In this ASL video clip, LaRonda lightheartedly encourages readers to keep reading her summer-cliffhanger storyblog posted here at The Ear of My Heart, and up on DeafRead. The story is about how LaRonda became deaf and how she adjusted to, accepted and ultimately celebrated that transition and journey into Deafhood. The final chapter will complete on Aug. 8th, 2007. Enjoy!
(Ch. 19 of my story of how I became deaf…)
The doctors and nurses finally sent Mama home. She had been by my side in the hospital non-stop since I had arrived. Mama was beyond exhausted. She was sleep deprived and her own body was giving way to the long foodless hours and sleepless nights. My mother realized this and could no longer fight the fact that she needed rest, and to get back to attend to of the rest of our family. So, she organized a round-the-clock vigil, assigning aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and friends to be present in shifts.
(Ch. 18 of my story of how I became deaf…)
Mama said I fought the whole way to the ultrasound room. In my delirium, the hospital walls became a dungeon that confined me. I felt trapped and suffocated. I thought the ventilation bag that the nurse was squeezing for me was blocking my mouth and nose, preventing me from breathing. I wanted it off my face! When I tried to grab the bag away from her, I felt someone at the side of my bed struggle to keep my arms down. I was outnumbered. Eventually, I gave in and put my hands on the nurses hands so I could help pump the bag more rapidly. I needed air!
