William Sivertsen - 5 Years Later
It has now been five and a half years since William was born, and boy has time flown! He is now in Kindergarten and he is doing extremely well. He has developed many friendships in and out of school, and he has completed his speech therapy and surgeries for now.
When I did his story a few years ago he had just gotten over his revision and tubes in his ears. It was a tough couple of years with the knowledge that he had the surgeries, possible hearing loss due to the infections, and speech problems. William’s speech is now age-appropriate and other then a few problems with his articulation he is doing well. I think sometimes too well, because his problem now is he doesn’t know when to stop talking. His hearing is back to normal, thanks to the wonderful care that he has received and a second tube in his left ear. However, I think sometimes he pretends not to hear!
I want every parent to know that the first year even into the second year wasn’t easy. It was heartbreaking at times and I look back now and I can hardly remember the good times. I had to go back to a video last week to remind me of his first few months, but we made it through and now. Our greatest fear at this time is the next round of surgeries. He is so bright and so smart. William made a comment to me the other day that he liked his cleft. He doesn’t want anyone to take it away. I know that is fear talking but also self-confidence. He is not afraid to smile, to befriend people, or to share. We have raised a great little boy and I owe it to my friends, the teachers from his preschools, and our families.
I know our journey through more follow-up procedures as a result of the cleft are not over, but I know we will be just fine. William is a special little boy and I thank God everyday that I have him no matter what trials and tribulations come our way. He had a slow start in life but he has made up for it ten times over. I know that because of him and his joy for life he has helped other families understand that although he was born with a cleft lip it has never stopped him. People know when they see him or meet him for the first time that anything is possible.