Chance's "wow" factor

Seeing as how we live with Chance each and every day, we get used to him reading out loud, asking us questions any kid would ask, and expressing his needs and desires. But every once in a while, we get the "wow!" factor that Chance generates from people who have not seen him for a while.

This weekend, Chance has caused many people to exclaim, "Wow!"
First there were the family members that flew in from out of state. They have not seen Chance for several months. Over dinner, Chance walked up and told me something and then walked off.
"He sounds so good! It is just amazing!" Chance's uncle exclaimed.

Then there was the babysitter. We used a babysitter that we have never used before and when I drove her home, I told her that it was nice to have another babysitter in our arsenal. She asked how long we have lived in the neighborhood, and that began a discussion of how, although we have lived here for a while, we have not used babysitters that often. I mentioned that between us not knowing any of the babysitters in the neighborhood well, and being nervous to leave Chance with someone who Chance may not feel comfortable with, and who may not feel comfortable with Chance, we had not used that many sitters even though we have been here a while.
"He is doing so good though! You can hardly tell he's deaf!" She exclaimed.
"Yes, he is doing really well now. That was more during the first while after we found out he was deaf. Now, we don't have those same worries." I explained.

Then during the Easter program at church, I asked for volunteers to come up and read from the scriptures. Chance came up to the microphone, and read 2 verses cold from the scriptures. Scripture wording is not always in language that you read or hear everyday, but Chance did just beautifully, only needing help on words that any 7 year old would need help on.
After church was over, a woman in our congregation approached me and said, " I was really impressed by Chance's reading! He did so well. Good for him!"

I echo the "wow" factor that Chance elicits from people. It is fun to see the reaction of people who don't know him as well, or have not seen him for a while. They are not obligated to say anything. But Chance's progress and ability to speak and hear, is truly an amazing thing to behold.