Just Deaf

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

Van Kampen-Bolier Family

"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."

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

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

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

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

"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."

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

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

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

"What can I do now?"

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

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