Silence

December 16, 2023

For the past few years, I have lost my voice during December. I am talking (not) full-blown laryngitis. It usually begins with a sinus infection or virus, and ends up with me soundling like a sick goose squawking when I go to speak.

Physically, I don't feel too bad. (This is not a plea for sympathy.)

I was out running errands yesterday, and saw a dear friend. She was in a hurry and said, "I'll call you later." I laughed, which isn't a pleasant sound either, and croaked, "That won't work." If you call, and I don't answer -- I'll text.

(Fast food drive thrus are not an option right now either.

I hope I am not in a situation where I need to yell, "FIRE!")

My hard-of-hearing 89-year-old mother lives with us, and I do not have the volume to speak in a range she can hear. I tell my son, Thomas, what I want to say to her, and he relays the information. If all this seems farcical, you should try living it.

Besides sounding terrible and getting very strange looks from people when I try to talk to them, having laryngitis means that I can't sing Christmas carols. I love singing Christmas carols. They are one of the best parts of the season. How can I praise The Newborn King with no voice? I resort to lip syncing.

Of course, when one is unable to speak, it does make one pause and think about my words. Are they necessary? Are they kind? What do I really want to say? Does it need to be said? Can it wait?

There is something you can do for me.... Please sing a little louder this week. And please praise The Newborn King at this season and always.

I'll close by whispering (all the medical sites say that one shouldn't whisper while suffering laryngitis, but I'm feeling a little cantakerous in regards to this laryngitis thing), "I love and appreciate you. Merry Chistmas."