It’s Friday! My goodness, what a whirlwind the past few weeks have been. My son had surgery a few weeks ago, which, while stressful at the time, has proven to be quite literally life-changing. We discovered towards the beginning of the school year that he had bilateral hearing loss, which we realized was quite severely impacting his ability to interact with his peers and participate in classroom activities. What we initially thought was shyness was actually very understandable confusion and stress brought on by the fact that he couldn’t clearly understand what anyone was saying to him or asking of him!
The process of preparing and recovering from the surgery was extremely stressful for this naturally-anxious worriwart of a mama, but thankfully, and with wonderful care from our health team, we all came through in one piece. Just yesterday, my son looked at me, wide-eyed, and declared, “Mum, I heard you and Grandma talking! I heard you!” It was wonderful to hear, and I’ve already noticed how much more confident and independent he’s become, in only a few weeks! What a miracle!
And, because we’re blessed to call Canada home, we weren’t out a single dime for the surgery. Believe me, we don’t take such access for granted!
To celebrate this momentous experience, a little poem of thanks:
I wish you all such joyous moments, especially in these trying times.
Tabatha is our wonderful Poetry Friday host this week.
I’m so glad you were able to figure out what was going on and get good care! That first step really makes all the difference, just knowing that he wasn’t able to hear. It’s so affirming to have people who understand and are in your corner. Hugs to all of you!
Yes, that first realization was such a game-changer! He’s always been a shy kiddo who tends to live in his own world, so it took a while for everyone to catch on to the fact that he wasn’t always just ignoring us. 😉 I’m so excited to see how his improved hearing will open up his world this coming school year! He really struggled in the classroom with not being able to make out specific voices when there was a lot of background noise, everything just blurred together, and now he’ll actually be able to participate in the conversation! Such a modern-day miracle.
Oh, YAY! I love this for your family. Hooray for hearing – and for not taking such blessings as free healthcare and a working body for granted!!
Knowing so many lovely American people, I’m reminded frequently how incredibly lucky we are to have access to our medical system. It’s creaking and groaning and struggling – we waited months and months for this surgery, since it wasn’t life-threatening – but it was absolutely worth the wait to not have to worry about how we would pay for it! We were able to just go in, get wonderful care, and come out a changed family. It really is a modern-day miracle, and something not to be taken for granted, now or ever!
That is such wonderful news, Jane! Hurrah for the discovery, the surgery’s success, but especially for your dear son! I’m reminded of someone (can’t remember who) who had a similar experience, not knowing how badly the need for glasses, but finally got them, and could then see the beautiful tree leaves, their differences in shape and hue. They never knew before!
Oh, I can imagine! My aunt had a similar story of just assuming the world was always fuzzy and blurry, only realizing as an older kiddo when she got her first pair of glasses just how much detail there was in the world! It’s a beautiful thing, and a modern miracle. 🙂
I’m so glad your son is recovering well, Jane!
Thanks so much! We were amazed at how quickly he bounced back – kids really are amazing!
Oh, Jane! That’s big deal! I understand the stress (how does a mama NOT feel it?) but I’m so glad that everything has turned around for your sweet boy. Life-changing indeed! Your poem made me smile — so happy for all of you!
Sometimes I wish I had a bit more of my husband’s ability to be rational about things – he’s an engineer and approaches the world in a very different way, looking at facts and figures, making evidence-based decisions and letting go of things he can’t control. This poet’s heart is a bit more…emotional and imaginative, which can be both a blessing and a curse at times. 😉
Hallelujah! My goodness, what a worry…but what a wonderful outcome. I’m so happy for all of you. Amen!
Thank you, I agree 100%! 🙂
So happy everything went well! Thank you for spreading the joy!
Happy to! We could also use a bit more joy, I think. <3
Oh, Jane – what a wonderful post and what joy! Best wishes for continued recovery for your son and for his world to expand and delight him. My 86-year-old mother lost her hearing a year ago and is having cochlear implant surgery this coming Thursday. Happy summering!
Oh, how amazing for her, I hope it all goes/went well! Our senses are so integral to our being, to lose one and have it recovered is such a modern miracle, isn’t it?
That short poem is very sweet! I’m so happy for you and your son.
Thank you! We’re thrilled too. 🙂 I’m excited to see how the new school year goes, with his newfound hearing!
Jane, a good news post is very very welcome! Glad for your son and that all the anxieties led were answered. I’m glad a “simple” surgery has had such a big positive effect!
I feel the same way! Sometimes I get caught up in all the news, and I need to step back and take a look at my situation and just let myself be reminded of all the blessings in our life – we’re very lucky really!
Blessings and joy, Jane. Really, really glad for you and your family.
Thank you! We’re so, so thankful. 🙂
Jane, I’m so happy for your and your family! What a relief and blessing that his hearing loss was diagnosed and treatable! xo
Such a blessing, we’re so thankful. <3