I remembered the school’s Easter Hat Parade. The excited children had murmured, giggled and chatted yet there was one who was alone in the crowd.

I’d caught his eyes as he read my lips, “I love you.”

The beauty of his smile could melt hearts yet his world had been without sound since birth. He’d never heard my voice, music or the laughter of friends.

The doctor brought my attention back to now, “Ready?”

She adjusted some settings and then nodded to me.

“David?”

He dropped the toy in his hands and turned. His smile was magnificent.

Haltingly,  “Mumma, poppa?”

Schools and students have permission to use this graphic for non-commercial, educational purposes.