The other night, I was in a chat with a fan of my website who has been religiously following my adventures for two years. We were talking about what it was like for this person to all of a sudden lose whatever hearing she had left. The subject evolved to how others perceived that sudden loss without so much as realizing it as if nothing ever happened. And then finally, we got down to where we started talking about how “normal” hearing people will probably never understand our lives and culture as CIers. In the midst of this conversation, she said…
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…
he had a testimony
he had a story to tell
and he had a purpose
everybody has a purpose
finding it can be hard sometimes
but I believe that I have found mine
and I am happy being me 🙂
Tears welled up in my eyes as these words flashed across the screen. I was like, “WOW, she does have a purpose! What an inspiration!” As much as we were brought together by fate, our cochlear implants have taught us that no matter what, there is a purpose behind what we do. The cochlear implants that have bond us forever gave rise to two sites that are forever our home, Hearing Journey and the Bionic Ear Association.
Many friendships have been forged out of these two sites. And in one weekend, many of us were brought together for the first time. All of this is transpiring to my purpose…to help others who have lost their hearing but with hope and technology, will be able to regain it as I have.
And towards the end, she said
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I want to make a difference
and I am doing it
If you are hearing impaired and considering a cochlear implant, please do reach out to me and please take a moment to visit Hearing Journey and the Bionic Ear Association. And if you ever have any questions about what it is like to hear again with cochlear implants, please drop me a note. 🙂
Sam, you did an excellent job in writing this. It will encourage many and draw new people to you. I am very proud of you.
Sam
Well Said!!! You do an awesome job of sharing such beautiful words! You are making a difference and impacting the lives of future generations. Sharing what a difference a cochlear implant can make in one’s life
Kim
Sam, this is an awesome way to reach out to the deaf and introduce them to the wonderful technology of Cochlear Implants! You are an inspiration to others.
Sam,
What a journey! Thank you for sharing your personal experience with hearing loss and cochlear implants with others just beginning the journey. Patricia
I like it :). Thank you for sharing it! 🙂
Sam, you are a beautiful writer, nicely said! Yes, life is making a change, having a purpose for ones self! I really enjoyed reading this one! Love, Steph
Ah, family – – – CIers united in our quest to help others. What a gift we’ve been given, restored hearing through the miracle of technology.
Sam, you and “your friend” said this so well. We have a special bond that does not exist in the “deaf world” or “hearing world.” There also comes a time when a person becomes more of a “giver” than a “taker” because they are so appreciative and grateful for the support they’ve recieved over time and want to “pay it forward” and help others. And you, along with many others are just doing that!
Thank you for being “you!”