Thursday
Jan052012
The Power Of A Voice
Thursday, January 5, 2012 at 9:59 PM 
As a consequence of having a cold this week, I’ve lost my voice. Completely. Which gave rise to a strangely unnerving incident last night.
Joss, the dog, needed to go outside. So out we went - into the most terrific of storms. The winds were violent. And, as I stood waiting for Joss, one particularly vicious gust knocked me clean off my feet and blew me over.
I let out an involuntary scream….except nothing came out. Just the tiniest, strangled sound that only a mouse less than six inches away could have heard.
In that moment, I realised the power of a voice….and how desperate it must be to be without one. A voice is the means by which we call for help, cry out in pain, demand attention, plead our cause. Without a voice, we risk becoming helpless. Invisible. Passed by.
There are so many people in this world who, in different ways, have no voice. And I’m definitely starting this new year more mindful of them.
Reader Comments (8)
Oh, Helen, how scary to have that experience. What a wonderful revelation to share. Thank you for your insight and heart. Oh, and I love the photo. So moody and dark.
What a brilliant atmospheric picture! It could be the illustration for a mystery thriller.
What a strange experience, Helen... but love how it woke you up to something new. Life is full of amazing things, unexpected things can make us grow in big and small ways. Your words and this image bring to mind Munch's "Scream" and Van Gogh... interesting! :o) Be feeling better soon... ((HUGS))
Scary picture Helen. Brings to mind the violence of the storm. Hope you are O.K.
What a wonderful story. Yes, to have a voice, in whatever way, is a blessing I guess, so good to be reminded!
I know exactly what you mean. I loose my voice usually once a year but this October and November I lost it BAD!! Could not utter a sound and it was very scary. I was in the basement, trying to get something and couldn't lift it all the way and it started to fall on me....yelled for help which was right up stairs and nothing audible came out...tried again...the tiniest squeak...no one came to my assistance...they never heard me. I had to take several rounds of medication. I still cannot hit the higher notes when I sing in the car and church. I'm not sure if it will ever be totally normal again. It definately makes you think and reflect. I hope you are feeling better. By the way..fabulous photograph!!!
I'm fine, thank you, Audrey! xx
Oh, poor you! I sympathise! xx