"Ear of a Child and Ear of an Adult"

The smaller ear being the child,
the bigger ear being the adult.


I feel sorry for any CODA (Children of Deaf Adults)
including my child. She is only six years old and already
has a big responsibility to help. Most of the time it
is not intentional. She is AWARE that I am deaf so she
feels obligated to help.

Hannah answers the phone most of the time, not because
I ask her to but because she runs to the phone hoping
it is Daddy calling or one of our family members or friends.
Sometimes I am not aware she is on the phone! Hannah
occasionally deals with hang ups or people asking for me
or Daddy. She has to explain I am deaf and that she
can write down the number so I can call back on the relay.

I try to tell her that I am okay but she can't help but
inform me of noises such as the baby crying or if the
doorbell is ringing. Even at times when her little brother
is out of bed and playing in his room when he's supposed
to be taking a nap! This has turned her in somewhat of a
tattletale, but I understand her mindset and try to teach
her the difference between "informing and tattling."

At the store, sometimes Hannah has to translate for me and
tell people what I am saying. I don't ask her to do it
for me, other people do! They ask, "What is your Mother
saying?".

The list goes on...

I see her eyes attentive to my every need. I
find that amazing.

Hannah is also the oldest, so she also helps with the
younger children. Some days I wouldn't know what to
do without her! I find her a very responsible person
for her age.

I worry in my heart that she is not getting enough of
a childhood and that the world weighs heavy on her
shoulders. I keep praying that she is happy.

*tech notes* This photo was taken just like this. No
manipulation in PS except for some sharpening
and adjusting hue/saturation.