Saturday, May 8, 2010

Max

I just wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts on Max. Steph and I are currently trying to decide whether or not Max needs a second implant. He is doing really well in school, but I see his hearing struggles on a daily basis. It is almost impossible for him to hear in a noisy situation, such as the lunchroom at school, or in the car with the windows rolled down. Is it worth the low percentage risk of surgery to get him the second implant? Will he be happy that we did this for him in the long run, or will he be mad that he has to deal with the extra hardware? I wish that I could snap my fingers and presto chango, Max instantly has a second implant. Unfortunately, life just doesn't work that way, especially in the Hawkins household. I don't know what we'll do. Max's surgeon is so confident and seems to have Max's best interests at heart (he has a disabled child as well). I don't know. I just don't know. I asked God for an obvious sign for me to say yes or no, but I haven't seen it yet. Maybe I haven't prayed hard enough. I don't know.

2 comments:

The Royers said...

wow. love how you pour it all out - keep doing it. You may not get the "yes" or "no" answer; but you'll definitely get the ducks in a row. By the way - hearing with the windows down in the car is very stressful for any person - and it is further complicated when you have a hearing aid or implant. The good (or great!) news is Clearvoice literally takes the "wind noise" away. Is he wearing an HA in his ear now?

Jenny said...

Greg, I don't have any experience with what you and Steph have lived through with Max and Claire. Saying that, I hope I don't offend you by giving my opinion on this post. My thoughts are, if the doctor says the surgery is low risk and it will help him, why not? I know you asked would he not like dealing with the extra earpiece, but, could he choose not to use the second ear in the future if he wanted? He could simply use 1 ear at a time if he wanted? I may not understand how all that works though. I guess my thoughts are that if it can help him socially and in sports and the risk is low then it seems like a good decision. Please know that I respect the decisions you and Stephanie make and know that you will do what is best. You are the parents after all and you know best what Max needs. I just wanted to put my thoughts "from the outside" here for you. Love you guys!