Me again. Like, who else would it be???

Just wanted to let you know I saw the speech therapist yesterday; she's a very nice doctor and I like her. She did a thorough medical history and put me through some testing and her final diagnosis is that I'm doing everything right ... I don't smoke, don't drink, I'm not a screamer or a shouter and I don't work in a toxic environment. Then why am I experiencing hoarseness? Because, as she said, 49 years of having Asthma, coughing to beat the band and asthma medications have caused damage that can't be repaired. Where I am right now with my voice is about as good as it gets.

I will see her again, she has some techniques she wants me to learn so I can make the best use of my voice when I do speak. I still can't yell or whisper; can't try to talk over background noise (none of these things are good for anyone by the way ... the Dr. said so). Since my lung capacity is reduced it affects my vocal cords and my speech ... only makes sense when you think about it. No air, no voice.

The good Dr. said that our vocal cords are expected to give us a voice well into our 80's and 90's. Then she got quiet and I said "If I live that long, I may not have a voice, right?" And she shook her head Yes. Frankly I don't know that any of us will be around in our 80's and 90's the way this world is going. Hopefully we'll all be Home in 20 years ... or even sooner for all we know.

I emailed the lady I co-teach with and told her I won't be teaching any longer. I simply can't do it. She was very understanding and very concerned for me. I did tell her I'll do my best to help her behind the scenes. Like keeping the bulletin boards updated, taking photos and doing any Internet research she needs done. She was more than grateful for that. In a way it's a relief to know I don't have to prepare lessons, but it's also sad to deal with the reason why. I must find the joy in this and trust the good Lord will meet each need as it arises.

The Dr. yesterday asked where I was born. I told her in a small community back in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. She smiled and said "Oh, you must speak! You have stories to tell!" I never thought of that, but I do have stories to tell and one way or another, I shall get them out there. We all have stories to tell and using this blog is one great way to share them.

I shall close for tonight. I am tired. The fibromyalgia kicked in on Sunday and I still ain't up to where I'd like to be energy wise. Hopefully that will change for the better soon.

Blessings to you all.