Most of my posts are about Silent Moment but not this one. This post is about a Silent Day.
This past week I was in Texas for a Family Reunion and we went to a water park. I was a little worried because I knew I would have to take my Cochlear Implants off since we are surrounded by water. I don’t mind not hearing but when I am in big crowds I feel a little lost. I thought “I can’t do this.” But then I remembered a little saying on my desk “Do Hard Things and Go the Distance”.
We arrived at the parking lot and I said “here I go” and took my Implants off. I got out of the car and took a deep breath and said a prayer in my heart asking for comfort. Right after that my little 8 year old cousin, Bridger, came running to me and mouthed the words really big saying “You are my buddy!!” He was so cute about it and I never knew he was an answer to my prayer until halfway into the day.
We get to our gathering place and Bridger says “Lets go on the slides!” I was still a little shy to go on them but with his big smile and his hand holding tight to my hand we went to go find some cool slides. Bridger was my ears and he was good at it. He made up his own signs and he always made sure I understood what was going on. I then found myself relaxed and knew that I was going to be just fine. It also gave me a new perspective on things. Sometimes we never know what someone is going through so we should be the best friend and person we can be. Bridger did not know how I was feeling on the inside but he took me by the hand and did the best that he could do. This little 8 year old boy was a huge example to me and seems like an adult.
Thank you Bridger!!
If you have questions or topics that you would like me to write about feel free to comment.
What a brave young man you are! I remember the first time I went to a water park after loosing my ability to hear. I had to leave my hearing aids in a locker and I was escorting my 11 year old cousin who was spending a week of her summer with me. She helped me get by, interpreted for me, and we had a great time but I was terrified in the beginning!
ReplyDeleteI am the author of http://www.lifeinmute.blogspot.com.
I also just recently blogged about taking my daughter to a pool party and the difficulties I encountered.
Good luck and way to go with your blog!
I am acctually one of Bridger's neighbors. I totally agree/believe that Bridger would act this way. He's always smiling and joking around. We have lots of neighborhood lunch things, and he always is fun to be around. It's amazing how our prayes can be answered, but I know that they will always be answered. Anyway, I also wanted to thank you for sharing your stories. I've read a few of them and they've helped my humble myself and realize that we all have different trials. I guess i've always taken my 'hearing' for granted. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments. I never knew what would come from this blog. Heather: You are a great example to me and your blog is amazing. I like it "Life in Mute".
ReplyDeleteKaite: You are so lucky to be so close to him. :) Thank you for reading my stories.
Thanks again for your kind comments.
-David
David, Even as an adult whom has been dealing with a hearing loss since I was 5 still find it difficult at times to cope in different situations especially when I am forced to take off my HA and CI. Swimming pools and water parks are one of those times, especially when I was a teenager in social situations. Now a days I am fortunate to have my kids help me "hear" when I don't have my HA or CI on! Glad Bridger was your ears that day!
ReplyDelete