Listening to the Quiet

Jacki's mother has a rare condition and is slowly losing her hearing, so they are learning Sign Language to communicate. Jacki is full of sound, especially on Music Appreciation Fridays, and finds new ways to enjoy listening to music with her mama.

Format: Hardback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 07 September 2023
Publisher: Lantana Publishing

Jacki's mother has a rare condition that is slowly robbing her of her hearing. Determined to stay connected, they embark on a journey of learning Sign Language to ensure that they can always communicate with each other. As Mama's world grows quieter, Jacki's love for music only grows stronger, especially on Music Appreciation Fridays. However, the question remains: How can Jacki continue to enjoy listening to music when her mother cannot hear it?

This heartfelt story, inspired by the author's childhood experiences, explores the profound connection between a mother and daughter and the resilience of the human spirit. It depicts Jacki's journey of acceptance and adaptation as she grapples with the reality of her mother's hearing loss. Through their shared love of music, Jacki and Mama find unique ways to embrace and celebrate the beauty of sound, even in the face of adversity.

In the beginning, Jacki's mother's hearing loss feels like a sudden and devastating loss. She struggles to hear the familiar sounds of their daily lives, and Jacki feels helpless and frustrated. But as they begin to learn Sign Language, Jacki realizes that there are still ways to communicate and share experiences. They create a world of gestures and expressions that allow them to understand each other's thoughts and emotions without words.

On Music Appreciation Fridays, Jacki's love for music becomes even more profound. She listens closely to the lyrics, feeling the vibrations of the music in her chest. She imagines that Mama is feeling the music with her, sharing in the joy and sadness of the songs. Jacki also takes the time to introduce Mama to new genres and artists, sharing her passion for music with her mother in a way that she can still appreciate.

As time goes on, Jacki's mother's hearing loss becomes more severe. She can no longer hear the music that once filled their home with joy and harmony. Jacki, however, remains steadfast in her support of her mother. She continues to listen to music with her, using Sign Language to communicate the emotions and feelings that the music evokes. She also takes Mama to concerts and music festivals, where they can experience the beauty of live music together.

Through their journey, Jacki and Mama learn that love and connection can transcend the limitations of physicality. They discover that music is not just about hearing, but about feeling and expressing emotions. They also learn that resilience and adaptation are key in navigating the challenges that life throws our way.

In the end, Jacki's mother's hearing loss may have robbed her of some of the joys of life, but it has also deepened their bond and taught them both valuable lessons about love, communication, and resilience. Jacki emerges from this story as a strong and compassionate young woman, ready to face any challenges that come her way with the same determination and spirit that her mother has instilled in her.

This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, connection, and the power of music to heal and inspire. It encourages us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to find new ways to communicate and share experiences, even in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 265 x 267 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915244482