I am not sure how to start this post.
It is not an easy one to write.
I took Bette to an ENT last week.
They administered a series of hearing tests.
By the second test, I could tell things were not going well.
By the third, I knew we were going to have stuff to talk about.
I met with the doctor.
He gave me the diagnosis.
It was not good news.
He said Bette is significantly hearing impaired.
She was sitting in my lap.
I asked if she could hear our conversation.
He said no.
Because my baby can’t hear.
And I started to cry.
I cried for the rest of the discussion.
I cried while we set up more tests.
I cried while I walked to my car.
I cried all the way to Jay’s office, which is the first place I went.
I cried because my baby can’t hear.
Because my baby is deaf.
She is ten months old.
She has never heard my voice.
She has never heard her name.
She has never heard anything.
And yet, she is so happy.
She plays and babbles.
She smiles and laughs.
And the doctor said this is not forever.
She will hear one day.
And she will speak.
And the Lord knew.
He knew when she was born.
He knew three months ago, when we knew something was wrong but couldn’t figure out what it was.
And He knew when the news came in.
He formed her in my womb.
He made her this way.
It is His will.
It will not be easy.
But this is what He has given us.
A baby we love and adore who can’t hear.
And we have accepted it.
We know without a doubt He will work it for good.
And even though we would have never chosen this, we are genuinely thankful.
Thankful for Bette.
Thankful for her life.
Thankful for the great honor and privilege it is to raise a special needs child.
It will not be easy.
But we know it is the Lord’s will
And we know it will be okay.
Im sorry to here of your troubles. Your right even when we dont get it , it is Gods will and you guys will be ok. i will say a prayer for you that Gos will give you strength during this time.
tania
been thinking of you guys and sweet little bette. this is a beautiful post, full of hope. we join you in that hope — love, a
i'm so sorry, taylor. i will definitely be praying for you and for bette and your whole family. i am in awe of your strength and your perspective. your faith in the Lord through all of this is so amazing. my mom wanted you to know too that she is also praying for all of you. love you friend, lora
A friend led me to your blog. Our daughter is adopted and when we brought her home a year ago we were stunned with the news that she has hearing loss. It has been a very blessed journey this year.
I'd be happy to share with you some of the resources that have been invaluable to us. (Particularly, Georgia PINES…. not sure if you are in Georgia or not….)
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have questions or just need someone to vent to who understands.
levy.mommy@gmail.com
Blessings,
Amy
Wow, love your blog. I need to sleep, so I will be back tomorrow to read more. Your words are so real and encouraging! Thanks or sharing.