I've been trying to recall what happened in 2010 and the implications or impact on our lives. It was a busy year that went in many different directions. Lily has grown in so many ways. She is a little girl who sees no boundaries.
Hearing issues still remain a major focus for our family, but it is now very manageable. Our friends and family have been patient and listened to our never ending rants about hearing loss, technology and the challenges we deal with. It has become who we are.
Lily started two mainstream preschools this year and is keeping up or exceeding her peers in all areas. We still work with SLPs and hearing resource teachers at Omaha Hearing School and our public school. The focus and upfront services have paid off and Lily's expressive and receptive language is extremely strong.
We were fortunate to start using an FM system in preschool, throughout day at noisy times and in the car. This has made a big impact. Hopefully 2011 will bring a new BTE and ClearVoice from AB which Lily would transition to this fall. Hopefully our advocacy with the public schools for improved acoustics in elementary schools will mean all kids can have better options for hearing.
Our passion for travel continued this year and we were fortunate to travel abroad, as well as to Chicago, Pittsburgh, Madison for a hearing study, and we attended AG Bell in Florida to both continue our education and represent the Bionic Ear Association.
LIly is rapidly developing her own interests including dancing, swimming, nature, music and art. She's starting to read and never stops singing or dancing. She loves her family and her life-long friends.
Our families continue to provide major support to making our crazy lives work. Without them, we wouldn't have the flexibility to go in so many different directions. Thank You!! It means the world to us and Lily thrives from your involvement.
I think 2011 will bring many new ideas and activities, improved hearing and more advocacy, and maybe a grand adventure or two. Lily loves surprises and so do we. Who knows what the future will hold.
When I think back to the trauma of Lily's arrival into this world, your subsequent realization of her condition, the instant re-direction of everything your lives, the fights with insurance companies, pressing the education system... and fast forward to today - you two are a case study in how to deal with challenge.
The absence of Lily's ability to hear was met, embraced and used to positively impact your lives, the lives of countless others sharing your journey and, most importantly, the life of a little girl.
As you reflect on 2010, take some time to be proud of what you have accomplished. I hope it will equal my pride in being able to count you both among my very best friends.
Happy New Year.
-Philip
Posted by: Philip | January 10, 2011 at 12:02 PM