"Coincidentally" this year has seen the births of quite a few newborns for some very close friends of mine. I say coincidentally with some reservation. Truth is, babies have been born all around me my whole life...it seems I'm just now starting to notice. Just now starting to appreciate these precious little ones. Just now starting to enjoy being around them. And, coincidentally, just now starting to hear them.
Hearing the softest sounds of breathing while they sleep.
Hearing those gurgling sounds as they drink, or eat, or whatever it is they're doing (and then pass them off before they throw it all up!)
Hearing their passionate cries of optimism as we support our fellow Boilermakers.
Hearing their joyous bouts of laughter while they demonstrate their ability to "roll over".
Hearing their non-response to my attempted conversation (but really, her shirt says it all)
Heck, I've even enjoyed listening to baby kittens, and whatever sound it is they make.
One thing that is difficult for me is that 4 years ago I had an opportunity to experience this joy in my own family when my niece Lydia was born, but with my hearing deteriorating at that time I wasn't able to appreciate it as I am today. Now that I have re-surging hearing in both of my ears, I've been able to enjoy much more interaction with her. My older brother put it in perspective for me a few months ago:
"I remember the dinner at Mom & Dad's when I learned you weren't wearing one of your hearing aids because your right ear had just stopped working completely. And that it would probably happen to the other one soon enough too. The holidays last year where you just sat in the room and couldn't understand anyone. It all absolutely crushed me. But now you're able to have like-normal conversations again, hang out and watch movies/sports, and it's especially wonderful to see you able to interact (well) with Lydia finally."
Hearing loss affects so many people, and not just the person experiencing the loss. But even if I did miss out on her first few years, what I'm experiencing now is quickly making up for it. Just look at the excitement on her face when I gave her this shirt last Christmas:
You CAN'T force that kind of excitement! I would say I'm embarrassed about the excitement on my own face, but really now, "excitement" was what this picture was all about.
I'm thankful for all of my friends who've recently had babies, thus eliminating my need to for now (silencing the rumors before they start). I'm equally thankful for the medical professionals who have made each and every one of these new experiences so meaningful to me.
