Thursday, August 28, 2008

Elle's Ears = Happy Tear-fest!

First and foremost, thank you Elizabeth and Rachel. Thank you does not even cover it. I received my Elle's Ears book today. We ordered it hoping that Brianna could share it with her new classmates next week when school starts.
I opened it right up and Brianna sat on my lap. She read the first few pages out loud to me, then I took over. I did fine up until the activation page. I rush of tears came over me. I have never cried so hard reading a children's book. "Where the Red Fern Grows" did not have this much of an emotional impact on me! Brianna looked up at me when she heard my voice crack and let me know that Elle's mommy and daddy cried, but I don't have to! How sweet is that. So, I took that moment to calm down and we finished the book. She took it into her room and read it a few times. After she went to bed, I read it again. Flood gates open! I called Brianna's dad (he is out of town on business again) and read it to him. He cried. He made me stop reading after the activation part so that he could compose himself to hear the rest. We both cried through the end. I am so thankful that you both cared so much to write this book and make it available to us. It was really just perfect. If anyone has the opportunity to purchase it, I would recommend it. It is the first children's CI book that I have read, and it was perfect.
Brianna is going to make a collage of pictures to show the class, and her teacher will read the book to her class. I really think that Elle's Ears will show the class that Brianna is special, but also that she is just like them, just with a cool set of pink "ears"! I just had to express my gratitude for this book, and for all of you sharing your experiences with us. It is so great to feel like we are not alone. There are a lot of people going through what we are going through, and sometimes it is just what you need to hear. You are not alone, and you made the right choice.

Thank you!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Aaaaw! Thank you for writing a beautiful blog post about our book! I can't wait to hear what the class has to say about the book!

Laurie said...

This sounds like a wonderful book! I'll have to get one to read to my grandson when he is a little older. And get a few extra copies for my doctors' and audiologists' office!

I have a children's book that makes me cry. . . "I'll Love You Forever". . .

Thank you for sharing! I'm glad Brianna is doing so well with her pink ears!

elizabeth said...

You just made my day a million times better... and now YOUR writing has made ME cry!

Please let Brianna know that I am so proud of her and all that she has accomplished. She's had so many changes in her little life, but she's made it through them all with grace that most adults couldn't muster.

Let us know what the class thinks about Ellie! Good luck!

Bill and Shelly said...

Can you tell me how to get the book? It sounds wonderful!!
Glad to hear everything is going so well for your beautiful daughter.

elizabeth said...

"Ellie's Ears" (and the second book from EaR Books, "Happy Birthday to My Ears") is available for purchase online at: http://stores.lulu.com.

The author and illustrator, Elizabeth Boschini (that's me!) and Rachel Chaikof, also have a blog: www.cochlearimplantonline.com.

Also, be sure to check out Deaf Village (www.deafvillage.com) where you can read Cochlear Implant Online, Brianna's Journey, and lots of other great deaf-related blogs!

Thank you for your support. Together, we can change deaf children's lives, one page at a time!

Happy Hearing!