Nov 16, 2019
Dr. Thomas Caulfield kept a secret journal for two decades which documented the legendary journey of his deaf son, Christopher, and his family's valiant attempts at helping Christopher be the best he could be.
That secret journal was kept to present to his son as a gift when he was older. Dr. Caulfield never imagined that this journal would someday help others learn from their experiences and help face their challenges.
As you listen to this interview realize that this is not an ordinary story of the struggles parents face when faced with devastating news about their child. This family and specifically their son Christopher is changing the world for people who are deaf. Amazing story
Ephphatha is
the legendary journey of Dr. Thomas Caulfield's Deaf son,
Christopher.
When they learned their son had so little residual hearing - the ability to sense
any sound—that even the best hearing aids in the world would have been ineffectual
for him, Dr. Caulfield and his wife were devastated. They began to lose all hope for
Christopher to learn to speak or hear even just a little. The school medical personnel,
however, proposed a solution.
“Are you familiar with cochlear implants?” they asked. They then explained all about
this revolutionary device that had helped hundreds of Deaf people to hear for the first
time.
Ephphatha is a powerful word meaning "to be opened." Although some people were
less than helpful with Christopher's progress, the real heroes came into his life via
family, medicine, and education. With those special people helping him, his path
could 'be opened.'
As you read Ephphatha you might find yourself laughing and crying at the same time.
Sharing extremely intense emotions, this is a heartwarming chronicle of overcoming
obstacles, making sacrifices and keeping the faith that this was the path they were
meant to take.
"So as you read, please remember that for all this to have happened it required people, including me, to “be opened.” I might not have set any records being invited to birthday parties when I was growing up. And, yes, both kids and adults were unkind to me. However, my support came from those who did open up. In them, I learned an incredible life lesson. And that is, everyone has the right to be understood. I will remember that forever!" Christopher Caulfield
New York City Big Book Award® announces the
2019 Winners & Distinguished Favorites!
EPHPHATHA: Growing Up Profoundly Deaf and Not Dumb in the Hearing World: A Basketball Player’s Transformational Journey to the Ivy League by
Dr. Thomas M. Caulfield