I’m feeling guilty today. I’m sitting at home instead of at work. I’m watching TV, eating yummy foods, and lounging around the house. I feel great. I've folded three loads of laundry, ran an errand, and played with my puppy.
I have laryngitis.
I can not speak. I open my mouth, I shape the words, and no sound comes out. I am completely mute. I can’t even utter a whisper. I’ve tried. But after a few sentences, even that is gone and I have no sound left in me.
I’ve done my best to get it back. I’ve curled up with my new humidifier. I’ve taken a hot shower. I ate warm foods. I drank warm drinks. I’ve swallowed a million cough drops.
I’ve lost my voice before and it always comes back within a day, but now I’m worried. It’s been over 24 hours since my voice packed up its bags and moved away. What if this condition is permanent? What if I never speak again? Should I begin learning sign language? Should my students? Tomorrow when I go back to work (and I am going back tomorrow, because I was not made to be a stay-at-home dog sitter) will I be able to teach my students with no ability to speak to them?
If any one has some secrets to share, this would be a great time. I’m not sharing them with anyone, I promise.