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Wednesday, April 9

How Much Did that Cost?

We've been out and about a lot now that the winter weather is finally breaking. It looks like spring has finally sprung, hopefully for good. I mentioned to Drew's Dad the other day as we ate lunch how I felt like people were staring at Drew's ears less and less. He quickly told me that I just don't notice the staring anymore. As I sat in the restaurant, I looked around and realized he was right. People were staring, but I just didn't notice. Nor did I care. Drew can hear. Drew can talk. And that is all that matters.

On that note, I really appreciate the people that talk to me about Drew's ears. They will ask questions. And I don't mind answering, no matter how silly they are. The interesting thing is that it is mostly children that ask questions. And the questions are so heartfelt and sincere. We were playing in the mall play area the other day when a couple of boys, who looked to be about six or seven years old, came up to me and said, "What's on his ears?" I explained that Drew was deaf and that those little "things" on his ears allowed him to hear. They said, in the nicest tone, "Oh, we're sorry. That's sad that he can't hear." They were so genuine. I went on to tell them that while he can not hear without his "ears" on, it is a blessing that he can hear at all. They were hooked on every word I said, and were genuinely interested in Drew. They followed Drew around the entire time we played, helping him climb on the rocket ship and crawl through the tunnels. They thoroughly enjoyed playing with Drew. They loved hearing Drew say "Hi," and asked him to say it on a number of occasions. I wish that adults had the innocence of children, and as we left, I told the boys' Mother's just how nice they were to Drew and that I wished more people we like their sons.

On a separate occasion we were playing on the playground at Graeter's Ice Cream (which, by the way, if you are ever in the Columbus area, you must have dessert at Graeter's!). A boy, about eight years old, came up to Drew and I and asked if he was wearing hearing aids. I told him that they were a "kind of hearing aid" that helps deaf people hear. The little boy looked at me and said, "Cool. How much did that cost?" I laughed. It was such an innocent question, and as I was laughing I heard his Mother say, in that embarrassed motherly voice, "Conner, we don't ask those kinds of questions." It was so funny. I explained that it cost a lot, "more than some houses. But we are just thankful that Drew can hear." The boy talked and played with Drew. He had so much fun rolling a ball with Drew and hearing Drew say "ball" over and over again.

I really don't recognize Drew without his ears on and I don't notice people staring, unless I'm looking for it. I've grown, because I really don't care anymore. You can stare all you want, but my little boy can hear! And that is what matters.

8 comments:

Mom to Toes said...

hahaha! What a great post!

"How much did that cost?"

Kids are so great.

I have never had an adult walk up and ask what Erin's processors were. But, almost every child that meets her for the first time asks about it.

Most of the time, once they hear my "Erin is deaf and the processors help her hear" explanation, they say "Oh, OK" and go about their business as if that was the most logical thing in the world.

I wish we could all keep that level of openness as we grow into adults.

Christian and Lily's Mommy said...

I love it...it's funny how kids just can pull that stuff out of no where.

leah said...

Kids are so funny. And genuine! Of course, the one kid will probably become an accountant when he grows up, lol.

Anonymous said...

I relate to this so much. I wrote once about how adults just stare but children are friendly and inquisitive. Once a boy asked me if Ethan was wearing a hearing machine!

I don't notice the stares anymore either, and like you, if I do see someone staring it matters less and less. I just stare back and smile.

Abbie said...

Ha, kids are so innocent!

Amy said...

I have to agree. I don't care what people say, how they stare....my baby can hear!!!! I am so excited I could scream.
I love your post with the video. I sat amazed, and so did Mark. You are my inspiration, it does work, and all the work is SOOOO worth it.
Amy

Amy said...

I have to agree. I don't care what people say, how they stare....my baby can hear!!!! I am so excited I could scream.
I love your post with the video. I sat amazed, and so did Mark. You are my inspiration, it does work, and all the work is SOOOO worth it.
Amy

Kristen said...

I get the same thing from kids. I love it when they come and ask about the CIs. They usually just say, 'cool', and move on. Kids are so wonderful that way! It is great that you have gotten to a place where you don't even notice them anymore. Just think a year back... did you ever think that would be possible?????