One of the first times I realized the significant value of my existence to my patients was when a mom asked if I had a boyfriend or husband. When I said yes and shared a bit about him, her eyes welled up with emotion. Startled, I asked if she was okay. She took a moment to wipe her eyes, nodded, and said, “This means my son will be able to have a girlfriend and find love someday.” My heart broke. This mother had created stories in her mind that no one would want to be with her son because he struggled with hearing. She feared he wouldn't be loved or have someone to love and create a family with. In that moment, I felt that my living, learning, and thriving with hearing loss had given her hope for her son's future. I thought, "He's always been perfect." Her son, a quiet but confident teenager, looked a bit embarrassed. With a half smile, he placed his hand on his mom's knee and said, "She worries too much!" I've said it before and I'll say it a million times: "Parents, I believe it...