Just Deaf

"It was really kind of a relief when we heard Emiel was deaf."

"You end up in this medical scene, I almost forget to enjoy having my child."

"Our parents gave us confidence: you're great, just the way you are."

"We're religious, and I immediately noticed this having an effect on my faith."

"Your first thought is: the world is ending. But it's not ending, another world just opens itself up."

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

"Would he ever be able to hear music, or the rain beating against the window? That was quite important to me."

"The realization really hit us: we're responsible for this now."

"The first year was very busy, so many appointments. We barely had time to enjoy it."

"I think bonding and interacting with your child is the most important thing."

"At first, very small things could make me incredibly sad."

"What can I do now?"

"Now that I see how happy they are, I worry a lot less."

"It's important for children to be able to be themselves."

"I love having a deaf child, that's hard to explain."