Several famous books have had sequels written many years, sometimes decades, after the original publication. One of them is “To Kill a Mockingbird” (1960) by Harper Lee. Its sequel, “Go Set a Watchman” was published in 2015, 55 years later.
I’m in good company. Here’s Part 2 of a blog I wrote 10 years ago.
Tinnitus (ringing inside the ear) has made my ear its permanent address. I’ve tried all means to evict it, but nada.
People who are hearing impaired are missing out on the words of the world. But there is help—from a pair of hearing aids that costs a king’s ransom—enough to feed a hundred hungry children in one week.
My resolve then, since this condition is non-life-threatening, was to shrug it off, especially after reading my late cousin Minna’s gracious comment on my blog, “It is amazing how, even with that tini-tinni 24/7 annoyance, you have managed to listen with your heart, cuz. Always.”
I did manage for a while, but son #2, a doctor in the US, wouldn’t hear (punning not intended) of it. He knows well how tinnitus can saddle not only the ear but all other body sensations as well. So, as a Christmas gift, he made me pick a pair of hearing aids of my choice, ignoring the price tag.
Suddenly, the old me resurrected. I got back to classroom teaching, facilitated workshops, accepted speaking engagements, could sit at the back row in faculty meetings, and heard every word of our pastor’s message.
But, ugh, that was years ago. Anything on earth has a lifespan. My ear gizmos conked out during the pandemic. Fortunately, the earth then was quiet. I went back to listening with my heart.
When the pandemic ended, sounds came back. Listening with one’s heart did not equate with quality of life.
Are you still with me? This seems to be a saga.
I bought a pair of cheap (90% less than the cost of my Christmas gift), advertised heavily on social media. It was guaranteed to magnify sound. But it was more of a punishment than a reward. Not good. So what to do?
(Next post, Part 3)
No comments:
Post a Comment