To my son,

I ventured out over the couple of days to see what sort of blogging is going on by hearing parents of deaf children. I realized there was nothing in the first few pages of my search that had much to do with your story. We don't plan our days around your deafness, we don't need to change you or make appointments. You are above grade level, you have no other delays , socially a rock star and emotionally sound. I got to thinking that if you were to do a search wouldn't you want to see a family like yours? So here we are. This is in no way an attempt to get on my soapbox. I am not worried for your future so I don't have to preach.

I don't think our way is the only way. I don't wish to fight or strut our success. We did a lot of work in the first 3 years. It was our work not yours. We always made sure your school was giving you what you needed. We advocated for other children not only because we knew you needed peers but because it was the right thing to do.

We decided not to focus on your achievements but take a look at what typical kids your age would be doing and set the bar there. We raised you with deaf adult role models and searched out the best advocates. Ask me later how I contacted Harlan Lane for an IEP referral.

So mom is gonna sit down often and tell you your story. I promise to skip the emotional music and insert a laugh track.

Love,

Mom