Jimbolions

First, because I haven't had the time to post, things have backed up. To make amends, I posted two more pictures of my grandson at my home page (I know you all love babies!).

Rather than try and catch up all in one post, I'm going to post some separate entries. We'll start with Lincoln Day...

I attended a Lincoln Day dinner back on February 5.  I was excited to attend because Tom Ridge was speaking, and I hoped to meet him. Many folks don't know that Ridge, the former head of Homeland Security and once the Governor of Pennsylvania, was born hearing impaired and wears hearing aides.

I did, in fact, get to meet Mr. Ridge. Generally, when I meed politicians, they are quick with a handshake and quicker to say adios and on to the next photo op.

But when he learned that I had a CI, he talked at length with me. He was warm and expressed genuine interest in what I had to say. When I told him I planned to do whatever I could to raise awareness about this incredible technology, he urged me on.

It was afterwards, when I was home, that the full impact of the evening sunk in.  Less than a year earlier that conversation wouldn't have taken place. Just last winter I was seriously considering resigning as a Republican committee person in my district. Why? It was simply getting too difficult to function and I felt I was no longer effective.

This changed with my CI. I feel confident again, and effective. I feel I can make a difference. This is just another one of the many positive "intangibles" that I didn't remotely consider when I decided to get a CI. I just wanted to hear my wife. I wanted to stand at the deli line with confidence, waiting to hear my number called. Maybe be able to listen to some music. But gabbing with Tom Ridge? It never crossed my mind.

Nor did the joy of hearing a baby coo. Or finding myself absorbed in my pastor's sermons.

We do live in an age of wonder and miracles, don't we?

--Jimbo