Blessings we receive are wonderful. I've been so blessed and am so thankful this year to have my second CI. Less than a year ago, in January, there was not even a glimmer that my year would hold such exciting changes for me hearing-wise. At my three month checkup this month, I scored 99% on my sentence tests using only the new CI! Then a few weeks ago, I was invited to participate in the clinical trials for the Harmony for the C1, my older cochlear implant. This must be the icing on the cake (And it's a triple layer cake this year!).
Blessings we share with others are even more wonderful. So how do we share the gift of hearing? Most of us can't actually fix anyones hearing, right? Well, we can share by becoming involved in an organization such as Hearing Loss Association of America, it's state organizations and chapters. I spent the weekend at a Chapter Leaders Workshop (CLW) put on by Hearing Loss Association of Michigan. What a fabulous group of people and I am always amazed by what they accomplish! All are volunteers, yet they have managed to hold the CLW every year for the past 8 years. Our current state coordinator is a warm, bubbly friend named Brenda. She did an awesome job with this years CLW. Our former state coordinator, Liz, is just as fabulous and another dear friend. She not only did several presentations but also cooked for all 20 or so of us for two days and boy did we eat well!
I went to the CLW representing my chapter and also to do a presentation about the SE Michigan Walk4Hearing, which is scheduled for May 16, 2009. This will be our 3rd Walk4Hearing! The Walk4Hearing committee is currently a team of 8 people. Ann, Caroline, Maureen, Audrey, Barb, Liz, Brenda and myself, the chairperson. We each give something special and we each get something special in return. Friendship, fun times, the gratification of having helped a cause we believe in and also directly impact peoples lives. Each walk brings people together to share and learn that they are not alone with hearing loss. We feel empowered when we meet our fundraising goals which will benefit our chapters as well as the state and national organizations.
As if the CLW and the W4H were not enough to keep the Michigan Board of Trustees busy, there's also a program called the Hearing Technology Resource Specialists (HTRS). This group changes quite often. New folks join in and some need to let go and move on. I'm not going to list everyone, it's late and I'm afraid I'd forget someone. But they are out there and they know who they are. HTRS go around the state to do demonstrations and presentations about hearing assistive technology (HAT). Each HTRS is armed with phones, alerting systems, listening systems, FM systems, microphones, neckloops, headsets... you name it, there is sure to be one in someones kit. They can do one on one comparisons and large group presentations. They have been trained, they have learned their equipment, they are all volunteers! They are all 'everyday' people with hearing loss. Not letting hearing loss get them down, not asking what they will get in return, but willing to share what they know. This is truly the gift of hearing better being shared!
I have many, many other blessings in my life. My husband, Bill, and our sons, Brandon and Cameron; Friends and family near and far; A warm home, my kitty cats, employment and health. The holidays will present some challenges to those of us who are hard of hearing. When you feel frustrated by struggling to hear, take a few moments to think about what you are thankful for and how you can help others. It will help you get through the rough patches.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
