Such a simple question, asked of the man behind the counter, allows me to take home our favorite seafood to cook for a special evening meal. But I know I have to come prepared in a different way to ask the question because after several days of "vocal rest", I have some experience with this type of challenge. I have come to the grocery store equipped with my new best friend, my clipboard with the big heading on the top, "NO VOICE." Without that, the man behind the counter doesn't understand why I am not speaking to him, and I can't get what I want. Of course, the clipboard is further equipped with a pen for me to write down my request under the big "NO VOICE" heading .
3/4# scallops
So now what? The man who is choosing my scallops doesn't quite know how to handle the transaction. He has a little more than 3/4# on the scale. He looks at me and asks if that is OK. I want to say, "Make it an even number of scallops," but that seems silly. Do I really want to write that on my clipboard and make a joke about my husband and I fighting over the odd numbered scallop? The time it takes to write that all down is more than this simple transaction should take. So I just nod my head "yes" and he finishes.
I take my scallops, nod my head and smile while mouthing "Thank you" to him. He nods back. Funny, he thinks he can't talk either...
I've never written a blog before, nor have I read any. I decided I wanted to write about being "voiceless in State College" as a way of dealing with the situation. Just as my friend set up the blog for me, I got the great news that I could talk again! However, I thought I would write the blog anyway. I've learned a lot about being "different" and would like to share those thoughts. So, if I am doing this correctly, and it goes out to wherever, I'll continue to write now and then about my time "voiceless in State College."
I think it would be eye opening (and ear opening?) for ALL of us to experience voicelessness occassionally. Perhaps I will try this on a trip to the grocery store!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Both funny and makes you think.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen "John Francis:
ReplyDeleteWalk the earth ... my 17-year vow of silence"? It's a red talk I like a lot. I read his book because of the video. I would not wish you 17 years of silence but you may have an interesting perspective on this because of your situation.
Ted talk not red talk!
Delete