Voicing Her Concern by Lindasqd51 Johnny wasn't happy about his current situation. A severe case of smoke inhalation left his vocal cords badly irritated. His voice was barely audible. The doctors told him it might last a few days. Well, he was about to start his third week of little or no voice. Johnny couldn't use the phone or go through drive thrus. Since having a voice was a necessity for his job he hadn't been to work either. Today he found himself sitting at the DeSoto table playing with a plate full of food. "Johnny you do sound better," JoAnne said smiling. One more platitude about my voice and I'm gonna burst Johnny thought. Then with a forced grin he said, "Yeah, thanks Jo." "So, uh, the Docs think it's gonna be a while longer before you come back to work?" "What do you think?" Johnny snapped at Roy. "Do you want me in a middle of fire trying to yell a warning at you?" JoAnne and Roy exchanged looks. "Johnny ...." Little Jennifer DeSoto walked into the kitchen and wiggled her 5 year old self up onto her Uncle Johnny's lap. "Hey little lady," Johnny rasped out. Jennifer put her hand on Johnny's chin. "I know what happened to your voice Uncle Johnny." Johnny closed his eyes and held his emotions in check. "Really Jen. What happened to my voice?" Jennifer's angelic blue eyes stared at Johnny's. "I think God lost his and he knew how nice your voice is so he's borrowing it." Johnny's lip twitched, then it twitched again. Finally, not being able to argue with the child he smiled. "I'm sure he'll give it back real soon." Jennifer kissed his cheek and ran off to play. Johnny looked at Roy and JoAnne but didn't know what to say so he just began eating. JoAnne and Roy were also speechless but were happy to see Johnny eating. ****************** Post Script: I had thyroid surgery this summer. It left my left vocal cord paralyzed. After another surgery I sorta got my voice back. I lost my booming voice, my laugh, and my ability to sing. My clear voice which I depended on for my teaching is now replaced with a raspy one which requires amplification at work (and home). Just last week my son, while sitting eating his dinner announced "Mommy I think I know what happened to your voice..." This was the inspiration for the story.... . |