Simply Exhausting

I debated posting today, but this sight pushed me over the edge.

I went with David to speech last week. It was exhausting for him. He concentrates so hard and works very hard to make sure that he's forming the words correctly, and hearing them correctly. It's really shining a light on this whole process that I didn't fully understand. Never in a million years did I think that 45 minutes of therapy could make a 28 year old man so worn out. (Granted, he does work a very physical job for 8 hours before going...)

This past week I've been super impressed by David. He's worked harder than I've noticed before. Maybe something clicked, or maybe it was because I was finally understanding a little bit of what he's going through.

David has been self correcting this week. Normally, if he mispronounces a word, or letter, it is my job to repeat the word slowly and correctly, then have him mimic what I did. This past week David would say something, then correct HIMSELF repeating the word slowly and differently than he had before and looking to me to see if it was right. If it was he repeated it several more times so that he could feel, and hear the correct sound of the word. If it wasn't I would correct him and he would soak that in the same way.

It's lots of little things like the self correcting that I'm starting to notice on a day to day basis. I've also noticed that he's reading to Jaime a lot more these days. Taking time to make sure every word is read correctly. Jaime LOVES the attention, and is addicted to books. Reading bedtime stories has turned into a wonderful bonding and learning time for father and son to have together.

Once again I find myself bursting with pride at how well David is adjusting to his cochlear implant. Of course there are ups and downs, but at this point it has been far more ups, and it's making a huge impact on our family's daily life.