A re-implantation to come, at 8 am

This Monday, March 20th, marks the date of my re-implantation. I am to be there at 6:30 am sharp. It's been a sombre few months living with one hearing aid. I often reflect on experiences I had while activated for a short time. When the rain falls on the roof of the car, I think of what I heard a month ago. When the water runs from the faucet, I barely remember its tune. When I am in Safeway I recall the music and sounds around me and it feels like a passing dream. I have so much to discover in our noisy world and I am waiting for it!

As I write, I am visiting family in Oregon. The girls and I went skiing on the weekend with my brother and his lovely wife, Suzette. Even though the experience of skiing itself was refreshing and such a lift for me, I could not change my pattern of skiing short quick turns to long and winding ones - in fear of the inability to hear anyone approaching from behind. Everywhere I go, I have a strong sense of being confined in silence. I feel shy of making conversation with people, particularily in a group. With this said, I have my eye to activation day! If the healing goes well, the audiologist and I hope that I can be switched-on again on April 6th. I am very curious about what I will experience the second time around.

My mom is doing extremely well with her new hip. It has been 9 weeks post-surgery for her. We spent the day roaming the stores yesterday. She drives and moves very well and without any pain. I am very grateful she will be present for my surgery (and re-activation day). I am also in ease knowing that she can now manage the stairs in the house where we live. It has been wonderful to witness her amazing recovery. I remain hopeful for a chance at success with my new CI, and intend to provide weekly updates once I get through Monday's event.