Why is it always big news when someone comes out of the closet? Here is an example what happens when you come out. Today was the day to vote across America. That is a privilege we have in the United States. So I go to the local YMCA, that was temporarily the voting station, and placed my vote for a variety of issues and people. When I arrive, the room is full of people. Now I am committed to voting, and have to go through the identification process. Fortunately, I had planned ahead for this process. I had my voting registration card and my driver’s license for ID, and showed them. No problem, so far not a word had been spoken by me, and I was ready to vote (after signing my name to show that I had been there). Then a hurdle. One of my classmates in high school was one of the workers and she did not know that I had no voice! What should I do? Not panic, so charge ahead. Smiled big, waved my hand in recognition, and gave her a big hug. There was a second of “something is different here” on her face, but it left quickly and began talking. She followed me to the voting machine, showed me how to use it, and wanted me to see her after I had voted.
After voting, I found Gareth, and engaged her in a conversation using my trusted pencil and note pad. The first thing I wrote was, “I have a new reality”. Showed her my note and smiled. She looked at me and shrugged her shoulders meaning, “No big deal” now let’s chat. So I had a 5 min conversation (she was a busy worker), she asked me to call her sometime and gave me her telephone number. I will call her using my text to talk software on my computer. It felt good being able to have this refreshing chat and doing something this fundamental. Interacting with other people… there you go.
It would be easy to have stayed at home, fearing that I would see someone I know, be in an awkward situation, afraid of what someone would think, and any number of other excuses. Here is my take on all of that, it is crap. When I talk about “coming out of the closet”, it should be”coming out of the house”. Getting involve and among the living is a must for me. Accepting my voiceless limitation, and make something positive out of it. Finding ways to engage with others. Now this is an interesting point; when talking to Gareth, we were totally focused on what each of us was saying. Paying attention to the other person. Two connected minds communicating … that was a new experience. It took one of the other workers to call to Gareth to get her attention. It is the amazing function of the pencil and pad.
Having no voice is not a choice for me. I made a good living using my voice all my life. Then the unexpected happened, and my world was turned upside down. I could continue being on my head, or right myself up and move forward. Moving forward is much more fun and rewarding. For information and to tell your stories go to www.ListenToMeToday.com/ There are many tools and techniques that are available to the person that wants to communicate with others. Whining and feeling sorry for yourself will lead to nowhere. The best thing I can say at this time, “Come out of the house”, and be a part of the day to day opportunities life is giving you. It is your choice.
Author Resource:
Three years ago my voice stopped working due to extensive radiation.I have found several ways to communicate. Prior to writing,I was in Senior management positions in the broadcasting (ABC,CBS,Salem Radio)and the publishing fields.COO of APB Media,"The Justice Journal". http://www.ListenToMeToday.com
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