Saturday, June 5, 2010

Voiceless

I’ve lost my voice.

I’m not sure why but, after 6 months of chronic coughing, I am so hoarse that I can barely speak. Maybe I just have nothing to say; I’m not sure what this means.

A neighbour of mine had a stroke over the winter and is struggling to find her words and express herself. I'm getting a small glimsp of what that must feel like because when I try to speak only a whisper comes out, so it's very hard to talk to people.

I was nervous about joining the Friday bike group yesterday but enjoyed a slow ride downtown. I seemed to be OK on the flats but get very out-of-breath on the up-hills and it seems to take me a long time to recover. I had planned to turn back when I had enough but the group decided to turn around with me. No one seemed to care that it cut their ride short because that’s just the kind of friends that I have.

I attended Meridy’s memorial service this morning. Several people spoke and told personal stories of Meridy’s life. I saw so many old Christopher friends there, but couldn’t really chat much because of my lost voice. There were well over 200 people there and it was a real tribute to the person she was. I wasn’t looking forward to going but I’m glad I did. Meridy planned the gathering herself and I know she would be happy that it brought together so many people who loved her.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Christine,
I am so sorry to hear about your voice.Let's hope that is not cancer related.It never ends. I am currently dealing with an eye infection. Antibiotic did not do much, I am seeing an eye specialist on Monday.I worry that is the side effect of Zometa..
Hugs.
K.

Whidbey Woman said...

Hoarse voice can be a side effect of certain Chemo. My husband had that once-- luckily, it did not last long. Or perhaps you've caught a virus. Sorry about that! I am also extending sympathy for the loss of your friend. Peace be with you.