This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the gift of speech.
No, not the freedom of speech, Samuel's speech.
A year ago, Samuel was not speaking. I could count his words on one hand. He was 22 months old. We had been worried for sometime, and through many Dr. visits we found out he could not hear very well at all. He had so many ear infections that his ear canals were blocked. He had tubes placed in his ears earlier this year. The Dr. said his hearing was like living underwater. No wonder he couldn't talk.
Even before the surgery this spring, we hooked up with Kids On The Move. KOTM provides services to children who are behind in any way. He has worked with some great therapists. They have helped bring Sam to where he is today. We still have a long way to go, but he is talking! He can communicate his needs and wants. He can tell me things that happen to him and how he is feeling. It is so liberating.
We caught this problem early and decided to get Jack tubes early on to prevent the same thing from happening to him. I cannot believe the difference of Sam and Jack's speech at this age. Jack has many, many more words than Sam did.
Within the last few months, Sam's speech has exploded.
The first time I heard him say "no," I cried. He uses tone and inflection in his voice. I love hearing all his words, his "pleases" and "thank-you's" and of course his "I wuv you"s.
There have been so many tears, angry words, and inadequate feelings as a mother during this whole ordeal. I felt as though my relationship with Sam was strained, we were always fighting. I felt horrible for bringing a sibling into the mix so early, when he still needed my help and full attention. He now understands my words, and I understand his. Our new favorite thing to do is have "mommy loves" after his nap. He curls into my lap and we sit and talk about our day. I will never take for granted the fact that we can talk and communicate our feelings to each other.
I am so grateful for modern medicine and the ability to fix my little boy's ears and give him the ability to hear. I will be indebted forever to the therapists who have worked with him, and have helped him improve so much. I am grateful for a family who helped us though this hard time and who love Samuel so much.
I am grateful my son can talk.
6 comments:
I didn't know any of that, Katie. Such a sweet post :)How did you like your family pics?
Good post Katie.
I also had no idea that Sam was having trouble. I enjoyed this post, and am excited for you guys!
Im so happy things are going better for your little Sam! Your boys are adorable!! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Your post made me cry, Katie. I am so glad to hear that Sam is doing so well. I know exactly how you feel. Micah has struggled with his speech too (although for different reasons). We've had him working with therapists since he was two. It is so hard to watch your child get frustrated because his own parents don't know what he is asking for. I can't tell you how many times I had to lock myself in the bathroom and cry so Micah couldn't see or here me.
When Sam is too old for KOTM, you should check out Pediatric Rehab. Micah has been going there the past 8 mos and the therapists are incredible. He's doing a combination of Speech and Occupational Therapy. Anyway, thank heavens for people who can help when help is needed. And, you are a wonderful mother- I can just tell. :)
awwww so sweet katie!! im glad sam is doing awesome!! you can really tell the difference! yay for him!
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