In this age of information when knowledge abounds, many "Truths" remain hidden. As Internetters, ours is the opportunity to affect this.

If they only realized it, everyone knows something that can have a positive impact on others. A case in point, I received the following e-mail on New Years Eve.

"Hello, I ran across your "pushy mom" story while surfing the net for a hearing aid to replace the one that just died on me after 10 years of semi-faithful service. This story really hit me, like I had no idea anyone else on the planet ever goes through this. I guess it just never occurred to me.

My story is a little different in that my parents did not realize the impact a 62db average hearing loss in my right ear, and a 78db average loss in my left ear, could have on childhood development. Nor were my teachers informed. As a result, the first 31 years of my life were a complete train-wreck. I haven't got over it, and I say this lightly, I want it back!

I was unaware myself of the scope of my hearing loss until I was 26 years old. I was being tested for a job I had at the time. There I was, sitting in the soundproof booth waiting to push the button, for what seemed like 20 minutes. I remember because I had to piss really badly. Finally, the gal doing the testing opens up the booth and asked for the headset. She puts the earphones on her head, walks over to her gear, plugs the jacks in, and tests her machine. She comes back and informs me that I read lips pretty well. I really had no idea my hearing was that bad!

My hearing went unaided until I was 31 years old when I quit using IV drugs. Yes, I was a hardcore junkie! I have been in and out of jail since I was 13. I have been arrested 12 times that I remember. I turned this around when a judge told me he was going to adopt my children out and that I would never see them again.

My life, up to that point, made no sense at all, I had spent my childhood thinking I was a lazy retard because that's what I was told. I was in retard classes. I had never had a grade above an F. I dropped out of school in 9th grade.

When I received my first hearing aid they wanted me to try it out and show me how to put it in. I refused; due to being late for a meeting. When I got outside waiting for the bus I put it in. This moment will always be more pronounced in my mind than 9/11. I turned up the volume and my whole life changed forever. I was in shock! Complete overload! I never knew the sound of a cigarette being lit, or the pack being crumpled and tossed into a can. I never knew cars sounded different on sandy pavement than on wet pavement. I had never heard birds in nature, only on a cranked up TV. I sat down and wept. I missed the bus.

Over the years, I've started to sort it all out, the scolding for not listening, the long hours of speech therapy and the teasing from other kids for spelling Banana with a "P". I just sounded it out. I still run across words I learned wrong. I really cannot find words to describe how painful or disoriented my childhood was.

I'm 41 years old; I will have my 10th birthday on January second. My name is Jamal and I am a recovered drug addict. I am also perhaps the greatest solo bassist that ever lived. My music colleagues are calling my music the work of a genius. I am a product of a gross misunderstanding and my music tells that story.

If you have any old BTE lying around I would be willing to barter for them or pay what I could. I can do computer work or labor around your house if you don't live to far away. I live in Portland OR. It would be interesting to sit and talk with you on several points. I don't know if you would be able to hear my music, but if you can, some can be heard at this site. www.myspace.com/jamalbass. I will have to check into your book in return."

"Peace "Jamal"

Well, I did happen to have a couple of old BTE's (Behind The Ear) hearing aids. On New Years Day Jamal, and his partner Marilyn, came over the Columbia River to visit me in Vancouver, WA.

Not only did Jamal get his hearing aids, in return, I received a totally new computer system. WOW! Not only that, I will never have to spend another penny on computer anything. Jamal and his partner are so happy. Perhaps, my New Year's new friend, Jamal, will post a comment when he reads this article.