A Deaf Child’s Mom

I wonder how a deaf child’s mom feels, when she is unable to provide for her child. How does a mother feel, knowing that her child may not get an education, a chance in life; to be equal. Where nourishment and love does not extend, now what…nothing? Well, if you are a mom you know the answers. Every mom wants what is best for their child, but what if she cannot get the job done on her own. I see in most cases in Jamaica mothers are unable to provide for their children, who are deaf, because there are no jobs and no government help. A mother’s cry for help usually goes unnoticed and left only with one choice…the child stays home from school. Having a child who is deaf requires special care and parents need to be educated about how to speak and understand their deaf child. Deaf children are frustrated because they are unable to speak or hear, leaving them unable to communicate with their family. Due to their disability it is almost always impossible to make friends and they are, many times, rejected or abused by society.

On my recent visit to Jamaica, I saw a few young boys begging on the streets, not going to school. I asked them why and the answers were usually, ‘I don’t have any shoes, uniform, or clothes’. Seeing and hearing this makes my heart-break.

I wonder how a deaf child’s mother feels, when her prayers are answered. When there is hope for her child. How does a deaf child’s mother feel knowing that her child will get an education, and be counted, because of wonderful people who care? Can words express the strongest emotions that she would feel? In many cases, they are emotional and very thankful. Are we thankful of how fortunate we are?

 Now,  how would any mother feel? How would you feel?