Ephphatha: Growing up profoundly deaf and not dumb in the hearing world: a basketball player’s transformational journey to the ivy league

by Thomas M. Caulfield

THE TRUE STORY OF A TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEY

For two decades a father kept a secret journal documenting the life of his only son, Christopher, who was born profoundly Deaf. He had a simple dream of someday presenting that journal to Christopher as a special gift from father to son. But as each new challenge was surmounted, it became clear Christopher Caulfield’s story had to be shared.

Ephphatha, which means “to be opened,” follows Christopher’s transformational journey through the unimaginable obstacles he faced during his young life. Whose right is it to choose the intervention strategies that will help you be your best? How do you keep going when adults and children can be so unkind? Can you make yourself understood when no one around you has experienced what you are facing?

Christopher’s support came from those in his life who did open up. His chances for success on and off the basketball court also hinged on hard work, faith, and his own undeniable inner fortitude to never give up.

By the time he was nine years old he had already completed 1,500 hours of speech therapy. That same dedication led him to be a Division I college basketball recruit before he reached high school. He may not have set any records being invited to birthday parties growing up, but with Ephphatha, you’ll be rooting for Christopher all the way to the Ivy League!

Genres: Nonfiction

117 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2019

About the author

Born inf Oak Park, Illinois, Thomas Caulfield learned the importance of earning a degree from his parents, who were raised during the Depression and had no financial ability to enter college. His first job in higher education began in 1980. In the decade following, he earned four college degrees. Throughout his career, he has also presented and published at national and state levels. The true story of Ephphatha is a compilation of personal journal entries Dr. Caulfield painstakingly wrote over a twenty-year period. It documents the legendary journey of his Deaf son, Christopher, and his family’s valiant attempts at helping Christopher be the best he could be.

Reviews

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Caulfield brings so much emotion, attention, depth, inspiration, and knowledge when he talks about his families journey. Being parents, in general, can be one of the hardest jobs you'll ever have. Being a parent with a child with special needs, amps that up in most cases. I have such deep respect for the Caulfield family and how they learned to live with so much.

Christopher Caulfield's life as talked about through the journals his father kept, through the young man himself and his history is astounding, to say the least. From a very early diagnosis, the chips were stacked against Christopher. Because his parents and sister were so dedicated to finding a way for him to live a "normal" life and have the communication skills as his peers, he was able to knock down some of those chips. He had surgery early on that added a special implant for him to be able to have some sense of hearing although extremely limited. This young man took his dedication and strength from his family and pushed hard through years of intensive speech therapy to not only learn how to speak but be able to communicate with those around him. His love of sports developed early on. Despite the reservations as to the complexity of his abilities, he was determined. As his family was with him every step of the way he goes on to use his learned skills to excel and bust through the stereotypes.

With the help of his supporters, he went on to accomplish so many wonderful things. School, excel in basketball and soccer and reach so many others. Even though the difficulties they had to deal with when it came to a certain basketball coach, they didn't let it deter them. Instead, they pushed through. Later on, Mr. Caulfield would step into the role of teacher for more than just his son. The whole family is in an inspiration showing that when life throws something at you, you can overcome it.

My heart is so full of love! It's an amazing memoir showcasing the incredible tenacity, strength, bravery, ability, love, and support that it takes to raise a family when the odds are against you. A truly beautiful story!

[Andrea Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway and would like to thank both Goodreads and Dr. Caulfield for the opportunity to read this wonderful book!

My favorite Aunt grew up, along with her two siblings, hearing with deaf parents. As an adult, she got a job as an interpreter in a school district where a child who was deaf (but not dumb) had planned to go to school. She accompanied him on his bus, through his school day and then back home on the bus signing for him so he could be successful in his education. She never discussed her job as a rule, but I always had questions of what it was like for both her student and her, trying to navigate through the educational system...what challenges he faced, etc. So when I read the description of this book, I was immediately interested in reading it.

I am very happy to have read this book as it has provided me with a better understanding of some of the needs of people who are deaf and/or hearing impaired. It also gave me a better understanding of what it takes to become a successful player in basketball.

I highly recommend this book and wish the Caulfield family all the best.

[Hao Dinh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring story of how a deaf kid and his family overcomed so many obstacles to have, not just a normal life, but a spectacular one that touched many lives.

One thing I would say Christopher, the star character, is very fortunate to be born into a highly educated parents. The parents initiated the kickstart, committed to Christopher's early learning, and were constantly searching for resources to enrich and expand his horizons. And with this help, the young Christopher thrived.

So this isn't just a story about Christopher the deaf kid. It is also about how amazing his parents are.

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I connected with Dr. Caulfield's story about his son from the very first page because we went through some of the same fears, obstacles, uncertainties with our son--it is sometimes rocky--and oftentimes terrifying--ground, with any young child (and I can only imagine how that compounds with a child with a disability). I appreciate the conversational tone in his writing: it is informative and frank without being self-deprecating or demeaning.

Great way of displaying others' differences and what our response should be (and should not be). I pray that we (as a family, as a community, as a nation, etc.) can be more open and accepting of people who are different than us.

You are your child's greatest advocate. Keep striving for what's best for him/her! And keep persevering, Christopher--I look forward to more amazing things from you!

Also, thank you for a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I appreciate the opportunity to read of Christopher's journey.

[Cookie Gambucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Improbable; the impossible has happened (Vin Scully)

Christophers story reveals to us the lifetime battles of a severely handicapped person. Through perseverance, love and support, one has a chance to overcome many of life’s impossibilities.

I too have had extreme physical hardships. Christopher’s story has shown me a positive approach to accepting and appreciating the successes and accomplishments rather than regretting the losses.

I hope you read this book and are able to grasp an understanding of the extreme hardships faced by these individuals and become a better person for it.

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book as a Goodreads Giveaway! I was taken aback by how many of the experiences that the author went through with his son's hearing loss echoes my own parents' experiences with my hearing loss (at least the way they've told me). This book is fantastic, and I'll definitely be giving it to my parents to read as well. Dr. Caulfield accurately describes the frustration and challenges of having a profound hearing loss, playing sports, participating in school, and struggling socially. I highly recommend this book!

[Marilyn Weinhouse · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so disappointed with this book! I expected a story about the challenges of a hearing family raising a child who is Deaf. I wanted to hear about ASL, IEP's and school accommodations, info about a child adjusting to a cochlear implant, etc. Although, there was a little of that (very little!), it was really a story about basketball! If you love basketball, you might like this book!

[Irene · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could NOT get through this audiobook because the narrator's voice was so irritating. I've heard him before and need to remember his name so I won't go near any of his other titles. It's too bad because the book had possibilities.

[Stephanie Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it has many similarities to my daughters story.

[Carole Goldreich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming adversity

A great book how one can overcome adversity despite very difficult challenges. Truly very inspiring. Parents played a huge role.