HollyAlonzo – Never Giving Up Hope

Will this roller coaster ever end? I’ve been on it long enough.

This is what my hearing feels like. Some days are good, and some days are bad. It gets better for a while, and I am thankful, and then a few days later I can’t understand anyone it seems.
I find myself living more the DB way (Deaf-Blind). I don’t know all tips for DB, but I’m having to figure them out without a choice. I don’t even realise I’m adapting somethingk until someone asks me how I do something. I don’t know any special way to do things, I just do what what works for me.
I have one major issue right now. Asheville, I like it here. I like the people, and the weather, and that things are available, but I hate the mountains. They are so hard for my balance. Just a slight slope or hill can throw me off tramendously. Also, there is no support forthe Deaf-Blind.

Usually when a DB goes out, he/she takes a SSP with them. This person isn’t an interpretor, but acts as a DB’s eyes and ears. They will tell you what is going on aroundyou. It might not seem important to most people when they let you know that someone beside you is laughing, but hearing sighted people get to be aware of this, so the DB has the right to be aware of it as well. Also this person will bridge the communication for you. Like when I go to the doctor, or basically anywhere, I know what I want to say, but I can’t hear the receptionist, person behind the counter, etc. So it’s very difficult for me here in Asheville. I need to go somewhere with good support for the Deaf-Blind. Because like it or not, I have to live that way now.

I know that things are going to get better for me, but it’s hard to believe this whenever I see things getting worse. The only thing I can figure out is things are going to get worse before they get better. I just have to hold on on this roller coaster and not fall off.