Cover Story: Finding out my Child is Deaf

Evangelique Adams Finding out my child is deaf...

by Elize Fisher

HER STORY

1) Give a short description of your emotional state when you found out that your child is deaf.

Honestly, I have no better way to describe the feeling except numb. I had no emotion but shock. How could this happen to us? Was this all just a dream? I felt like a failure like I was being punished for something. I suffered major depression right after, but I stayed strong because that is what I was told. Despite being told that you are strong, I felt defeated, waiting for my nightmare to end. Despite all that, I still felt hopeful; because there must be something good in it, for a storm precedes a blessing

2) How do you navigate life as a working mom while raising two kids?

As a working mom and raising two kids just a year apart, one having special needs, it is tough to keep up with the day-to-day tasks of life. Work is work, but the difficult part comes after the working hours. When there are pickups from school, housework is to be in order and let us not forget the duty of a wife (hiding face). With speech therapy once a week, I am fortunate to work in a flexible environment where I can work around those hours. I have a husband who jumps in whenever and wherever needed, mostly cleaning up after the kids. I am grateful to my extended family for their constant love and support throughout our journey. Coffee keeps me going on most days. I just realized that I must wake up and show up, not only for my family but also for my well-being. I believe that a happy mom creates a happy home.

3) What is your advice to mothers raising a kid with hearing loss?

Firstly, I would say it is not your fault. The biggest battle we fight as mothers is blaming ourselves, questioning what we could have done differently to prevent this. I would also advise moms to go the extra mile in finding out what can be done to help their little one excels in all they do. As for us, we did test after tests and learned of a Cochlear Implant. I was fortunate that my daughter's operation was approved, and now we do speech and occupational therapy. Four years later, she can speak and is with her peers at school. Never give up on teaching daily, have patience and speak with love and care. Lastly, I would say, DO NOT forget about your well-being. It is so easy to stop caring for yourself as you take more care of others. Take time, embrace your emotions, learn to love who you are, and appreciate what you do.

m Zoe Graham, 2021, (Child with hearing aid) [Photo], unsplash.co

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