Netty Galvin

‘That’ Day

That morning I woke up late; I missed the alarm, rushed to get ready.
That morning I didn’t notice the doorbell, failed to catch the postman, package returned to depot.
That morning I had no radio, warm tea, but cold toast.
That morning my car journey seemed longer without music or chat.

That afternoon my friend and I ordered coffee, the waitress asked my friend what I wanted.
That afternoon we went shoe shopping, I wanted sandals in size five, not five pairs!
That afternoon we went food shopping, a shop assistant asked me something, I didn’t understand, she just walked away.
That afternoon I had to concentrate so much more on my balance, take more notice of traffic and get used to ‘touch’ to get my attention.

That evening I tried to watch TV, but the subtitles were too fast, I struggled to understand the plot.
That evening I didn’t pick up my phone messages, recharge my mobile or turn off the tumble dryer.
That evening my dinner had to be reheated twice as I didn’t notice my microwave finishing.
That evening my cat had to jump on me to get my attention to feed her!

That night I felt worn out.
That night I felt dizzy.
That night I felt alone.

That night I realised I had gained a tiny insight into how it might feel to be deaf.

June 2009