Abby squirmed on my lap as I tried to hold her still as the doctor and her assistant worked. “Shhh, shhhhhh…almost done,” I whispered. And for the first time…ever…in Abby’s life she heard me.
My daughter heard me whisper to her. She turned. She listened. She calmed.
I was heartbroken when we learned that Abby’s hearing loss was permanent. The realization that she had never heard me whisper tore through me. All of the nights I had spent walking the halls as she struggled against sickness, whispering in her ear, singing softly, and shhhhshing her never made it past her tiny ear canals. With every whispered “I love you” as I put her to bed, she saw my mouth move, but never heard the words.
I’ll never forget that simple moment in the doctor’s office as they monkeyed with her new hearing aids. The first time she turned towards me when I whispered in her ear. I won’t forget the first time her eyes lit up as she walked around and heard her own footsteps for the first time. She turns towards the sound of chirping birds and is overwhelmed by the loudness of her three brothers. She hears me now when I call her from across the room. We’ve turned down the TV to a level that doesn’t fill me full of rage.
It’s beautiful. And soon, I’m sure, the sounds that were missing for her to make sense of spoken language will come and I will have that rush of delight when I finally get to hear her call me ‘mom.’
If my life has shown me anything, it’s that the times that hurt, the times that were so low, make the great times SO MUCH greater. Waiting makes the rewards that much more sweet. Abby’s taught me to slow down a little bit, and to revel in every single thing- even the sound of my own footsteps.
Happy hearing, Abby.
Lexi Mag 
As sassy as Abby is now, I can’t wait to hear what she has to say when the time comes.
This makes me teary in such a great — “OMG, this is so freaking awesome!” — way. If we hadn’t been through something similar with our son, I don’t think I would be able to appreciate the intensity of that moment. I’m so very, very, VERY happy you and Abby had that moment. Here’s to so many more as she discovers a whole new aspect of her world.
I am beyond happy for you and Abby. These are the moments when we get to take a refreshing dip in the MIRACLE POOL. Amazing!
“refreshing dip in the MIRACLE POOL”…I LOVE THAT!!!
I love this. I love her. I love you.
You’re so right. The struggles make every accomplishment, every celebration that much more enjoyable.
This is beautiful…what a moment…
Happy Independence Day to Abby!
There are no words to describe how awesome this is! I am so happy for you all. I want to give that sweet little girl a kiss on her sweet little cheek. Since I cannot, would you please do so for me? Happy Hearing Day!
This is so wonderful! Rejoicing with you.
Wow……that must have been an incredible moment for all of you. Much love. Happy hearing day.
Absolutely love. Happy Hearing Day, Abby!!
Yay, Abby! I’m so happy for her!
So happy for you and Abby : )
So. Simply. Wonderful.
Congrats Abby! I love these photos. She is such a pretty little girl and I can only imagine how great it was to see her respond to your whispers. Great day!
You made me cry. What a beautiful moment that must have been. Congratulations to both of you on such a beautiful event! Wonderful!
God is so good, the technology of modern medicine and devices is God showing us he still cares and loves us. Praise GOD!!
That was such a great thing to read about! I have 2 autistic sons, and although they have no hearing loss, I can’t wait until they “hear” me one day!
This makes my heart smile. So happy for Abby and you all!
I loved this. She’s such a cutie. Thanks for making my heart swell… I needed it today
She is such a beautiful little girl. This story made me cry! I am so happy for her, and you!! 🙂
Oh my gosh how did I miss this one?!?! Teared up for sure! I’m so happy for her (and you all). Can’t wait to read the post when she says “mom” for the first time!