A situation I have to deal with everyday is that I’m deaf and have a cochlear implant. It’s a digital ear that helps me hear and do all the regular stuff any other kid would do.  I go to a school with other kids in my neighborhood, belong to a Boy Scout Troop, play games on Wii with my friends and my Dad, ride my mountain bike, go fishing, see movies, and be able to hear my friends and play together.

My friends are great and we have tons of fun running around together playing and hanging out. I have the most fun when my friends drop by to say hello or come over for dinner or sleepover parties. It’s fun to stay up late and play video games and watch movies.

Life can be a bit hard when you have a cochlear implant, it’s not uncommon to get bullied, and sometimes people make fun of you because you are different. It’s important to have good friends who stick up for you. My Dad says it’s important to know that everyone is different in some way and sometimes the differences are more obvious than others, but we are all loved equally by God. I’m lucky to have good friends and know that I’m a good friend in return. Knowing our strengths and gifts is important to knowing our self worth. I would not trade my gifts of creativity, fun, friendship, and curiosity with anyone else. I like being me.