading, one poem in particular stood out to me. It was “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.
Frost’s poem was about coming to a split in the road and having to choose one of the paths ahead for the journey. One path was clearly the more commonly traveled one, while the other “less traveled” path was unfamiliar and perhaps more difficult. Yet, in choosing the road less traveled, the poet looks back and knows he had made the right decision, as his journey has been a more personally satisfying one.
I lay there and wondered. I too was at a split in the road of life. However, unlike Frost, I didn’t think I had the choice of which path I would travel. I felt barred from the easy, familiar (hearing) route and thrust down this strange, unexplored, silent lane without a voice in the matter. Still, perhaps I did have a choice about how I traveled this path. I could journey with courage or with fear.
I began to feel something awaken in me, another moment of truth. Though I didn’t understand why, I knew that life was commanding me to embark on a new journey. Ahead of me lay a new path, a journey into deafhood, and I needed to find my way. I would need to search for a new identity along this path, and be open to discovering the reason for my hearing loss. Something deep within me, perhaps the voice of my own soul, reminded me that I was not alone on this journey. This sensation gave me great courage and a sense of purpose.
I was profoundly impacted by this poem. By some grace, it found me then for a significant reason. Reading it helped me decide that no matter how much struggle or frustration my hearing loss would bring, I would strive to make my silent journey a noble one, rather than one full of self-pity. Hopefully, by doing so, when I arrived at the end of my life, I would be able to look back and feel a greater sense of peace.
I love this story. I too have had a book or a poem placed in my hands at the exact time I needed it. What a blessing.
~ Carolyn
Left by Carolyn on January 2nd, 2007
LaRonda,
I read some of your blogs on your blog site. I am going to go back and read more. First of all in my opinion it is well written. I love that fact the you are letting the reader in on your personal journey. From what I can see a lot of people write blogs, either humorous, or angry, or serious about how they are the victim,
against either themselves, a situation, a person, or society. Most of these stories never let you in on how they triumphed over their situation, or what spiritual insight they learned. You have done this, and I commend you on that.
To read about the journey you have been on, enlightens those that read it, not just for those who have experienced a hearing loss in the capacity that you did. To have seen, and then one day not see, is a greater loss. The fact that you had to learn a new way to communicate most people would find impossible. To have lost the ability to do something that you loved must have been devastating. But, you found another path to give to the world. You give them hope.
Everyone has a story. We all have a struggle, but you must believe that you can get through it. Your story reaffirms that you must have faith, and that people can learn how to conquer their adversity.
You are a light to others. Keep on shining,
Tere Joyce
(From the Last Comic Standing)
Left by Tere Joyce on January 8th, 2007
LaRonda
My biggest heart felt support to you in your book writing and blogging… your husband is right that you have such grace… I can only encourage you to share your story….. you offer much to those who meet you… by writing you will be able to touch more people’s lives… i will certainly read your book when it is out and recommend it to my clients…
Best wishes to you and congratulations on taking this bold step… your story is inspiring and will only better the world form its sharing……
Pauline Wakeham
Left by Pauline on January 15th, 2007
LaRonda,
Here are some comments I’ve received since sending [your blog] out to my friends connected with hearing loss. Thought you would like to hear their replies!
On Jan 15, 2007, at 11:40 AM, HammonsN@aol.com wrote:
> This is a powerful story a journey through hearing loss that I think
> we call can “identify” with. Sending it to you to reflect the power of
> love. I hope to have LaRonda come to speak of her story/journey.
> Nan
Nancy Hammons
East Bay Alda President/ Past Alda Inc Regional Director 1999-2003
————————————
~ Very touching! Thanks for sharing!
Minn Cochlear America’s
~ Interesting reading, Nancy!
MSW New Jersey
~ This is so neat, thanks so much!! This is a fascinating way to follow
someone’s life story!! Thanks again for sharing!! Let me know if she comes to the meeting at the end of the month!!!
CI user Foster City
~ Hi Nancy, thanks for this email. I would love to hear more from her.
Concord, Ca (Oral deaf)
~ Wow…wow….wowie …so very powerful…..
From a new ALDAn
Left by Nancy Hammons on January 15th, 2007
I already knew your story because I have worked with you. I hope you do not mind that I use your blog to send to some of my family so they can (perhaps) understand ME better!
Many thanks. You are doing a terrific job.
Lantana
Lantana’s Latitude
Left by Lantana on March 30th, 2007