Just Deaf

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

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

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

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

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

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

"What can I do now?"

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