Yesterday afternoon, I had a conversation with my brother’s ex (who, since they ended on amicable terms, I still chat with on a semi-regular basis).
Excitedly, she talked to me about the biggest update in her life: hearing aides. She’s had progressive hearing loss for as long as I’ve known her; luckily though, her doctors have said she won’t go completely deaf.
She went on and on about the exciting sound discoveries she’s made in the past few days: microwaves humming, water running out of a faucet, her feet hitting the pavement when she walks, TV without closed captioning.
I am so humbled by all of this. Sometimes, I have my own bad days with my disability that make life suck. But most of the time, my life is pretty “normal” . . . or at least some variation of it.
Today I am reminded that every ability, every movement I can still make, every sensation and sense I have, is something to be grateful for.
Today I am excited and in awe of my friend as she gets to rediscover the world in a brand new way, after living with so much silence for the past twenty-nine years.
I am reminded to listen – really listen – to the world around me. It is, after all, an amazing gift.
What a wonderful reminder!
Shell recently posted..Pour Your Heart Out: What Makes a Family Complete?
As a sign language interpreter I think I am more attuned to not overlooking my blessing of being able to hear…or see as I’ve worked often with blind/deaf individuals. One of my favorite things to do is to take time to listen to the silence, which I’m sure sounds funny to some but there is SO MUCH to be heard when you listen to the silence. I realize just how much is going on around me and how much some will never know or experience. I am super excited for your friend (and brother’s ex). It truly is awesome!
Ducky recently posted..Clear Rear View
I don’t think it sounds funny at all! Sometimes eliminating all of one sensation is the best way to really notice everything when you get the sensation back!
This is such a wonderful reminder to listen to all the sounds around us. Yes, even a small boy blowing on a loud horn.
JDaniel4′s Mom recently posted..Examining His Learning Choices
Well. I might want to listen to that one from another room haha.
What a great post. You are so right. We don’t take the time to just listen. And what an amazing gift to get back.
Kristen recently posted..Close to Losing It
Ash just had a school assignment that asked her which of her 5 senses she would abandon for the rest of her life if she had to pick one. She chose smell. She said she would never want to miss seeing the ones she loves, hearing their voices, feeling their embraces and tasting her favorite candy.
Kristen recently posted..To Live My Life As It’s Meant To Be…
That’s a very important thing to remember for everyone. And always forgotten I think.
Marta recently posted..Call Me Beautiful
Great perspective, outlook, and reminder. My grandfather wears hearing aides and even with them, has trouble understanding my mom and I because we talk too fast… it’s something about which I try to be aware.
Sorta Southern Single Mom recently posted..PYHO: When Friendship Goes Awry
It seems I can just never get enough of these reminders. So hard for me not to take my blessings for granted but I spend a lot of time ruminating on my shortcomings. I’m trying to find a better balance. Posts like this are helpful.
Christine @ Quasi Agitato recently posted..Words That Could Break a Mama’s Heart.
What a great reminder to be thankful everyday for the little things in life.
Brandy recently posted..It’s Not Okay
That is so awesome!!
stephanie @ babe’s rockin’ mami recently posted..All Moms Are Superheroes
Listening is very important and we are all aware with it.. It is always needed in every conversation.. Thanks for the post then!
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