First Sounds

I just wanted to write a quick something to acknowledge a blog I've been reading recently, and I would like to direct your attention to it. You probably didn't notice that I added a link to my Links of Interest on the right. The link is to a blog called First Sounds and it's a blog written by Derry from Kitchener, Ontario.

What makes his blog special?

Well, in the beginning, Derry started the blog at the behest of fellow members of the SimHL website. A site of which I'm a member. You see Derry used to be a Deaf Mute. I say "used to" because now thanks to the miracles of modern medicine, he is able to hear sound for the first time in his life. When I heard about this amazing story, I was fascinated. I inundated him with questions like, "What did you think of music when you first heard it?" or "Do you get overwhelmed with all the noise?". I really felt sorry for him because I was constantly quizzing him on how he felt, or what music he enjoyed listening to for the first time, etc... I kept telling him to keep a journal of his experiences because I thought it would make for some fascinating reading.

Finally Derry gave in and started his blog First Sounds. His first few entries were very interesting, but then something tragic happened that change the focus of his life and in turn, his blog. Derry was diagnosed with Hodgkins disease.

It was a bit of a shock to us all as we read about his experience hearing the words "you have cancer" for the first time. The good news was that the disease was highly curable and the few readers of his blog all chimed in with words of encouragement. Derry went back to describing his experiences with his new-found hearing.

Then, the unthinkable happened...

Recently Derry posted news that during a routine scan, doctors found a mass on the base of his neck on his spinal cord believed to be cancerous. You can imagine that after reading along with this guy's life story, getting this kind of news was like a kick in the teeth.

This time the news comes with a more dire prognosis. His chances of a full recovery aren't good, but his outlook on life has not wained and this is the reason I think everyone should read his story. This guy is young, he is looking at death as a very real possibility, yet he still writes entries like this and this.

In my opinion, this is THE most important blog anyone could read. He only started in October and he hasn't written too many entries yet, so I suggest you start from the first post and work your way to the present. It's not always the easiest stuff to read, but I think you'll find most of it surprisingly uplifting. This kid has some real courage. I recommend you give it a go.

Comments

[Derry]

Hey Al

Thanks for the props. I really appreciate all the feedback I am getting. Truth be told folks, had Al here not kept pushing me to write this never would have come to life.

You have an awesome blog here and I am enjoying it immensely. Keep up your own awesome writing dude!

LiveSTRONG!

[Al]

You're welcome and thank you. I'm glad you're getting a few more readers.