My youngest child, Morgan is almost four years old now.  It sometimes seems she was just born yesterday and other times like she’s been with me forever.  I’m sure all parents can relate to that.  When she was born, all was well and wonderful.  She came into the world with bright red hair and this was such a blessing because I always wanted a redhead.  My dearest grandmother was a redhead and I so wanted to have her characteristics carry on.  Neither myself or her father have red hair so this was such a wonderful surprise.  She was healthy, beautiful, eating well, all the normal things you look for.  Then the Pediatrician came in the hospital room and said she didn’t pass her newborn hearing screen.  I was so hormonal at this time, I sort of lost it with worry.  The Doctor reassured me it was probably fluid and in a few weeks she would probably pass.  He said he could do the screen in his office at her two week checkup.  This seemed logical to me, as I didn’t want to get her out if I didn’t have to.  She passed the screen they performed in the Pediatrician’s office.  I didn’t think about it any more and all my worries were gone.

Until..she started having recurring ear infections.  We were going to the Pediatrician’s office at least once a month.  Finally, at 6 months of age he recommended we have PE tubes placed in her ears.  So, then a trip to an ENT and starting the process of surgery.  I had noticed prior to this that Morgan wasn’t turning her head to look at me when I called her name and I was concerned.  All the professionals said it was probably due to the infections and fluid and once that cleared all would probably be fine. I requested that while she was under anesthesia for the surgery, they perform another hearing test.

Sitting there waiting on our baby, I was so nervous about the surgery in general.  It’s so frightening to have your child under anesthesia and I was scared they might come in and tell me she did have a mild hearing loss.  I felt in my gutt she did have some hearing loss, but I was really hoping to hear the opposite.

Finally, the Audiologist came in with a blank look on her face.  She said “Your daughter has a profound hearing loss”.  I was shocked at first, as this was not what I was expecting at all.  Then the tears started as I thought about how my baby didn’t hear me singing to her all this time.  The doctor explained what profound meant and this was very difficult for me to accept. Music is a huge part of our lives and her father is a singer.  I was tormented with the thought that she wouldn’t hear music or ever sing.

We went home later that day and over the next few weeks it started to settle in my mind.  I was frantic, looking up everything I could on the internet regarding hearing loss and resources in our area.  Immediately we got her started on the road with MOSD and getting her hearing aids.  The next year or so was very bumpy and scary and frustrating at times.  I went from being fine with it to denying that she really had a hearing loss at all.  I still sometimes do this.

Today, I can honestly say this whole journey with her has been a blessing.  She has allowed me to see the world from a different perspective.  I have met people whom I never would have known otherwise.   I have become involved with Hands & Voices in a big way.  Her speech is amazing, she is extremely bright, loves music and sings every day!  I am so thankful she was born the way she is….Perfect!  The light of my life!!