A Tale of Two Sisters

By Eileen K.

As I think about the past two years and the adoption of my daughters, Sheena and Angel (Angelica), I believe it was divine intervention that brought us together. As a 40+ year old, single woman with a busy career as an obstetrician/gynecologist, I have delivered over 1,000 babies. However, I knew I always wanted to adopt. It's not often clear what makes one act on a decision. For me, it was reflection on my life's accomplishments; being a parent was important to me.

It began when I attended a session entitled "The Children Who Wait" where I saw a picture of Sheena (now my oldest daughter). I told the course leader, Mary Lou Eshelman, a WHFC Program Coordinator for the Philippines, that I wanted to adopt this child. Mary Lou informed me that Sheena was deaf. I knew nothing about being deaf, however, for the next two weeks I spoke with doctors, parents and deaf educators. I called Mary Lou and told her I still wished to proceed with the adoption.

Next, I quickly completed the paperwork, because I learned that the sooner I brought Sheena home, the more likely she would qualify for a cochlear implant, a device that would allow her to hear and potentially speak. Although some parents prefer their deaf children use sign language, I knew I wanted mine to hear and appreciate music and to be verbally communicative.

I brought Sheena home six months later. Sheena, who is bilaterally profoundly deaf, received her implant six weeks after arrival. Her sister Angel, who arrived a year later, was also born deaf. She had surgery and now has normal hearing in one ear. Angel does have severe loss in the other ear, but one can do well with hearing in one ear.

The hardest part has been getting the proper schooling. My daughters now attend HEAR in New Hampshire. Sheena, who could not hear or speak initially, now responds to verbal communication and has a 50-100 word vocabulary. Angel has only been home three months, but she has surpassed expectations with 2-3 new word phrases daily. The plan is that both will be mainstreamed by kindergarten.

When I realize this accomplishment, I equate it with a miracle and divine intervention. I hope readers will recognize the medical advancements now available to the deaf community. Also, there is a wonderful parent network that helped me. I am fortunate to have two beautiful, vivacious daughters who are active in everything from skiing and dance to watching Cinderella videos. Deafness may be a handicap, but one that can be dealt with.

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