Just Deaf

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

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

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

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

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

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

"What can I do now?"

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

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

"Sometimes I feel belittled as a deaf person."

"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."

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

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

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