Fred

This post is going to be dedicated to my father in law.  But before I get to that, I want to answer Melissa's question about water (yes, I am listening :).  So the implant consists of two devices.  One device is literally implanted inside my head.  It can not work without the external device on.  The external device is called the processor.  The processor attaches to my head through a magnet.  So I have to be cautious about the water when I am wearing the processor.  I don't wear the processor in the shower.  I put it on after I get ready for the day.  After it's on, it can handle being rained on or splashed on and it won't cause any issues.  Water does not affect the internal piece at all.  Does that answer?

So.  About Fred.  He's Evan's Dad.  And apparently he's hillarious.  I assume that because he's always saying things and people laugh (well, there may just be more eye rolling than laughter).  But I haven't actually known if he really is funny or not because in the 7 years I've been married to his son, I have hardly heard his actual voice.  I see his mouth open, I know something is coming out of it but I usually just stare at him and try to make out what it is he is saying.  I miss all the little things he says under his breath when we are playing Rummy.  I told Evan that I would truly know if the implant was successful if I could hear his dad (or his brothers, they pretty much have the quietest voices on the planet).  Last time the inlaws were down, in April, I was a little disappointed I couldn't hear Fred very well still.

But guess what!  Fred and Wanda (my mother-in-law who has always had the patience of a saint and has always accomodated me in every way) are here for the weekend.  And for the first time in seven years, I actually understood Fred.  Seriously!  Every time he opens his mouth and I hear him, I immediately say "I just heard you!!"  I am sure he'll be sick of it by the end of the weekend but I think another miracle has occurred.  He has a voice, a real one!!  I can hear him now!  I even heard him mutter under his breath when I kicked his trash in Rummy!!  (Just had to put that in Fred :)  I even heard him whisper!

And yes, he is funny.  But what's even funnier than what he says is how he reacts when others think he's funny.  He LOVES it!

Here's Fred and Wanda with Joshua.

I love my CI!  My quality of life has improved in a thousand ways.

One more thing.  Another miracle is that I am starting to do well on the phone.  Not directly.  But through the neckloop.  I haven't used internet captioning for a couple of weeks now.  Whoo HOOOOOOO!