…The oxymoron is that after becoming deaf, I was actually learning to “listen” more deeply. I was listening with the ear of my heart.…

Photo by: Andreas Reinhold

…And so it began. I started asking anyone and everyone who came to visit me during my recovery what their experience was with my illness, and what they remembered had happened to me. I wanted their point of view. I wanted to help them with closure while they helped me open my book. From these stories, combined with my own memories of my hospital experience, I began to put the pieces together and craft my own tale to tell, which, over time, would lead toward my own healing.

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Deaf, Family, Grief, Health, Hearing Loss, Late-Deaf, Meaning, My Story, Spiritual, Support | No Comments »

Photo by: Moon Rhythm

…I scooted over the refrigerator and got the milk to pour over my cereal. Then all of a sudden, my eyes went black!

I started to swoon. My heart rate increased, my face felt flushed, and I couldn’t see a thing! I moved over a step and felt for the counter to set down the milk in my hand. I was scared to death and began screaming for my brother!

“Mar-tin! Mar-tin! Help me! Hellllp! I can’t see! I can’t seeeee!” I was alone and deaf and blind….

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Deaf, Family, Grief, Health, Hearing Loss, Late-Deaf, Meaning, Music, My Story, Support | No Comments »

Photo by: Faraz Usmani

As they began singing, I sat with the plastered smile I would come to know well and use frequently when I pretend I can hear more than I do. I could read their lips and I knew most of the words. I could see the rhythm on their swaying bodies. I was even mouthing the words along with them, but I heard nothing. Not one note…

Photo by: Norma Clark

…As soon as they left, and I was alone, I wept profusely.

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Grief, Health, Hearing Loss, Late-Deaf, Meaning, Music, My Story, Support | 1 Comment »