I do get what you are saying, Momtodeafchild, that the extended family doesn't get that it isn't a magic cure. I know that a lot of Cole's extended family think it is, and partly that is because this whole thing is new and they haven't spent enough time with him to see him the situations where it doesn't work well, like restaurants, walking along busy streets, etc. And partly to feel excused from having to learn sign to communicate with him. Which honestly is one reason why we implanted him, so he could communicate orally.
But, at the TC program here in my community, I was very shocked and disappointed in the level of language skills in the preschool program when I visited. I dropped in one day to check it out, and the implanted kids I saw in that class were very behind, even to my "uneducated" eye. I asked and was told that some of the families don't use any sign, and the kid wears the CI inconsistently at home, which means they are missing tons. I guess I can't speak for these parents and say they think it is a magic cure, but I just took that from their actions.
I do try and keep the focus on Cole, but I really enjoy reading the posts on AD. I want my son to feel a part of the deaf world, if he chooses, as well as the hearing. And I do know that out there, there are people who will support us and our son, and I enjoy this debate as well.