Bette:  Yea I guess I hadnt really paid it much attention, but Jordan mostly points and grunts and strings his words together.

Dr. Cole:  From his test and the fact that his twins is more advanced.  Bette, Tina at this point I am more inclined to believe that he has a loss of hearing. 

Now before you allow that to soak in.  Listen to me.  They are babies born every day that are deaf.  Parents have no way of knowing this until they begin to talk.  Regardless this isnt your fault.  Had this happened 10 years ago, he would have possibly remained deaf, but there is so much technology out there now. 

Bette:  I dont care about the cost.  I want my son to be able to hear.  What ever it takes Dr. Cole.  Find me the best doctor in this field. 

Dr. Cole:  I will Bette, you know that, but you also have to keep in mind that this is not just one easy fix.  It could take time, surgeries or it may not work at all.  You both need to be looking into other avenues.

Tina:  Like what Dr. Cole?

Dr. Cole:  Jordan is 16 months old, so these hearing aids will need to be updated as he grows.  Make sure his hearing aids are strong enough. You may have to get new hearing aids as her hearing loss changes also.  Also well, Sign Language.    There are classes for parents and their babies now that have hearing loss.

Bette:  Sign Language, hearing aids?!!  My son will not be needing them!!!!

Tina:  Bette!  Our son.  And this is something you need to listen to.  I understand that you are very upset about this, but do not take it out on Dr. Cole.  Its not her fault.  Its no ones fault, Bette.  It just happened.  We have to remain calm and listen to all avenues that are there for us and Jordan. 

Bette:  I’m sorry, T.  It just breaks my heart that something might be wrong with our little boy. 

Tina:  I am too, baby.  Now Dr. Cole.  You were saying something about sign language?

Dr. Cole:  Right.  There is a class called, “Baby Sign Language”, Classes are based on American Sign Language vocabulary and adapted by little hands.  Our goal is to improve communication between parents and their young children, while enhancing language skills and motivating speech development.  Older children benefit from learning a new language, one which aids in their ability to creatively express themselves.  I’m sure you should be able to look it up on the internet. 

Tina:  Thank you Dr. Cole.  We really do appreciate your help and seeing us on such short notice.

Bette:  Yes, thank you Dr. Cole.  I’m sorry I jumped on you.  Its just so much to take in right now.  Jordan is our special Lil’ Angel that surprised us all.  We werent expecting him and he was one of Gods little secrets.  Our little miracle.  We lost our first son and well, not that I dont love Amy Jo with all my heart.  Its just Lil’ Jordan is a bit special to me. 

Dr. Cole:  Bette, Tina I completely understand the shock and your pain.  If it turns out that Jordan will need help, it is best to look into the sign language.  This type for babies was created to help build a stronger communication bond between parent and baby through the use of sign language and music. The classes are open to children who are hearing, hard-of-hearing, and deaf.  It can provide special support to families such as yours.  As Jordan learns to communicate through sign language with you, you will learn how to communicate back in the only way he knows how to understand.    Having Amy Jo learn at the same time will allow her to communicate with her brother as they grow older. 

Bette and Tina drove home with a lot of answers, but that didnt make Bette feel any better.  As soon as things settled down with the twins and Tina, Bette jumped online to look everything up. 

I cannot believe this.  No matter how hard I try to give my family some sense of normalcy, something always goes wrong.  I know I shouldnt feel this way.  Jordan was a miracle.  I know we were blessed, but I just wanted him healthy and normal.  Bette said as she held her face in her hands and cried.