One of my readers reminded me of a video I taped last summer of my kids explaining what it was like having a mom with hearing loss. I shared it in a workshop at a convention in both Texas and North Carolina. I thought I’d post it here as well to share with all of you.
My hearing loss has definitely been a “hidden blessing” and I have much more to be thankful for than things in which to “whine about”!
Denise Portis
©2008 Hearing Loss Diary
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Hearing Elmo 
I’ve been following your journal for a while now. I’m awaiting my own service dog – for mobility. I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Aside from looking like I’m slightly inebriated when I walk and having “brain fog” when I talk, my “disability” is pretty invisible, too. I’m so looking forward to the freedom my Woof will bring me! You and Chloe are a wonderful example for me. And I’m going to be referring to you and quoting you on my own blog: Waiting for the Woof. Having taught nursing, and put students through “a day as…” exercises, I can certainly identify with the struggles you have with your classes. Many good thoughts coming your way!
Cheerio!
Dr. Elizabeth
Hello Dr. Elizabeth!
I’ve actually been to “Waiting for the Woof”, as my “tag surfer” has brought you to my attention a number of times!
I look forward to following your own story. I can’t tell you what it means to experience the freedom a service dog brings! I’ll be in touch!
Denise
Hi Denise!
I think you and I are the only two who regularly blog about service dogs. When I decided to blog about my “Woof” and the things involved with getting ready for it, I did some intensive web searches and was most disappointed to only find 3! One in England, one in Virginia, and yours. The other two “are seldom” as my husband says. Yours is the only one that talks about a service dog on a fairly regular basis – and yours isn’t “about” your service dog, it’s about living as hearing impaired in a hearing world!
While I highly regret your hearing loss, I am glad your CI works for you at least in part! You are fortunate, and you recognize how fortunate you are – quite refreshing!
By the way, I LOVE seeing some of your Elmos! Says to me that you have a sense of whimsy similarly to me. 🙂
I look forward to hearing from you occasionally. I’ve added you to all my Blogrolls. If you enjoy the combination of cooking and political ranting, drop in on Rumblings of an Ol’ Curmudgeon. That’s my husband’s blog – he writes, I post it.
Cheerio!
Elizabeth