Losing My Voice - Literally

2015 has not been kind. It could certainly be much worse, so don't misunderstand my intent here.  With a family member having a medical crisis, I have felt every single moment since the year began. Then there was a storm that knocked down part of the fence between my house and the neighbor's. Then there was a whole "bugs in the mailbox" incident which I won't go into here. I've had a couple of shows, lots of work...lots and lots of work. Recently, someone was getting ready to introduce me to a panel and they asked me, "What do you do?" When I started listing the regular things I am involved in that were related, I stopped at eight. That is too many things.

THEN, a tree fell down in the yard. I guess it was wet and the roots weren't big enough to hold it. I woke up, got dressed to go to work, opened the front door and saw a tree laying in the front yard. My tires on my car are giving me problems - I have to go fill them with air every three days or so.

So, last week, I got a cold that turned into laryngitis. Everyone's answer to that is, "Well, at least you can sign." But when the guy drove into the garbage can this weekend and smashed it to smithereens, I realized that calling the garbage company would be a trick. Or calling the doctor to make an appointment to find out what the heck is going on with my voice. So, when I heard a conversation today about some changes that will be happening in a significant part of my life, it shouldn't be surprising that I FREAKED OUT. I just started crying and couldn't stop for like an hour. Ugh. That didn't help with the congestion I already had. Luckily, I have good friends I could vent to (via text) so I'm feeling better.

I went to the doctor today and it was confirmed - acute laryngitis and upper respiratory illness. I am resigned to 7-10 days of complete vocal rest. It's bizarre how weird it feels. Not being able to speak makes me want to call EVERYONE. I NEVER call people, so the reaction is somewhat unexpected.

Anyway, I'm pondering this turn of events. A lot has happened that I can't really include here, but enough to make me think that I'm supposed to be learning something and taking these opportunities for self-reflection.