One of my favorite sit-com programs for years was FRASIER with Kelsey Grammer. His most memorable line from the show was I’m listening!

Almost four weeks ago on May 20^th I had a loud hum in my right ear and as the day progressed, I noticed a decrease in my hearing ability. By Sunday, May 23^rd, which happened to be Pentecost, I had lost all hearing in my right ear. I had previously lost hearing in my left ear due to otosclerosis in the 1980’s, and now I was thrust into a world of total silence, except for the hum.

I sat on my back porch Sunday evening and the Lord and I had a conversation, quite unlike any conversation I have ever had with Him before. In my silent world with nary a sound to interfere, I heard within my heart that “still small voice” of God. I was taken into a personal Pentecost and being set free in my silence to “rest” in the providence of a Creator who loves us like we are the only soul on earth. My heart was on fire for this over whelming love that I felt. And my mind was taken to my most favorite scripture, one that I rest my entire beliefs and life on, “Behold, I make all things new.” Lord, I am listening.

In that moment I embraced my deafness like a gift. I was enlivened to move in it with joy and acceptance. I was going to be okay because I now knew God in a way I had never experienced, and all was in His plan for me, whatever that was to be.

Tuesday, May 25^th I was at the ENT/Otolaryngologist office where I received my first exams and was put through a gamut of audio logical testing. The audiogram showed that the right ear had suffered a major, almost total sensorial hearing loss. My good doctor then placed me on a regimen of steroids in hopes of “nuking” what was seen to be a viral situation after further tests. He was also so kind as to give me his bone conduction hearing apparatus to borrow over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. That was an absolute gift that allowed me to somewhat hear again and I enjoyed the family fun thoroughly!

It was on Most Holy Trinity Sunday, May 30^th following Mass, that I heard a “ping” in my right ear and within minutes I could hear the faint call of a red cardinal out the living room window. I could not believe it! As the day went on, the hearing had begun to slightly increase. Even in my jubilation of hearing through my ear again, I had to stop and listen within. I had become so enamored with the silent communion of love with our Lord that I felt a sudden sense of loss with the onset of sound. My soul was moved again to accept now this new gift from the Triune God on this the feast day of the Most Holy Trinity. God was in control and it was all according to His plan.

I believe that the many, many prayers from so many of you were certainly heard in Heaven. I believe that given the statistics for a full recovery of hearing in my right ear, and the timeframe in which I first got on steroids, that it was a 50/50 chance at best.

Today, June 7^th as I visited with my wonderful doctor, my hearing in my right ear has returned almost 90% and the future looks encouraging for perhaps a little more improvement.

Nothing happens by coincidence. Nothing escapes the sight of God. Nothing is impossible.

I will forever treasure the days I spent in my deafness as a great gift, one that took me to a closer relationship with my Creator. I now have a new and great admiration for those who are hearing impaired and conduct life with such courage and normalcy.

Three things emerged for me as I experienced these past four weeks.

1. I will never fear deafness again.
2. It is important for me to live a healthier life. I have been making changes in my overall diet and exercise habits (which have been poorly addressed for the past 4 years). I am moving into a tried and true wellness-nutrition regimen that I will continue to share with you as I progress in the new healthier me. I owe it to the One who loves me so, to give Him a temple that is better maintained both spiritually and physically. And to live fully utilizing the gifts He gave to me.
3. It is my intention to set up a new foundation in the next year specifically to fund Service Animals for the Disabled. My dog, Buddy, though certainly not trained for disabilities, showed a remarkable gift in sensing my disability. He stayed at my side, never leaving the room I was in and alerting me to various noise elements that I was unaware of. I believe that great love allows such things to happen.

In closing, I will hold each of you up in “thanksgiving” before the Lord as a testimony of the great love you have extended to me in your prayers, emails and calls.

May the Creator of us ALL bless you immensely both here and hereafter!

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