Just Deaf

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

Martine and Roos Wattel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

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

"What can I do now?"

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