Since her daughter’s infancy, Freita Strickland recognized there was a problem with Chelsea’s hearing, lacking all response to sound. Though Chelsea’s doctor said she was fine at her 1-year appointment, Freita went home and performed her own test, banging a spoon and pot. When she was again met with no response, Freita took things into her own hands and took Chelsea to the hospital for testing. Learing her child was profoundly deaf, Freita began researching ways she could help her child and remained home with Chelsea for the next two years. Freita introduced Chelsea to sign language. When researching cochlear implants, Freita learned they do not use them unless the child is "stone deaf". However, Freita was persistent. She saw specialists and pursued treatment until Chelsea finally got a cochlear implant at the age of 5. She then had to go through "auditory training" and focus on "listening". Their use of sign language was a "bridge" to reading and saying the words correctly. Initially, Freita struggled with what Chelsea’s future would look like, but Freita put the Lord first and prayed for strength. Freita attended a Baptist church as a child, and renewed her faith before Chelsea was born. She is a "believing believer”, and recognized the joy of the Lord is her strength. **Stay connected:** - Website: www.lovehimlovethem.org - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/lhlt - Facebook: /lovehimlovethem For inquiries, reach out at linda@lovehimlovethem.org. #StrugglingWithHerDeafChild #DeafChild #ParentingChallenges #StayingStrong #FaithInAdversity #FreitaStrickland #StrengthInFaith #MotherhoodJourney #OvercomingObstacles #InspirationalMoments #SupportForParents #HopeAndCourage #ResilienceInParenting #Faithjourney #EncouragementForMoms #SpecialNeedsParenting #CommunitySupport #TrustInGod #StrengthThroughFaith #LHLT #LoveHimLoveThem