Yesterday, we completed a week long series of tests and evaluations for Mary’s cochlear implant candidacy. The week was very long and grueling, taking a toll on all of our emotions and mental frames of mind! Thankfully, Robert was off work all week so he was able to be present as well and as much as we dreaded the drive and tests, Robert always reminded me that we came through this together as a family.
We learned so much this past week, not only about this amazing technology but how it could really take Mary’s hearing, language and speech to much higher level. Also, we were able to see where her baseline was with regards to the length of time she has had her hearing aids in which is almost a year and a half. We were VERY pleased and excited to hear the validation of how far Mary had come since then! Robert and I always think we know how far she has come but to hear it from others who have only met or worked with Mary in a limited time frame - well, we were thrilled to know we were still on track - and THEN some!!!! We really needed that encouragement towards the end of the week because there were disheartening times when during the long audiology tests, that Mary looked around with a blank look on her face when testing her left ear. Another part of her testing had her point to a specific picture when cued audibly and of course when it was her left ear being tested, I saw her shoulders sink as her lack of confidence dropped. She was pointing kind of aimlessly seeking out my facial expressions for confirmation or approval. Of course, she always got a big smile and a lot of enthusiastic clapping from Robert and I, even when she was pointing to the wrong subject. That was hard because Mary is usually so self motivated and sure of herself and I never want her to give up on herself, even when she’s unsure or scared or things get hard. She kept going along in spite of how she felt and I was so proud of her. I believe it was in that moment that Robert and I realized how much further a cochlear implant could take Mary so the matter is settled now in our hearts and we hope and pray it comes to fruition soon!
Again, knowing the gains Mary has made with hearing aids and realizing the possibilities with the cochlear implant we are ‘cautiously optimistic’. Without going into the nuts and bolts of how the decision is finalized to the point of scheduling a surgery, we ask anyone reading this to pray that God’s perfect will is manifested for Mary’s sake.
We are so fired up for the weekend and I know Mary’s ready to go back to school after this week! We still have a lot of research to do on which manufacturer to go with, manage and plan scheduling for the rest of spring and summer but we are sooooo glad this testing is OVER! Time to fit in some serious leisure activities and get ready to really enjoy this spring! God is so good and Mary - Mama & Dada are always, ALWAYS so proud of you, you really shined this week so keep running forward baby girl! We’re right beside you every step of the way!
Mary showing off her "Most Improved" award
Mary & Robert feeding the ducks between appointments!
Our little Momo getting a chance to something OTHER than testing
