Another year has pass by

 My blog has not been updated in almost a year, and I feel now is the time to fill in on how my life has been the past two years wearing my cochlear implant. As I was looking back, reading my old blogs I loved how excited I was when new sounds were processed through my implant. For example, the sounds of the logs cracking in the fireplace, or the laughter of my children, are moments I remember vividly to this day. Wearing hearing aids compressed sounds, which made every voice, noise sound the same.  A great way to illustrate this, imagine the keys of the piano, I heard all the low tones of the keyboard, now I hear all the keys. However, I am not cured or considered a "normal" hearing person. Everyday there are still struggles I encounter being Deaf, but my implant helps me live a better quality life. Furthermore, God truly has given me his blessing, since I am now able to experience life in a whole new way.
    Currently I am in my third semester of college, pursuing a degree to become a Physical Therapist Assistant. My prerequisites are almost done, so next year I can apply to the program. And as a surprise to myself, I am holding a 4.0 GPA, which I never thought I could manage. Going to school while raising a family is a tremendous challenge, but I love what I am learning. Most of all, CART (closed-caption real time) has been an asset for me during my classes. To illustrate, a translator types every word that is said in the classroom, so I can follow on a computer screen. I never realized how much I was missing in the classrooms until I received these services. My choice of career comes from a passion I have on helping people that need assistance to function in todays society. Also I am a believer that being active helps your mind, body, and spirit.
   I believe my cochlear implant gave me the confidence to pursue new goals, which in turn helped my self-esteem. As I continue my journey through school and life, my fear of the unknown is no longer scary. My faith in God is stronger, and I realized being Deaf is not disabling, I needed to get out of my comfort zone,to experience what God has planned for me. So far, God's plans have been a roller coaster ride, challenging me everyway possible. But, through acceptance, patience, and asking for help when I need it, I am enjoying the ride.
    As of right now, I am only getting mapped (reprogramed) twice a year. My testing show remarkable improvement in speech recognition as well as sounds. Although, I still struggle with background noise and large crowds. And there are moments the phone can cause anxiety at times, thank god for email, texting, and cap-tel phones. There are a few new noises that I discovered that I love to hear....barbells dropping on the floor, the music when I workout, and the ticking of the WOD time clock on 3,2,1 GO! For those of you that are wondering what I am describing, CrossFit, my other passion I have that has also changed me. I used to wear my old hearing aid, but I was missing out on what my coaches were saying as well as hearing everyone talk at the gym. Thankfully, I found a headband that allows me to wear the implant and helps keep in place as I race against the clock. CrossFit helped me get stronger inside and out as well as prepare me mentally for challenges.

   I hope it will not be another year before I write again in my blog, but time sure does tick by when you are having fun. My life is good and I am grateful for all God has blessed me with this year. Overall, hearing a new way has enriched my life in ways I never thought possible.