Losing faith in humanity…one person at a time

I have lived this way half my life. With a deaf ear (the bum ear, I call it) and a funny smile (from the facial paralysis.) Long story short. When I was 21yrs old, I was kidnapped at gunpoint from my apartment by 3 strangers. Raped and beaten, I suffered other indignities before I was shot in the head at point blank range, then unceremoniously dumped in an abandoned strip mine, and left for dead.

Fast forward. I turned 42 last month. It is bedtime for my two young sons. My 5 year old climbs up onto my bed for a story and our nightly hugs and kisses. Every night I “plant” kisses and wishes on each boy. In turn they do the same for me. This is a sweet and special moment in our day. My blonde boy looks me over, then plants kisses on all of his ritual spots- cheeks, eyes, chin, lips; saving one kiss for the very last. He always asks “Which ear is the hurt ear mommy?” so he doesn’t mix it up and waste his most special kiss. He gives my right ear a calm steady smack and mushes my face just so between his hands.

My heart stills every time my son remembers to do this for me. I have been OK for a very long time, my life has been been blessed; it continues to be. And every time I get a kiss on that ‘bum’ ear, I swear I think I can hear… just the tiniest bit.

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